2005 BMW R1200 GS Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other R1200 GS years
- Far more complaints than other years 1st of 15 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 9 recalls: check your VIN
- 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.

- 51owner complaints
- 9safety recalls
- 2NHTSA investigations
- 3complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
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.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 16 | 31% | 32,000 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 13 | 25% | 45,227 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | 14% | 31,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 5 | 10% | 19,100 | — | — |
| Wheels | 5 | 10% | 17,500 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 8% | 55,005 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 8% | 24,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | 67,497 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 4% | 23,750 | — | — |
| Engine | 1 | 2% | 16,002 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 2% | 12,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | 62,000 | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | 17,500 | — | — |
| Tires | 1 | 2% | 17,500 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2005 BMW R1200 GS recalls (9)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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/studs
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 pump
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 slip
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, hydraulic
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 cooling
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 pump
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 fittings
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 slip
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…
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…
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.
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…
Abs pump failure.
Other BMW R1200 GS years
← 2004 R1200 GS · 2006 R1200 GS →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 R1200 GS | 4 | 1 |
| 2017 R1200 GS | 3 | 2 |
| 2016 R1200 GS | 12 | 2 |
| 2015 R1200 GS | 10 | 2 |
| 2014 R1200 GS | 14 | 3 |
| 2013 R1200 GS | 11 | 4 |
| 2012 R1200 GS | 10 | 1 |
| 2011 R1200 GS | 7 | 3 |
| 2010 R1200 GS | 8 | 3 |
| 2009 R1200 GS | 30 | 4 |
| 2008 R1200 GS | 32 | 8 |
| 2007 R1200 GS | 42 | 6 |
| 2006 R1200 GS | 9 | 9 |
| 2005 | 51 | 9 |
| 2004 R1200 GS | 4 | 3 |
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.