52 of the
114 complaints filed about the BMW R 1200 GS
are about the fuel system —
46% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
While attempting to pass a car on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, forcing me into a perilous maneuver to reach the breakdown lane at highway speed. Following vehicle recovery and upon further inspection, I discovered that both plastic throttle body cam pulleys had broken in half, completely disabling throttle control. There were no warning lights or symptoms indicating this failure was imminent. In my research to fix the issue, I found that this problem is more common than I realized and poses a serious safety risk.
NHTSA complaint #11628004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fuel pump flange failure resulting in leaking fuel while I was riding the bike. It is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because the bike could have caught fire while riding and also potentially could have caused me to crash. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. The component hasn't been inspected by BMW or any representative. There was no warning or symptom other than I could smell fuel while I was riding. In April 2014 BMW issued recall notice 13V-617 for a potential fuel leak at the fuel pump flange. The remedy by BMW was to place a reinforcing ring around the fuel pump flange or replace the fuel pump with a new pump that had a preinstalled reinforcing ring. My fuel pump was replaced in November 2015 under the recall. At the conclusion of my ride on 11/16/24 my inspection revealed fuel leaking around the fuel pump flange with fuel puddling on top of the fuel pump. Enough fuel leaked and dispersed during my ride that fuel had also collected in between the cylinder cooling fins on one side of the motor which is a potential ignition source. It was also evident that fuel had blown onto the side of the bike. I was extremely fortunate fuel didn't contact the exhaust pipe which is in proximity to where fuel was leaking and ignite. Even though it has been 9 years since my fuel pump was replaced the reinforcing ring remedy for the fuel pump flange does not work as evidenced by the leak on my bike. The leak should have never occurred. The fuel pump flange on these fuel pumps even with a reinforcing ring is still apparently a bad design and still subject to failure and creates a life safety hazard. My bike could have easily caught fire which could have resulted in personal injury or a crash. I consider myself lucky that neither of these hazards occurred. I have contacted BMW Customer Support. A case number was issued and my case was escalated to the next level. Im waiting for their response.
NHTSA complaint #11626502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riding at freeway speeds fuel system is spilling out fuel down both sides of the engine. I smelled strong fuel smell while riding but was unable to stop until almost home. At home inspected bike and discovered leak even while at idle but have not dug in to identify exact leak location. having it trailered into BWM repair facility when appointment available. I do not see a recall for my make year and model of 1200 GS but it does fall in the years listed as a concern?
NHTSA complaint #11622437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW R1200 GS Motorcycle. The contact stated that while operating the motorcycle, the odor of fuel was present. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the motorcycle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11603321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11555710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after a short ride, the contact had made a stop and ran into a machine shop. The contact had parked (P) the vehicle and left it on. When the contact returned after a few minutes he saw that the vehicle had caught fire, the engine was still running. The location of the fire was from the gasoline tank and fuel pump assembly. The contact extinguished the fire using a large extinguisher available in the shop. The fire department was not called. The contact towed the vehicle to his motorcycle shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11546013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!
NHTSA complaint #11534609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816-699-1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!
NHTSA complaint #11533136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11528242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Found fuel vapor to be strongly smelled while at a stop light. Upon arrival at home when turning the motorcycle around there were drips coming from the right side of the motorcycle (more specifically the fuel tank). After removing the faring, there was a collection of fuel sitting on top of the fuel tank outlet. Upon closer inspection, the quick disconnect which threads into the fuel tank cap to pull fuel out of the tank has a hairline crack. it continually purges fuel at a trickling pace when the fuel level is above the tank port, there is a steady flow when the bike is in operation. The location of the fuel drip falls directly on the exhaust pipe header on the front right side of the motorcycle which could lead to a fire causing property damage and or bodily harm. The motorcycle has not been inspected by the local dealer as they are backlogged with a summertime influx of customers.
NHTSA complaint #11523584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11466015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 BMW R 1200. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the fuel pump failed and leaked fuel all over the motorcycle and onto the contact. The contact was able pull the motorcycle off the highway and with the assistance of his son; the motorcycle was loaded onto a trailer and taken to a dealer. The dealer was notified about the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed that he would be notified when parts became available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 33,169. Parts distribution disconnect. The contact stated that the part needed was finally available and was replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11455569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11439387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When starting the bike, suddenly fuel started dripping down onto the front wheel and onto the exhaust. I noticed the fuel on the suction side (right side) of the gas tank pooling up and spraying out. Upon disassembly, the male 90 degree fuel quick disconnect (replacement part number BMW 13537674765) came apart when trying to release the hose from the female coupling. Replacing the connector and the clamp resolved the issue and fuel is no longer leaking. The last time this area was serviced was in 2014 when one of the other fuel tank recalls was completed and a reinforcement ring was installed on the flange at this location to prevent the flange itself from cracking, but in this instance it was the fitting itself. Called BMW motorcycles or Jacksonville (Florida ) and they indicated there is no warranty / recall/ service bulletin for this repair and I was able to purchase the part and perform the replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11436242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed in the rear-view mirror that there was fluid leaking from the motorcycle onto the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the flange for the fuel pump fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V060000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11431930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2010 BMW R-1200 GS. The contact stated that the motorcycle failed to start-up. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was referred to the dealer however, there was no dealer within a 50-mile radius. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
NHTSA complaint #11422595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11383357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11364332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.