BMW R1200 GS · model year

2008 BMW R1200 GS

39 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 9 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

Complaints
39
Recalls
9

The verdict

The 2008 BMW R1200 GS posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.

20th pctile
complaint volume, own model years
9
recall campaigns

The 2008BMWR1200 GS carries 39 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2008 R1200 GS is fuel/propulsion system with 16 filings, followed by power train (5) and fuel system, gasoline (4). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2008 R1200 GS. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.

39
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
F
PlainCars Safety Score
0/100
2008 BMW R1200 GS

PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.

NHTSA Overall Rating N/A
Not rated
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program overall crash-test rating.
Front Crash N/A
Not rated
Frontal barrier crash-test rating.
Side Crash N/A
Not rated
Side barrier and pole crash-test rating.
Rollover Resistance N/A
Not rated
Static stability factor + dynamic rollover test rating.
Rollover Risk N/A
Not reported
NHTSA single-vehicle rollover probability, dynamic test.

Total Complaints

39 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
POWER TRAIN5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
ENGINE2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
SERVICE BRAKES1
STEERING1
SUSPENSION1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:HOSES/VALVES/SENSORS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1

Recalls (9)

17E05200021/08/2017

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and

10V27600018/06/2010

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 R 1200 AND K 1200 SERIES MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2006 THROUGH MAY 2009. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, AND THEREFORE ASSOCIATED VIBRATION. THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAI

09V12900017/04/2009

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008 R1200 GS AND R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS, SUCH AS HIGH GENERATOR SPEEDS COMBINED WITH LARGE DEMANDS FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT, SPURIOUS SIGNALS COULD EMERGE WITHIN THE MOTORCYCLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, IT COULD AFFECT THE

13V61700012/12/2013

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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 aux

15V14100011/03/2015

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

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, 20

20V47100010/08/2020

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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-6

09V31900007/08/2009

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 THROUGH 2008 R1200 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JANUARY 2008. THE SEALING OF THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL UNIT HOUSING MIGHT BE INSUFFICIENT AND WATER COULD INTRUDE INTO THE CONTROL UNIT HOUSING CREATING A HUMID ATMOSPHERE. UNDER SUCH CONDIT

08V25400005/06/2008

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

BMW IS RECALLING 4,922 MY 2007-2008 R1200R, MY 2006-2007 R1200 GS, MY 2007 R1200 ST, AND MY 2008 R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE

08V29000001/07/2008

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

BMW IS RECALLING 46 MY 2008 R1200 R, R1200 GS, AND R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO A MATERIAL DEFECT IN THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OF THE TRANSMISSION, THE SHAFT COULD BREAK. IF THIS OCCURRED, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO SEIZE.

Recent Complaints

20231117FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2008 BMW R 1200. The contact stated that while the motorcycle was parked, the contact smelled fuel on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The motorcycle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign number: 20V471000 (Fuel system, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Mileage: 69,000

20230622FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Fuel strip sensor failure. The fuel strip sensor that sends fuel level information to the motorcycle dash has failed. This is a known issue by BMW. When the strip fails, it no longer sends accurate fuel level information and the fuel indicator on the dash is no longer reliable. In my case, the fuel level reads full permanently even though fuel has been completely depleted. BMW's remedy is/was to replace the faulty fuel strip with another of the same faulty design rendering a situation where the rider can never rely on the fuel gauge. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the issue which results in unsafe riding conditions when the engine suddenly dies unexpectedly from lack of fuel.

20220525VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

There is a small plastic cam on the throttle body that gets pulled by the throttle cable to control the butterfly valve. They break easily and cause a loss of power and engine control. I have seen many others posting on line with same issue

20220525FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

There is a small plastic cam on the throttle body that gets pulled by the throttle cable to control the butterfly valve. They break easily and cause a loss of power and engine control. I have seen many others posting on line with same issue

20211104FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated the vehicle was leaking fuel without warning. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.

Mileage: 35,000

20201214FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS:HOSES/VALVES/SENSORS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R 1200 GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE FUEL SENSOR STRIPS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES, UNDER THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE MOTORCYCLE TO IRON HORSE MOTORCYCLES (344 E. GRANT RD, TUCSON, AZ, 85716, (520) 327-0773 AND THE THIRD FUEL SENSOR STRIP WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE REPAIR FAILED TO FIX THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK READ EMPTY WHETHER THE FUEL TANKS WAS FULL OR EMPTY. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 50,956. *BF

Mileage: 120,000

20201014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R 1200 GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING AN ABNORMAL ODOR APPEARED AS FUEL POURED ONTO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT COASTED THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY AND CONTACTED HIS FRIEND WHO HAULED THE MOTORCYCLE BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. BIG #1 MOTORSPORTS (505 COBB STREET, 1-65 & OXMOOR RD BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V471000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.

Mileage: 20,000

20201007FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL IS LEAKING FROM GAS TANK FLANGE ONTO HOT ENGINE.

Mileage: 30,000

20200825FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

IN 2014 THERE WAS A BMW RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP AND AUX PUMP FLANGE AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER THAT OWNED THE BIKE REPLACED THE PUMP AND FLANGE AT THAT TIME. IT IS NOW ONLY 6 YEARS LATER; LAST YEAR I PAID MY LOCAL DEALER $382 TO REPLACE THE AUXILIARY FUEL PUMP AND GASKET IN MAY OF 2019, AND CURRENTLY (AUGUST 15, 2020) I AM PAYING $743 TO REPLACE THE MAIN FUEL PUMP AND FLANGE. MY QUESTIONS ARE: WHY DIDN'T THE 2014 RECALL SOLVE THE INITIAL PROBLEM WITH THE CRACKED AND LEAKING FLANGE AND IS THIS GOING TO BE A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM EVERY 5 TO 6 YEARS? THE AUXILARY FUEL PUMP FLANGE AND THE MAIN FUEL PUMP FLANGE LEAK WAS NOTICIBLE WHEN I FIRST STARTED UP MY MOTORCYCLE. FUEL WAS STANDING / PRESENT ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP AND AUX. FUEL PUMP WHEN I STARTED THE BIKE. I BELIEVE THAT THE FLANGE AND THE QUICK CONNECT LINES ARE DEFECTIVE ON MY BIKE AND THAT THIS EVENT IS GOING TO KEEP RE-OCCURING EVERY 5 TO 6 YEARS. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON CERTAIN BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLES BY BMWUSA

Mileage: 34,283

20200120FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THIS IS A SEVERE FUEL LEAK THAT WAS FIRST NOTICED WHEN RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL GAS. AS SOON AS I COULD GET IT PARKED, FUEL STARTED POURING OUT OF THE FUEL PUMP AREA. I STARTED MY MOTORCYCLE AGAIN AND FUEL CONTINUED TO GUSH OUT. IT APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP. THIS EXACT ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED WITH A PREVIOUS RECALL 13V-617 WHICH WAS PERFORMED ON MY MOTORCYCLE ON 7/2014. HOWEVER, THE EXACT ISSUE HAS SURFACED 8/2019 AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM A SECOND TIME. IF I HADN'T REACHED MY DESTINATION WHEN I DID, I FEAR THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD HAVE BURST INTO FLAMES! I HAVE CONTACTED BMW CORPORATION AND THEY WILL NOT GET INVOLVED AND THE DEALERSHIP STILL REFUSES TO FIX THE ISSUE THAT OBVIOUSLY WASN'T REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME PROPERLY! THIS OCCURRED ON A CITY STREET DURING NORMAL USAGE. THE "FIX" IS OBVIOUSLY NOT A "FIX" AND THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS ON THE INTERNET FORUMS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME THING. I AM VERY LUCKY IT DID NOT CATCH

Mileage: 20,470

20161001POWER TRAIN

WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE FREEWAY THE FORWARD DRIVE SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT FAILED, LOCKING THE REAR WHEEL. THE SPINNING FORWARD END OF THE UNCONSTRAINED DRIVE SHAFT DAMAGED THE SWING ARM.

Mileage: 51,000

20150902ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE TRAVELLING AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE LEFT LANE IN BUSY TRAFFIC, THE MOTORCYCLE QUIT AS IF I HAD SHUT OFF THE KEY. I HAD TO MANEUVER THROUGH 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. I BELIEVE THAT THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR SHUT THE BIKE OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS FUEL IN THE TANK. ONCE STOPPED, THE BIKE STARTED AGAIN AND RAN NORMALLY. I BELIEVE THAT THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR CAN INTERRUPT ENGINE OPERATION WHEN IT GETS TO A POINT OF ZERO RANGE, EVEN THOUGH THE BIKE HAS ADEQUATE FUEL IN THE TANK. I HAVE ASKED BMW TO VERIFY THIS AND THEY WILL NOT. OWNERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN AS I NARROWLY AVOIDED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IF IT CANNOT HAPPEN, THEN I NEED TO LOOK WHAT DID HAPPEN. BMW RECOMMENDS THAT I TALK TO THE DEALER, BUT HE HAS ALREADY TOLD ME THAT HE CANNOT ANSWER THE QUESTION. THEY HAVE ALSO OFFERED TO SEND A REP TO LOOK AT THE BIKE, BUT AS CUSTOMERS, WE NEED TO KNOW IF THIS CAN HAPPEN AND BE WARNED ABOUT IT SO WE KNOW WHAT TO DO. THE DEALER DID REPLA

Mileage: 12,000

20150902ENGINE

WHILE TRAVELLING AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE LEFT LANE IN BUSY TRAFFIC, THE MOTORCYCLE QUIT AS IF I HAD SHUT OFF THE KEY. I HAD TO MANEUVER THROUGH 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. I BELIEVE THAT THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR SHUT THE BIKE OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS FUEL IN THE TANK. ONCE STOPPED, THE BIKE STARTED AGAIN AND RAN NORMALLY. I BELIEVE THAT THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR CAN INTERRUPT ENGINE OPERATION WHEN IT GETS TO A POINT OF ZERO RANGE, EVEN THOUGH THE BIKE HAS ADEQUATE FUEL IN THE TANK. I HAVE ASKED BMW TO VERIFY THIS AND THEY WILL NOT. OWNERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN AS I NARROWLY AVOIDED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IF IT CANNOT HAPPEN, THEN I NEED TO LOOK WHAT DID HAPPEN. BMW RECOMMENDS THAT I TALK TO THE DEALER, BUT HE HAS ALREADY TOLD ME THAT HE CANNOT ANSWER THE QUESTION. THEY HAVE ALSO OFFERED TO SEND A REP TO LOOK AT THE BIKE, BUT AS CUSTOMERS, WE NEED TO KNOW IF THIS CAN HAPPEN AND BE WARNED ABOUT IT SO WE KNOW WHAT TO DO. THE DEALER DID REPLA

Mileage: 12,000

20150902FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHILE TRAVELLING AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE LEFT LANE IN BUSY TRAFFIC, THE MOTORCYCLE QUIT AS IF I HAD SHUT OFF THE KEY. I HAD TO MANEUVER THROUGH 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET TO THE SHOULDER. I BELIEVE THAT THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR SHUT THE BIKE OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS FUEL IN THE TANK. ONCE STOPPED, THE BIKE STARTED AGAIN AND RAN NORMALLY. I BELIEVE THAT THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR CAN INTERRUPT ENGINE OPERATION WHEN IT GETS TO A POINT OF ZERO RANGE, EVEN THOUGH THE BIKE HAS ADEQUATE FUEL IN THE TANK. I HAVE ASKED BMW TO VERIFY THIS AND THEY WILL NOT. OWNERS SHOULD BE ADVISED THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN AS I NARROWLY AVOIDED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IF IT CANNOT HAPPEN, THEN I NEED TO LOOK WHAT DID HAPPEN. BMW RECOMMENDS THAT I TALK TO THE DEALER, BUT HE HAS ALREADY TOLD ME THAT HE CANNOT ANSWER THE QUESTION. THEY HAVE ALSO OFFERED TO SEND A REP TO LOOK AT THE BIKE, BUT AS CUSTOMERS, WE NEED TO KNOW IF THIS CAN HAPPEN AND BE WARNED ABOUT IT SO WE KNOW WHAT TO DO. THE DEALER DID REPLA

Mileage: 12,000

20150409UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2008 R 1200GS MOTORCYCLE WITH 9218 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT RECENTLY STARTED COMING ON (SOLID) OCCASIONALLY. *BF UPDATED 10/05/2017*CN

20141014SUSPENSION

I PURCHASED THE MOTORCYCLE NEW FROM VALLEY CYCLE & MOTORSPORTS IN BAKERSFIELD, CA ON 6/23/08. DURING THE 18,000 MILE SERVICE ON 04/06/11 (ODO: 17,732) , BMW OF SANTA CRUZ, CA SERVICE TECHNICIAN NOTICED REAR SHOCK STRUT WAS LEAKING OIL AND ORDERED A REPLACEMENT. ON 06/28/11 (ODO: 21,500) VALLEY CYCLE & MOTORSPORTS, CA INSTALLED THE REPLACEMENT SHOCK STRUT UNDER WARRANTY. ON 9/12/14 (ODO: 38,768) WHILST ON AN EXTENDED MOTORCYCLE VACATION THE REPLACEMENT REAR SHOCK STRUT STARTED LEAKING, SPEWING OIL ON THE BACK TIRE CREATING A DANGEROUS CONDITION. I IMMEDIATELY RODE IT TO BMW OF SANTA FE, NM TO DOCUMENT THE LEAKAGE AND THEY AGREED IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ADVISED ME TO RIDE IT TO VALLEY CYCLE AND MOTORSPORTS IN BAKERSFIELD, CA WHERE I BOUGHT IT. VALLEY CYCLE BMW TECH. EXAMINED THE SHOCK STRUT (ALL THE OIL HAD LEAKED OUT OF IT AT THIS TIME) AND SAID HE'D OPEN A PUMA? CASE WITH BMW TO SEE IF THEY'D HONOR ANOTHER REPLACEMENT. HE ADVISED ME TO ALSO CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR A RE

Mileage: 17,732

20140904ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ON 17 AUGUST 2014 AT NEWCOMB'S RANCH IN THE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST EAST OF LOS ANGELES AT APPROXIMATELY 10:15 AM I DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH DETENT MECHANISM HAD FAILED ON MY 2008 BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLE. I WAS ABLE TO FREELY ROTATE THE IGNITION KEY BETWEEN ON AND OFF, SO THAT THE SLIGHTEST TORQUE FROM A KEY FOB OR WIND COULD TURN THE KEY TO OFF, WHICH WOULD SHUT THE ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OFF, PERHAPS UNEXPECTEDLY DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILED IGNITION SWITCH DETENT CONDITION APPARENTLY OCCURRED DURING MY ONE HOUR RIDE ON L.A. FREEWAYS AND CA 2 TO NEWCOMB'S RANCH. A FELLOW RIDER AT NEWCOMB'S ON A BMW K1200S INDICATED THAT HIS MOTORCYCLE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM (FAILED IGNITION SWITCH DETENT), AND THAT HE RODE WITH THE KEY FOB REMOVED. I RODE HOME WITH TWO BAR STRAWS TIED BETWEEN THE KEY AND THE HANDLEBAR CLAMPS. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED A MISSING METAL RETAINING PLUG IN A HORIZONTAL HOLE IN THE FRONT OF THE STEERING LOCK HOUSING, AND A SPRING S

Mileage: 20,200

20140904ENGINE

ON 17 AUGUST 2014 AT NEWCOMB'S RANCH IN THE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST EAST OF LOS ANGELES AT APPROXIMATELY 10:15 AM I DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH DETENT MECHANISM HAD FAILED ON MY 2008 BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLE. I WAS ABLE TO FREELY ROTATE THE IGNITION KEY BETWEEN ON AND OFF, SO THAT THE SLIGHTEST TORQUE FROM A KEY FOB OR WIND COULD TURN THE KEY TO OFF, WHICH WOULD SHUT THE ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OFF, PERHAPS UNEXPECTEDLY DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILED IGNITION SWITCH DETENT CONDITION APPARENTLY OCCURRED DURING MY ONE HOUR RIDE ON L.A. FREEWAYS AND CA 2 TO NEWCOMB'S RANCH. A FELLOW RIDER AT NEWCOMB'S ON A BMW K1200S INDICATED THAT HIS MOTORCYCLE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM (FAILED IGNITION SWITCH DETENT), AND THAT HE RODE WITH THE KEY FOB REMOVED. I RODE HOME WITH TWO BAR STRAWS TIED BETWEEN THE KEY AND THE HANDLEBAR CLAMPS. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED A MISSING METAL RETAINING PLUG IN A HORIZONTAL HOLE IN THE FRONT OF THE STEERING LOCK HOUSING, AND A SPRING S

Mileage: 20,200

20140904STEERING

ON 17 AUGUST 2014 AT NEWCOMB'S RANCH IN THE ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST EAST OF LOS ANGELES AT APPROXIMATELY 10:15 AM I DISCOVERED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH DETENT MECHANISM HAD FAILED ON MY 2008 BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLE. I WAS ABLE TO FREELY ROTATE THE IGNITION KEY BETWEEN ON AND OFF, SO THAT THE SLIGHTEST TORQUE FROM A KEY FOB OR WIND COULD TURN THE KEY TO OFF, WHICH WOULD SHUT THE ENGINE AND ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS OFF, PERHAPS UNEXPECTEDLY DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILED IGNITION SWITCH DETENT CONDITION APPARENTLY OCCURRED DURING MY ONE HOUR RIDE ON L.A. FREEWAYS AND CA 2 TO NEWCOMB'S RANCH. A FELLOW RIDER AT NEWCOMB'S ON A BMW K1200S INDICATED THAT HIS MOTORCYCLE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM (FAILED IGNITION SWITCH DETENT), AND THAT HE RODE WITH THE KEY FOB REMOVED. I RODE HOME WITH TWO BAR STRAWS TIED BETWEEN THE KEY AND THE HANDLEBAR CLAMPS. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED A MISSING METAL RETAINING PLUG IN A HORIZONTAL HOLE IN THE FRONT OF THE STEERING LOCK HOUSING, AND A SPRING S

Mileage: 20,200

20140625ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200 GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI- LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED AND TURNED OFF INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V129000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000. UPDATED 8/27/14*CN UPDATED 08/29/2014 *JS

Mileage: 2,000

Compare 2008BMWR1200 GS to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Vehicle Safety Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2008 BMW R1200 GS have?▼
The 2008 BMW R1200 GS has 39 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 BMW R1200 GS?▼
Yes, the 2008 BMW R1200 GS has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW R1200 GS?▼
The most-complained component for the 2008 BMW R1200 GS is FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM with 16 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.
Is the 2008 BMW R1200 GS safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.

Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2008 BMW R1200 GS; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.