2004 BMW R1200 GS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 15, 2011 · 4 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R1200 GS years
Not enough data 13th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 BMW R1200 GS. That ranks 13th out of 15 R1200 GS model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (1 complaints, 25%), typically at around 29,500 miles. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

BMW R1200 GS
BMW 1200 GS 2005. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Romain9247, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2004 BMW R1200 GS problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Power Train1 · ~29,500 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~45,000 mi
Suspension1 · ~36,250 mi
Unknown or Other1 · ~6,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train125%29,500——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic125%45,000——
Suspension125%36,250——
Unknown or Other125%6,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2006, with 1 complaints
2006: 1200612007: 1200712009: 1200912011: 120111

n = 4 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 BMW R1200 GS recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipMay 15, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V164000 · 13,200 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, under rapid, repeated, and unusually harsh braking, loss of abs capability could temporarily occur.

Risk: Temporary loss of abs braking could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will add a physical restriction, in the form of a banjo bolt with a flow restrictor to the brake line, and on certain models dealers will install new front brake discs of a slightly larger thickness free of charge. The recall began on june 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through october 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Service brakes, hydraulicApr 24, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V134000 · 9,260 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, if certain procedures are performed that involves removal of the front left brake caliper, the abs sensor cable can be routed incorrectly and when the caliper is reinstalled, the sensor cable can come into contact and rub against the front brake disc. Overtime, if the chafing becomes severe, it is possible to lose the abs function.

Risk: Loss of abs function could increase the risk of a crash during certain riding conditions.

Fix: Dealers will attach additional retaining clips free of charge to the abs sensor cable, which will provide a more secure connection to the wheel carrier. The recall began on june 5, 2006, and will be a phased mailing through october 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpMar 3, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V082000 · 3,084 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the defect involves a water leak around the fuel pump that is integrated within the fuel tank. An o-ring seal attached to the pump's electronic housing does not meet specifications and water can bypass this seal and contact the pump electronics.

Risk: Engine stalling, or a failure to start, could occur without prior warning. If stalling were to occur while the motorcycle was being driven, the rider would be unable to maintain speed or accelerate and a crash could occur without prior warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace a sealing ring. If the fuel pump electronic unit is corroded, it will be replaced free of charge. The recall began may 9, 2005. Additional my 2005 r1200 gs motorcycles were added to this recall in december 2005. Owners of my 2005 motorcycles will receive a notification during february 2006 through august 2006. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Riding the bike slowly (about 40 kph) and braked heavily. Disintegration of rear wheel carrier (flange) on bmw gs1200 (2004) . This billet aluminum flange is the single component connecting the rear wheel with the motorcycle. And also the brake disk. The part broke apart under heavy braking and the…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Jan 15, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10376817

Stress fracture on bmw gs1200 (2004) rear wheel attachment flange. This billet aluminum flange is the single component connecting the rear wheel with the motorcycle. Critical failure will certainly result in serious injury. Bmwna indicate that this is a normal wear item and offer no recourse to…

Suspension · received Dec 10, 2009 · NHTSA complaint 10295180

I have a 2007 bmw r1150 gs motorcycle with a failing sight glass. It has not melted, but has a white halo around the outside edge which indicates overheating of the sight glass. Action number on this issue is pe07031.

Unknown or Other · received Jul 4, 2007 · NHTSA complaint 10195304

Final drive seal blew out after only 30k miles. *jb

Power Train · received Sep 1, 2006 · NHTSA complaint 10167228

Other BMW R1200 GS years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW R1200 GS?

Owners most often report power train, service brakes, hydraulic, suspension problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2004 BMW R1200 GS?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 BMW R1200 GS a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other R1200 GS model years, the 2004 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.