Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS with NHTSA between 2010 and 2020.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 61
Against the median year of the BMW R 1200 GS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 54
10.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
74% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2005 BMW R 1200 GS
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
631.6%
Median failure at 35,230 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
526.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 32,000 mi
Wheels
421.1%
Median failure at 14,789 miles
Tires
15.3%
Median failure at 17,500 miles
Body & Structure
15.3%
Median failure at 32,000 miles
Brakes
15.3%
Median failure at 42,398 miles
Engine & Cooling
15.3%
Median failure at 16,002 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
15.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
736.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
842.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
210.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2010peak 3May 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 BMW R 1200 GS
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA13006Opened 12 Jul 2013Closed 31 Jan 2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Fuel Leak - Motorycle
ODI began investigating this issue after owners of model year (MY) 2004-2011 R-series BMW motorcycles reported incidents of pressurized fuel leakage from the fuel pump flange.Some owners first became aware of the problem when their pant leg was fuel-soaked.Prior to opening our initial investigation on November 16, 2012, BMW had concluded that the small number of warranty claims and owner reports did not indicate the existence of a safety defect trend.However, during the course of responding to our information requests, BMW re-examined its data and decided to conduct a recall (13V-617) of the s...
PE12036Opened 16 Nov 2012Closed 22 Jul 2013FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Owners of model year (MY) 2005-2008 R-Series motorcycles report substantial, high pressure fuel loss occurring when the fuel pump is energized.Many times they first become aware of the problem when fuel soaks their pant legs or is puddled under their parked motorcycle.The Office of Defects investigation (ODI) has obtained an owner video illustrating the issue.This video, and other material, may be found in the public file at www.SaferCar.gov. ODI has learned that the subject fuel leak is due to cracks in the fuel outlet quick connector located on the in-tank fuel pump housing.While some owners...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 6,000 milesChicago, ILCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
REAR DRIVE FAILURE WHILE RIDING TWO UP, OIL SOAKED REAR WHEEL, WHEEL WOBBLE. BETWEEN WOBBLE AND OIL CONTROL LOST (AND SLOW SPEED AT THAT POINT).
NHTSA complaint #10447859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 12,078 milesClovis, NM
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11324091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,078 milesClovis, NM
WHEELS
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 15V-141. THE RECALL INSTRUCTS REPLACING THE ALUMINUM FLANGE WITH A NEW STEEL FLANGE. FURTHERMORE, ASSOCIATED SERVICE BULLETINS 3300115(007) AND 3300115(007)R3 DISPLAY IMAGES OF THE RECALLED ALUMINUM FLANGE FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION AND INSTRUCTS DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE THE ALUMINUM FLANGE WITH A NEW STEEL ONE, EVEN IF NO CRACKS ARE PRESENT. MY FLANGE DOES MATCH THE IMAGES IDENTIFYING IT AS THE ALUMINUM FLANGE IN QUESTION. ALSO, TO BE THOROUGH, I PLACED A MAGNET ON THE FLANGE, AND IT DID NOT STICK. IT WOULD HAVE STUCK TO A STEEL FLANGE. ACCORDING TO THE DETAILS OF THE RECALL ON THE NHTSA SITE, THE RECALL DOES COVER THE YEAR AND MODEL OF MY VEHICLE, BUT, WHEN I RESEARCH MY VIN, THE RECALL DOES NOT SHOW UP.
NHTSA complaint #11322263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,002 milesCarson, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11315742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,002 milesCarson, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11315742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,500 milesFt.lauderdale, FL
WHEELS
REPLACED REAR TIRE AND NOTICED CRACKS ON HUB FLANGE. WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF ANY BODY ELSE HAD SAME PROBLEM . FOUND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. YEARS 2004-2007. PART WAS REDESIGNED AND REPLACED FROM 2008 THRU PRESENT. WANT TO REPORT BEFORE SOMEBODY DIES OR IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY BMW.
NHTSA complaint #10596387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,500 milesFt.lauderdale, FL
TIRES
REPLACED REAR TIRE AND NOTICED CRACKS ON HUB FLANGE. WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF ANY BODY ELSE HAD SAME PROBLEM . FOUND MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS. YEARS 2004-2007. PART WAS REDESIGNED AND REPLACED FROM 2008 THRU PRESENT. WANT TO REPORT BEFORE SOMEBODY DIES OR IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BY BMW.
NHTSA complaint #10596387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,461 milesPensacola, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE HIGH PRESSURE OUTPUT FITTING OF THE GAS TANK. FUEL LEAKS WHEN FUEL PUMP IS ON, VISIBLY DRIPPING. WHEN THE FUEL PUMP IS OFF THERE IS NO LEAK. FUEL LEAKS ACTIVELY AND EXCESSIVELY FROM OUTPUT FITTING, WHICH APPEARS TO BE CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #10548210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,398 milesSouth Jordan, UT
POWER TRAIN
REAR WHEEL/BRAKE DISK DRIVE FLANGE HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS, COULD HAVE CAUSED REAR WHEEL OR BRAKE ROTOR TO SEPARATE FROM MOTORCYCLE. BMW KNOWS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, THE REPLACEMENT PART BMW # 33117722831 HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REDESIGNED AND MADE FROM STEEL NOW, THIS ITEM NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, IT COULD EASILY CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10522135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,398 milesSouth Jordan, UT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
REAR WHEEL/BRAKE DISK DRIVE FLANGE HAS MULTIPLE CRACKS, COULD HAVE CAUSED REAR WHEEL OR BRAKE ROTOR TO SEPARATE FROM MOTORCYCLE. BMW KNOWS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, THE REPLACEMENT PART BMW # 33117722831 HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REDESIGNED AND MADE FROM STEEL NOW, THIS ITEM NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, IT COULD EASILY CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL AND DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10522135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,701 milesRapid City, SD
POWER TRAIN
FINAL DRIVE UNIT FAILED AND LOCKED UP THE REAR WHEEL
NHTSA complaint #10473442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesChicago, ILCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
REAR DRIVE FAILURE WHILE RIDING TWO UP, OIL SOAKED REAR WHEEL, WHEEL WOBBLE. BETWEEN WOBBLE AND OIL CONTROL LOST (AND SLOW SPEED AT THAT POINT).
NHTSA complaint #10447859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,772 milesPeachtree City, GA
POWER TRAIN
FINAL DRIVE AND DRIVESHAFT FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10447521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesYankee Hill, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
A PLASTIC FUEL LINE QUICK DISCONNECT FAILED AS THE FUEL LINE WAS BEING REMOVED FROM THE FUEL TANK TO PERFORM NORMAL MAINTENANCE. AS A RESULT THE BULKHEAD SIDE OF THE FITTING JAMMED OPEN ALLOWING FUEL TO POUR FROM THE FUEL TANK. THIS OCCURRED IN A GARAGE THAT ALSO CONTAINED A GAS FIRED WATER HEATER AND COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED A FIRE. IN THIS CASE I WAS ABLE TO TEMPORARILY BLOCK THE FLOW, VENTILATE THE GARAGE, AND THEN DRAIN THE TANK. CONVERSATIONS WITH THE MAKERS OF THE FUEL LINE FITTING INDICATE THAT BMW RECOMMENDED AGAINST THEIR USE, ESPECIALLY ON CALIFORNIA VEHICLES. THE FITTING MANUFACTURERS OFFER THE SAME FITTINGS IN BRASS, WHICH I USED TO REPLACE THE BMW SUPPLIED FITTINGS. HOWEVER, THE PLASTIC BULKHEAD INTO WHICH THE FEMALE FITTING FITS HAD BEEN EMBRITTLED BY EXPOSURE TO FUEL AND IT ALSO CRACKED. THE BULKHEAD WAS REPLACED BY AN ALUMINUM PART I FABRICATED FOR THAT PURPOSE. I NOTIFIED TWO BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALERS OF THE PROBLEM BUT NEITHER WERE FAMILIAR WITH IT OR ANY SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN. SEARCHES OF VARIOUS INTERNET MOTORCYCLE FORUMS SHOWS THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM NOT JUST ISOLATED TO THE BMW R1200GS. A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF MY EXPERIENCE CAN BE FOUND AT THE URL BELOW: HTTP://GUNSMOKE.COM/MOTORCYCLING/R1200GS/QUICK_CONNECTS/INDEX.HTML
NHTSA complaint #10446688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,460 milesAtlanta, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING BECAUSE OF A FAILURE OF THE "FUEL STRIP" SENDER IN THE GAS TANK. EVEN THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THE FUEL STRIPS EVEN ON THE SAME BIKE, BMW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10443264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,305 milesLafayette, LA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE FLANGE ON THE FUEL TANK, CRACK, LEAKING FUEL EVERYWHERE, THIS HAPPENS TO OTHERS.
NHTSA complaint #10433733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesLabelle, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
BMW MOTORCYCLE, R1200/GS 2005 MODEL, GAS LEAK PROBLEM. ON PLASTIC QUICK DISCONNECTORS IN THE FUEL LINE, CRACKS CAN FORM IN THE THIN FITTINGS, JUST ABOVE THE FUEL PUMP. CAUSING GAS TO SPRAY, POOL, THEN LEAK DIRECTLY ON TO THE HOTTEST PART OF THE EXHAUST PIPE WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS PLACED ON THE SIDESTAND. THIS CREATES A FIRE HAZARD. THESE THIN PLASTIC FITTINGS ARE DESTINED TO FAIL, AND NEED TO BE CHANGED OUT WITH AVAILABLE BRASS FITTINGS TO REMEDY THIS POTENTIAL HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10373578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesDEL MAR, CA
WHEELS
BMW R1200GS REAL WHEEL FLANGE THE FLANGE IS A BILLET PART THAT CONNECTS THE REAR WHEEL AND THE REAR BRAKE DISC TO THE MOTORCYCLE. WORLD-WIDE THERE ARE REPORTS FROM USERS OF R1200GS MODELS MANUFACTURED IN 2004 AND 2005 ABOUT CRACKS IN THE FLANGE AROUND EITHER THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE BRAKE DISC OR THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE REAR WHEEL. SEVERAL INCIDENTS ARE KNOWN WHERE THE REAR BRAKE DISC BROKE OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. ON LAST INSPECTION THE FLANGE ON MY MOTORCYCLE HAD DEVELOPED CRACKS AROUND ALL 5 MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE REAR WHEEL BOLTS. BMW DENIES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL PART AND REFUSES REPLACEMENT, CLAIMING THAT IN ALL INCIDENTS THE BOLTS MUST HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH TOO HIGH TORQUE. THE REAR WHEEL HAS ALWAYS BEEN MOUNTED BY MYSELF, AND ALWAYS USING A TORQUE WRENCH WITH THE CORRECT SETTING. THE ORIGINAL PARTS ONE THESE MOTORCYCLES APPARENTLY WERE BMW PART-NUMBER 33117694910; AS REPLACEMENT BMW NOW SELLS A RE-DESIGNED PART WITH THE NEW PART-NUMBER 33117699631. THE DANGER FOR A CRASH SHOULD THE REAR WHEEL OR THE REAR BRAKE DISC BREAK OFF WHILE IN MOTION ARE OBVIOUS. BMW HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM, DOESN'T OFFER FREE REPLACEMENTS AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE HAS NOT SENT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN OR ANY OTHER KIND OF WARNING TO DEALERS OR CUSTOMERS.
NHTSA complaint #10364218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesDEL MAR, CA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
BMW R1200GS REAL WHEEL FLANGE THE FLANGE IS A BILLET PART THAT CONNECTS THE REAR WHEEL AND THE REAR BRAKE DISC TO THE MOTORCYCLE. WORLD-WIDE THERE ARE REPORTS FROM USERS OF R1200GS MODELS MANUFACTURED IN 2004 AND 2005 ABOUT CRACKS IN THE FLANGE AROUND EITHER THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE BRAKE DISC OR THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE REAR WHEEL. SEVERAL INCIDENTS ARE KNOWN WHERE THE REAR BRAKE DISC BROKE OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. ON LAST INSPECTION THE FLANGE ON MY MOTORCYCLE HAD DEVELOPED CRACKS AROUND ALL 5 MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE REAR WHEEL BOLTS. BMW DENIES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL PART AND REFUSES REPLACEMENT, CLAIMING THAT IN ALL INCIDENTS THE BOLTS MUST HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH TOO HIGH TORQUE. THE REAR WHEEL HAS ALWAYS BEEN MOUNTED BY MYSELF, AND ALWAYS USING A TORQUE WRENCH WITH THE CORRECT SETTING. THE ORIGINAL PARTS ONE THESE MOTORCYCLES APPARENTLY WERE BMW PART-NUMBER 33117694910; AS REPLACEMENT BMW NOW SELLS A RE-DESIGNED PART WITH THE NEW PART-NUMBER 33117699631. THE DANGER FOR A CRASH SHOULD THE REAR WHEEL OR THE REAR BRAKE DISC BREAK OFF WHILE IN MOTION ARE OBVIOUS. BMW HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM, DOESN'T OFFER FREE REPLACEMENTS AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE HAS NOT SENT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN OR ANY OTHER KIND OF WARNING TO DEALERS OR CUSTOMERS.
NHTSA complaint #10364218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesDEL MAR, CA
STRUCTURE
BMW R1200GS REAL WHEEL FLANGE THE FLANGE IS A BILLET PART THAT CONNECTS THE REAR WHEEL AND THE REAR BRAKE DISC TO THE MOTORCYCLE. WORLD-WIDE THERE ARE REPORTS FROM USERS OF R1200GS MODELS MANUFACTURED IN 2004 AND 2005 ABOUT CRACKS IN THE FLANGE AROUND EITHER THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE BRAKE DISC OR THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE REAR WHEEL. SEVERAL INCIDENTS ARE KNOWN WHERE THE REAR BRAKE DISC BROKE OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. ON LAST INSPECTION THE FLANGE ON MY MOTORCYCLE HAD DEVELOPED CRACKS AROUND ALL 5 MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE REAR WHEEL BOLTS. BMW DENIES THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL PART AND REFUSES REPLACEMENT, CLAIMING THAT IN ALL INCIDENTS THE BOLTS MUST HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH TOO HIGH TORQUE. THE REAR WHEEL HAS ALWAYS BEEN MOUNTED BY MYSELF, AND ALWAYS USING A TORQUE WRENCH WITH THE CORRECT SETTING. THE ORIGINAL PARTS ONE THESE MOTORCYCLES APPARENTLY WERE BMW PART-NUMBER 33117694910; AS REPLACEMENT BMW NOW SELLS A RE-DESIGNED PART WITH THE NEW PART-NUMBER 33117699631. THE DANGER FOR A CRASH SHOULD THE REAR WHEEL OR THE REAR BRAKE DISC BREAK OFF WHILE IN MOTION ARE OBVIOUS. BMW HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM, DOESN'T OFFER FREE REPLACEMENTS AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE HAS NOT SENT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN OR ANY OTHER KIND OF WARNING TO DEALERS OR CUSTOMERS.
NHTSA complaint #10364218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.