2005 BMW R1200 GS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 11, 2020 · 51 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other R1200 GS years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 BMW R1200 GS. That is the most of any R1200 GS model year in the database (15 years). The most reported problem area is power train (16 complaints, 31%), typically at around 32,000 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 3 injuries. There are 9 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations involving it.

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.

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Most common 2005 BMW R1200 GS problems

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

Power Train16 · ~32,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System13 · ~45,227 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline7 · ~31,000 mi
Structure5 · ~19,100 mi
Wheels5 · ~17,500 mi
Service Brakes4 · ~55,005 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4 · ~24,000 mi
Electrical System2 · ~67,497 mi
Exterior Lighting2 · ~23,750 mi
Engine1 · ~16,002 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train1631%32,000——
Fuel/propulsion System1325%45,227——
Fuel System, Gasoline714%31,000——
Structure510%19,100——
Wheels510%17,500——
Service Brakes48%55,005——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic48%24,000——
Electrical System24%67,497——
Exterior Lighting24%23,750——
Engine12%16,002——
Engine and Engine Cooling12%12,000——
Steering12%62,000——
Suspension12%17,500——
Tires12%17,500——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2012, with 12 complaints
2006: 3200632007: 6200762008: 2200822009: 2200922010: 2201022011: 2201122012: 122012122013: 122013122014: 4201442015: 1201512017: 1201712018: 1201812020: 320203

n = 51 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2005 BMW R1200 GS recalls (9)

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

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpAug 10, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V471000 · 16,926 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studsMar 11, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V141000 · 43,426 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.

Risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpDec 12, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V617000 · 50,184 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

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.

Engine and engine coolingApr 27, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V172000 · 500 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, exposure of the throttle housing to road debris could fall and become caught between the throttle-body and the engine block.

Risk: This could restrict movement of the throttle-cable pulley that, in turn, could affect throttle operation and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install a cover over the throttle-cable pulley free of charge. The recall began on may 10, 2005. 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 6, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V576000 · 485 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, an adapter in the rear brake line connects a rigid section to a flexible section. If the rigid section is not properly engaged in the adapter, it is possible for a leak to develop.

Risk: Brake fluid loss could result. The rear braking capability would not be possible, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear brake line and adapter. If the inspection reveals that the rigid section of the brake line is not properly engaged in the adapter, then the entire adapter will be replaced. The recall began december 15, 2004. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipJun 22, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V297000 · 99 vehicles

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the integral anti-lock brake system (iabs) sensor sealing o-ring connection at the rear axle housing may be damaged. An oil leak may develop.

Risk: If this happens, oil could contact the rear wheel and the rear wheel brake disk, and the rider may not be able to control the motorcycle. A crash could occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear wheel iabs sensor sealing o-ring. The recall began july 14, 2004. Owners should 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Fuel Leak - Motorycle (EA13006) — opened Jul 12, 2013, closed Jan 31, 2014, led to recall 13V617000.
  • Fuel Leak - Motorcycle (PE12036) — opened Nov 16, 2012, closed Jul 22, 2013.

Recent owner reports

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

Upon inspection, i discovered 4 of the 5 wheel mounting holes in the aluminum rear wheel flange are cracked. I have read about many people having this issue with this model vehicle. I've stopped riding until it is fixed because it could break causing an accident which could lead to injury or death…

Wheels · received May 11, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11324091

After noticing a small amount of excessive movement in the rear wheel when riding through turns, i got home and inspected the area and found cracks in the aluminum rear wheel flange at the wheel mounting holes. After researching the issue, i discovered this is a recalled part under recall campaign…

Wheels · received Apr 26, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11322263

Leaking fuel flanged, the material is made of plastic and prone to breaking that can cause fuel to leak to the engine then igniting the fuel that will start engine fire.

Engine · received Mar 2, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11315742

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw r1200 gs. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph, fuel had leaked from the fuel pump flange and sprayed onto the riders leg and parts of the motorcycle. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and an unknown local…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Oct 31, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11144510

Abs pump failure.

Service Brakes · received Jun 25, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11001223

Other BMW R1200 GS years

← 2004 R1200 GS · 2006 R1200 GS →

See all BMW R1200 GS problems by year, every BMW model, or the BMW VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW R1200 GS?

Owners most often report power train, fuel/propulsion system, fuel system, gasoline problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 16 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2005 BMW R1200 GS?

Yes, 9 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2005 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 2005 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.