33 of the
46 complaints filed about the BMW R 1200 R
are about the fuel system —
72% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
Fuel gauge stopped responding, leading to running out of fuel while moving. This is a common failure on many bike models from BMW from 2005-2013. I have had this happen 4 times so far, and each time the fuel level measuring strip in the fuel tank was replaced. This repair is costly, and has proven it is at best a temporary solution. This is an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle.
NHTSA complaint #11621778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have read on the BMW forums that the plastic cams that are attached to the throttle bodies will crack. If a crack is spotted the cams need to be replaced because they can fail causing the motorcycle to stop running. This spring while doing my spring maintenance I inspected the cams and found both of the throttle body cams cracked. I replaced both of the cams with after market aluminum cams that cost me over $450 in just parts. I replaced the cams before i has a catastrophic failure while I was riding the motorcycle. Other people have been stranded on the side of the road with this problem. I did not want to be one of them.
NHTSA complaint #11460526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Experienced a catastrophic failure of the throttle body cable cam mechanism on the throttle body of the motorcycle. In fact, both cams (2-cylinder motorcycle) are made of plastic, which degrades over time, and failed simultaneously, leaving me without the use of the throttle. This can be a catastrophic failure if happens at highway speeds or heavy traffic. Luckily for me, it happened close to home and I was able to push the bike home. As this is a frequent and common occurrence for BMW motorcycles equipped with BING carburetors with a plastic cam mechanism, it would seem appropriate to enact a recall for affected models.
NHTSA complaint #11442598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The component that fails is called the Fuel Strip (BMW part number 16147697815) and is used for measuring the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. This component is historically known to fail often and this problem is well known by BMW motorcycle dealers and motorcyclists that use this fuel strip. The failure of these Fuel Strips is a safety issue because it can cause loss of power, by running out of fuel, in traffic and/or at speed. Additionally it is a safety issue because it can leave the driver stranded in an unsafe location. The failure can occur at any time including shortly after installation of a new fuel strip. The Fuel Strip has a design flaw that causes these chronic failures.
NHTSA complaint #11439839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The fuel strip located inside the tank which sends an electronic signal to the dash gauge indicating the amount of fuel available until the low fuel warning light comes on malfunctions and eventually fails. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. On three separate occasions (two on 55 mph + roads with two + lanes of traffic and once on a local 35 mph one lane road) I was driving and the fuel level indicated a sufficient amount to travel to my destination when the tank abruptly ran dry with no warning and I had to coast to the side of the road stranded and had to call for roadside assistance. The problem occurred within two to three years of the vehicle being in service. The factory warranty covers 3 years/3600 miles. To the best of my knowledge, the problem first occurred in 2011 or 2012. I am not sure if the first occurrence was covered under the original manufacturers factory warranty but I would not pay out of pocket cost to have the fuel strip replaced. After many complaints and incidences from other owners the manufacturer notified owners by mail that the fuel strip warranty was extended to 12 years from original date of sale. By extending the warranty terms I would hope that the manufacturer planned to give its engineers time to come up with a permanent fix for this ongoing problem, but chose to only keep replacing the defective part with another sure to fail part continuing in a cycle of frustration and endangering rider safety. My vehicle is now in the 13th year of service and is no longer covered by the extended warranty. I voiced my concerns to the BMW Customer Service representatives and they acknowledge the warranty has now expired with no permanent fix or resolve to the original problem. This malfunction has been well documented at BMW motorcycle dealers both in the US and worldwide. My concerns have fallen on deaf ears. Check the service records at any BMW motorcycle dealer and you will find many replaced fuel strips under the warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11433912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There is a faulty fuel pump, but the dealership cancelled my service because their location is being consolidated and the next-closest dealership is over an hour away. Can another shop not do this fuel pump replacement?
NHTSA complaint #11426772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERE IS A RECALL ON FUEL PUMPS RECALL # 20V-471. MY FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS IT IS FAILING. THE RECALL INCLUDES BIKES UP TO MODEL YEAR 2011. WHILE MY BIKE IS A 2012, IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2011 AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I HAVE ONLY 6000 MILES ON MY BIKE AND THE PART HAS FAILED WAY TO EARLY FOR IT NOT TO BE INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #11351191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW R1200 R. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS DETECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND THE CONTACT NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO EURO CYCLES OF TAMPA BAY (8509 GUNN HWY, ODESSA, FL 33556, (813) 926-9937) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HAP'S CYCLE SALES, INC. (2530 17TH ST, SARASOTA, FL 34234, (941) 365-3443) FOR A SECOND OPINION AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A METAL RING WAS PLACED ON THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH DID NOT REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #11280282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL PUMP OUTPUT FLANGE CRACKED, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE BIKE AND ONTO HOT COMPONENTS WHILE RIDING. THIS ISSUE HAS ALREADY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A BMW RECALL - BUT APPARENTLY THE "INSPECT AND REINFORCE" SOLUTION ISN'T REALLY ADEQUATE LONG-TERM. THIS PUMP HAD BEEN "INSPECTED AND REINFORCED" - AND THE FLANGE STILL CRACKED AND CAUSED A DANGEROUS FUEL LEAK WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR BODILY INJURY OR WORSE.
NHTSA complaint #11267107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW R1200 R. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11240472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL LEAK FROM BROKEN PLASTIC "QUICK DISCONNECT" FITTING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE MOTORCYCLE. I NOTICED THE ISSUE WHEN I WAS RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE ON THE HIGHWAY AND RAW FUEL WAS SPRAYING ONTO MY LEG AND ONTO THE CYLINDER & CYLINDER HEAD OF THE ENGINE. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO A GAS STATION TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK. AFTER REMOVING SOME PLASTIC TRIM/COVERS I FOUND THE SOURCE WAS THE PLASTIC 90 DEGREE FITTING HAD CRACKED. THE FUEL FITTING DID NOT FAIL DUE TO ANY IMPACT, TAMPERING OR ABUSE; IT IS IN A PROTECTED AREA AT THE LOWER EDGE OF THE FUEL TANK AND COVERED BY A PIECE OF PLASTIC TRIM. AFTER INSPECTING THE FAILED PART, I NOTICED HOW THIN THE PLASTIC IS AND HOW IT BROKE ON THE GROOVE (A STRESS RISER). I BELIEVE THE PART IS POORLY DESIGNED AND POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD TO THE VEHICLE OPERATOR. IN MY OPINION, SUCH COMPONENTS SHOULD BE MADE OF HIGHER QUALITY MATERIAL SUCH AS STAINLESS STEEL FOR STRENGTH AND CORROSION RESISTANCE. AFTER CHECKING WITH THE BMW DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT FITTING, I DECIDED TO REPLACE THE FUEL CONNECTOR WITH A BARBED 90 DEGREE STAINLESS STEEL FITTING TO PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF A RE-OCCURRENCE BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE BMW SUPPLIED PART TO BE FLAWED AND INHERENTLY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11119403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL GAUGE STOPPED RESPONDING, LEADING TO RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHILE MOVING. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON MANY BIKE MODELS FROM BMW FROM 2005-2013. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN 5 TIMES SO FAR, AND EACH TIME THE FUEL LEVEL MEASURING STRIP IN THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION SINCE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FROM RUNNING OUT OF FUEL CAN BE QUITE DANGEROUS ON A MOTORCYCLE. THE DATE LISTED BELOW IS THE FIRST INSTANCE OF WHEN IT HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #10915013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY FUEL GAUGE FAILED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING "STRIP" - THIS IS COMMON ON MANY BMW MOTORCYCLE MODELS FROM 2004-2014. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE I RAN OUT OF FUEL ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10911142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED LOW LEVEL AND THE RESERVE VISUAL ALARM STAYED ON WHILE THERE WAS PLENTY OF FUEL IN THE TANK. REPORTED TO DEALER, OFFICIAL BMW DEALER BROWARD MOTORSPORT OF PALM BEACH, THEIR REPORT CLAIMED THEY HAVE FIXED THE ISSUE, THE MOTORCYCLE HAD 1166 MILES AT TIME OF SERVICE. TODAY, AT 1540 MILES THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED AGAIN, THERE IS PLENTY OF FUEL IN THE TANK BUT THE GAUGE SHOW THE LOWEST BAR ONLY AND THE VISUAL ALARM LIGHT STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES. I WILL NOW HAVE TO TAKE THE MOTORCYCLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO INSTALL THE 3RD FUEL GAUGE IN 1500 MILES. IT'S A 17,500 $, 2013 NEW MOTORCYCLE, STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN ONCE THE WARRANTY WILL BE EXPIRED, BY READING ONLINE FORUMS IT SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A VERY COMMON AND REPETITIVE ISSUE WITH APPARENTLY NO SOLUTION APART FROM KEEP ON REPLACING WHILE IT WILL KEEP ON REPEATING. PLEASE INFORM IF THERE IS ANY SOLUTION. THANKS
NHTSA complaint #10676355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOW FUEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REPORTED 42 MILES TO EMPTY ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. APPROXIMATELY 7 MILES LATER THE MOTORCYCLE LOST POWER WHILE ON THE ROADWAY. FUEL GAUGE STILL SHOWED ONE BAR AND 42 MILES TO GO AT THE TIME POWER WAS LOST. BMW APPARENTLY KNOWS ALL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT HAS NOT FIXED THE DEFECTIVE FUEL STRIP DESIGN TO PREVENT FUTURE OCCURRENCES.
NHTSA complaint #10649177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MOTORCYCLE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING ON HIGHWAY OFF RAMP. ENGINE WOULD CRANK, BUT NOT RESTART. FUEL GAUGE ON ELECTRONIC READOUT SHOWED 78 MILES UNTIL REFILL. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE FLASHING. PUT FUEL IN THE TANK, STARTED RIGHT UP. IN-TANK FUEL SENSOR IS FAULTY.
NHTSA complaint #10616753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WHILE RIDING, I RECEIVED A DASH WARNING LIGHT THAT WAS I (UNEXPECTEDLY) COMPLETELY OUT OF FUEL. AT THAT POINT I DID NOT KNOW HOW MANY MILES WERE ON MY TANK, IF I HAD A FUEL LEAK, ETC AND IMMEDIATELY MANEUVERED TO A SAFE LOCATION TO VERIFY MY FUEL STATUS. THANKFULLY I WAS IN A PLACE I COULD DO THAT. TURNS OUT I HAD AMPLE FUEL AND NO VISIBLE LEAKS, HOWEVER THE GAUGE AND WARNING SYSTEMS WERE INFORMING ME OTHERWISE. I ENDED UP RIDING TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION AND CONFIRMED I STILL HAD 3/4 TANK REMAINING, BASED ON HOW MUCH FUEL THE BIKE TOOK TO "TOP OFF". AFTER CALLING THE DEALERSHIP TO CONFIRM THE BIKE'S COMPUTER WILL ALLOW ME TO RIDE (DESPITE NOT REGISTERING ANY FUEL IN THE SYSTEM), I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON MY MODEL AND THEY CAN'T KEEP THE PARTS IN INVENTORY THEY ARE FIXING IT SO FREQUENTLY. BASED ON WEB SEARCHES, OTHERS ARE REPORTING THAT THEY DON'T GET A WARNING THEY ARE RUNNING OUT! BMW MOTORAD STATES THAT THIS PART (THE FUEL STRIP) FAILS DUE TO CORN ETHANOL IN OUR US GAS, AND THIS PART DOES NOT FAIL IN OTHER MARKETS THAT DON'T USE ETHANOL. MY QUESTION IS, HOW CAN THEY SELL A PRODUCT THAT ISN'T ENGINEERED TO WORK WITH THE GAS THAT'S AVAILABLE? WHILE THIS ISSUE HAS A SIMPLE WORKAROUND - KEEP TRACK OF YOUR MILES AS YOU'RE RIDING - THERE ARE TIMES WHEN YOU COUNT ON THAT GAUGE BECAUSE YOU SIMPLY FORGET TO RESET THE TRIP ODOMETER AT A FILLUP. IF I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND RAN OUT DUE TO THE GAUGE NOT INDICATING I WAS LOW, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SCENARIO.
NHTSA complaint #10593623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 1200RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD CONSTANTLY DISPLAY ERRONEOUS FUEL READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FRACTURED FUEL PUMP WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000. KMJ
NHTSA complaint #10587386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES AND HAD BEEN IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. MY FUEL GAUGE WENT FROM HALF TANK TO EMPTY WITH THE "LOW FUEL" WARNING LIGHT FLASHING BETWEEN. THIS HAPPENED BETWEEN GLANCES AT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. SINCE IT WAS A 90 DEGREE DAY AND IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC I WAS WATCHING THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE CLOSELY. THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS PART OF THE SAME CLUSTER AS THE FUEL GAUGE SO I KNOW THE CHANGE FROM A HALF TANK OF FUEL TO NO FUEL WAS ALMOST IF NOT INSTANTANEOUS. IT IS THE RESULT OF A BAD FUEL SENSOR IN THE FUEL TANK THAT IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS TYPE OF STRIP SENSOR. WITH HUNDREDS OF THESE SENSORS GOING BAD INSIDE THE FUEL TANK HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE ONE HAS A SERIOUS FAULT AND BLOWS UP THE FUEL TANK SITTING BETWEEN THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS LEGS. NEVER SAY NEVER.
NHTSA complaint #10586139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A "MILES TO EMPTY" DISPLAY TO INSTRUCT THE DRIVER WHEN TO REFUEL. ALSO A GRAPH THAT DISPLAYS HOW MUCH FUEL REMAINS ...AND A LOW FUEL LIGHT. ALL RUN BY A "FUEL STRIP" INSIDE THE GAS TANK. ON THIS DATE I RAN OUT OF FUEL ON A BUSY INTERSTATE WITH 1) NO LOW FUEL LIGHT. 2) ABOUT HALF A TANK SHOWING ON THE GRAPHIC DISPLAY 3) "159 MILES TO EMPTY" ON THE COMPUTER. ALL THESE ITEMS ARE DRIVEN BY THIS FAULTY FUEL STRIP. IT IS QUITE A SAFETY ISSUE TO HAVE YOU ENGINE HALT SUDDENLY AT SPEED ON A BUSY URBAN INTERSTATE. I WAS STRANDED AGAINST THE INNER GUARD RAIL FOR SOMETIME AS 70MPH TRAFFIC RAN BUY ABOUT 4 FEET AWAY. MANY OF THESE FUEL STRIPS HAVE FAILED IN BMW MOTORCYCLES AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED BY AN IMPROVED PART.
NHTSA complaint #10574225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.