Owners have filed 35 complaints
about the 2007 BMW R1200 RT with NHTSA between 2011 and 2016.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 70
Against the median year of the BMW R1200 RT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 15
2.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 98
58% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
26.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
824.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1751.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
39.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
39.1%
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.
Oct 2011peak 6Oct 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 2007 BMW R1200 RT
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...
Recalls on the 2007 BMW R1200 RT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V471000
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-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.
09V256000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BMW IS RECALLING 1,535 MY 2007-2009 R1200RT MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO ROUTING AND ASSEMBLY TOLERANCES OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE LINES TO BE UNDER STRAIN. IN COMBINATION WITH VIBRATION DURING RIDING, THE BRAKE LINES COULD DEVELOP A LEAK. THE LEVEL OF FLUID IN THE FRONT BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR COULD DROP RENDERING THE FRONT BRAKES INOPERATIVE.
Risk: IN THE EVENT THAT ONLY THE REAR BRAKES WERE OPERATIONAL, SEVERE LOSS OF CONTROL DURING HARD BRAKING COULD RESULT. THIS COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 49,511 milesRosemead, CA1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WAS RIDING AT NIGHT, SUDDENLY SAW SMOG COMING FROM THE FRONT OF MOTORCYCLE AND GAS ODOR AND FELT A WET LEFT LEG AND SHOE, PULL ASIDE AND PARK NOTICING ABOUT A 1/4 GALLON OF FUEL SPILL, AFTER FEW MINUTES MY LEFT HAND, SHOULDER AND NECK JUST BELOW MY HELMET START TO FEEL IRRITATION ON SKIN A BURN FEELING, AFTER REMOVING FAIRINGS FOUND OUT A CRACKED FUEL PUMP AND LEAKING QUICK DISCONNECT FITTING AT HIGH PRESSURE. IN CASE OF FIRE THE POOR FUEL PUMP DESIGN PUT MYSELF IN A REAL HAZARDOUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10488652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 39,287 milesLakeland, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL GAUGE STOPPED RESPONDING, LEADING TO RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WHILE MOVING ON A CITY STREET. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE ON MANY BIKE MODELS FROM BMW FROM 2005-2013. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN 1 TIME 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.
NHTSA complaint #10913689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,701 milesLakeland, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL GAUGE STOPPED RESPONDING, LEADING TO THE POSSIBILITY OF 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 2 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.
NHTSA complaint #10913693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,020 milesLakeland, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL GAUGE STOPPED RESPONDING, LEADING TO THE POSSIBILITY OF 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 3 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.
NHTSA complaint #10913696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape Girardeau, MO
POWER TRAIN
FINAL DRIVE BEARING SUDDENLY DEVELOPED PLAY (WHEEL CAN BE MOVED LATERALLY BY HAND). VERY UNSTABLE HANDLING AND WOBBLE UPON DECELERATION DUE TO WHEEL MOVEMENT. VEHICLE WILL "SHIMMY" CONSIDERABLY FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE UPON ENGINE BRAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10781385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,150 milesSAN Luis Obispo, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN I BEGAN A RIDE THE RED ABS BRAKE FAILURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON. A SHOP READ THE CODE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AS ABS PUMP MOTOR FAILURE. I LEARNED THROUGH ON-LINE RESEARCH THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM RELATING TO POOR DESIGN OF THE ABS PUMP MOTOR BRUSHES THAT FAIL TO MAKE GOOD CONTACT RESULTING IN A LOW VOLTAGE SITUATION AND PUMP FAILURE. THE RESULT - THE ABS SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPLACING THE UNIT IS APPROX. $2200. THE MECHANIC TAPPED ON THE MOTOR HOUSING AND FREED UP THE BRUSHES BUT IT WAS A TEMPORARY FIX THAT LASTED ABOUT 200 MILES. IT THEN BECAME AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 400 MILES BEFORE IT WENT BACK TO BEING THE CONSTANT PROBLEM THAT I AM NOW FORCED TO FIX OR RIDE WITHOUT ABS BRAKES. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN AND DOCUMENTED PROBLEM BUT BMW HAS NOT ADMITTED ANY PROBLEMS RELATED TO DESIGN OF THE UNIT. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE IN THE WAY THE BRUSHES SLIDE IN A GROOVED GUIDE OR KEY WAY . APPARENTLY THE GROOVES GET DIRTY AND THE BRUSHES HANG UP AND DON'T REACH THE PROPER POSITION FOR GOOD CONTACT WITH THE MOTOR ARMATURE IF I UNDERSTAND IT CORRECTLY. MODULEMASTER IN MOSCOW, IDAHO, REBUILDS THE UNITS AND PROVIDES A 5 YR GUARANTEE. THEY SEEM TO BE QUITE BUSY WITH THESE UNITS. MY MECHANIC ACTUALLY SENT IN 2 OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME. THE SECOND UNIT WAS FROM A GS MODEL. AND THERE ARE OTHER MODELS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. IT IS MY OPINION THAT NHTSA NEEDS TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS ISSUE AND CAUSE BMW TO FIX THE POOR DESIGN AND ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM OF ABS FAILURE. DOCUMENTED EVIDENCE OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND THROUGH SITES SUCH AS FORUMS.BMWMOA.ORG, WWW.XS-ADVENTURE.COM, WWW.I-BMW.COM.
NHTSA complaint #10767426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,456 milesOcala, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE MOTORCYCLE STARTED STALLING AFTER I WOULD DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP. IT WOULD NOT START BACK UP UNLESS I TURNED THE THROTTLE AND HELD THE RPM'S ABOVE 1500. THE BIKE WOULD NOT IDLE UNLESS I KEPT THE THROTTLE PARTIALLY OPEN. I BROUGHT THE BIKE TO THE DEALER AND THEY RE-FLASHED THE COMPUTER AND UP-GRADED THE SOFTWARE. THAT LASTED 2 WEEKS AND THE STALLING STARTED BACK AGAIN. ALL RE-CALLS FOR THIS BIKE WERE PERFORMED BY BMW. NO TROUBLE CODES WERE SHOWN TO EXIST ON THE BIKES ECU WHEN TESTED BY THE DEALERS SCAN EQUIPMENT. I HAVE SINCE REPLACED: SPARK PLUGS, IDLE ACTUATORS (2), CAM POSITION SENSOR, FUEL PUMP CONTROLLER, FUEL PUMP, AND BATTERY. THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A LITTLE OVER 32,000 MILES ON IT NOW. SOME OF THE PARTS REPLACED DID CURE THE STALLING PROBLEM TEMPORARILY, BUT IT ALWAYS CAME BACK. I HAVE SINCE PARKED THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE THE STALLING SCARES ME AND MY GIRLFRIEND WHEN IT UNEXPECTEDLY HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC. IT IS ABSOLUTELY DANGEROUS! I KNOW FROM READING POSTS ONLINE FROM FELLOW BMW MOTORCYCLE OWNERS THAT MANY OTHERS WHO OWN THE R 1200RT MADE FROM 2005-2009 HAVE THIS SAME STALLING PROBLEM. AS FAR AS I KNOW BMW HAS NOT RE-CALLED MY YEAR AND MODEL BIKE TO FORCE THE DEALERS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10758488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,752 milesStratford, WI
POWER TRAIN
REAR DRIVE ASSEMBLY OIL LEAKING AFFECTING TIRES TRACTION AND BRAKING - LOSS OF REAR BRAKES FROM OIL AND NO ABS ACTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10704833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,752 milesStratford, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
REAR DRIVE ASSEMBLY OIL LEAKING AFFECTING TIRES TRACTION AND BRAKING - LOSS OF REAR BRAKES FROM OIL AND NO ABS ACTIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10704833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,080 milesCoos BAY, OR
SERVICE BRAKES
ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO, THE 'BRAKE FAILURE" LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD OF MY BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE. EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES SEEM TO WORK FINE, I PRETTY MUCH STOPPED USING THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID OF IT. BECAUSE OF INACTIVITY, THE ENGINE WOULDN'T START SO I RENTED A U-HAUL TRAILER AND BROUGHT THE BIKE TO A BMW DEALER SO THEY COULD GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. BECAUSE I HADN'T USED THE BIKE FOR AWHILE, I FORGOT TO TELL THEM ABOUT THE BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT. WHEN THEY TEST RODE MY BIKE, THEY SAW THE LIGHT AND TRIED TO RESET (CLEAR) A CODE TO SEE IF IT WOULD FIX IT. THE CODE WOULD NOT RESET OR CLEAR. THEY THEN TOLD ME THAT THIS BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT INDICATES THAT THE ABS SYSTEM IS NO LONGER WORKING. I WAS TOLD THE PART TO FIX IT COST ABOUT $2,500. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT BMW SHOULD REPAIR AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE OUT OF MY CONTROL. IS BMW RESPONSIBLE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #10683489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesAlexandria, KY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, ABS SYSTEM FAILED, WHICH SHOWED UP AS A "BRAKE FAILURE" LIGHT ON CONSOLE. ABS PUMP CONTROLLER FAILED. AFTER INITIAL FAILURE, THE "BRAKE FAILURE" LIGHT WOULD COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS INDICATED INTERMITTENT FAILURE OR SOMETHING ELSE. FRONT WHEEL OR REAR WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP INSTEAD OF THE ABS SYSTEM OVERRIDING AND CONTROLLING THE BRAKE. ON A BIKE THIS IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10654412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,254 milesIVA, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS MODULATOR FAILED TO OPERATE AT VERY LOW MILEAGE. DEALER SAID UNIT HAS FAILED AND IT VERY COMMON FOR THE BRUSHES TO STICK AND CAUSE THIS FAILURE. THE UNIT IS NOT REPAIRABLE AND MUST BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10560728 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesLithia, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AFTER SMELLING GAS AFTER A SHORT STOP I DISCOVERED THAT THE FUEL PUMP DISCHARGE FLANGE HAD 7 CRACKS WHERE FUEL WAS LEAKING AND FILLING THE CAVITY AT THE TOP END OF THE FUEL PUMP. AFTER CONDUCTING SOME RESEARCH, I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT AND SPECIAL AFTER MARKET CLAMPS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND SOLD TO MAKE THE REPAIR, AVOIDING A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10557201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wildomar, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RIDING MY 40 MILES HOME, I KEPT SMELLING GASOLINE BUT IT WAS CONGESTED SO I DISMISSED IT. GOT HOME AND DROVE INTO THE GARAGE AND A BIG PUDDLE OF GASOLINE SPLASHED ONTO THE GROUND FROM UNDER MY LEFT FENDER FROM MY 2007 BMW RT1200. UPON EXAMINATION, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLASTIC TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP HAD CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES AROUND WHERE THE QUICK DISCONNECT FITTING GOES FOR THE PRESSURE LINE. NOT ONLY THAT BUT THE FITTING IS ALSO MADE OF PLASTIC AND HAD ALSO CRACKED IN THE THREAD AREA.
NHTSA complaint #10556041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,100 milesDavenport, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE PLASTIC CONNECTION FOR THE FUEL PUMP CRACKED AND STARTED TO LEAK FUEL. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD. I LOOKED ON LINE AND SEE THIS IS A PROBLEM ON BMW MOTORCYCLE'S. THE FUEL LEAKS ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE WHILE RIDING. THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND ALL BMW MOTORCYCLE SHOULD BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10554212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesCarrollton, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FITTING AT TOP OF FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY WAS LEAKING (STREAM OF GAS) GAS ONTO THE GAS TANK AND DOWN ONTO THE LEFT CYLINDER. UPON STARTING THE BIKE , IN LESS THAN A MINUTE THERE WAS A FIVE FEET PUDDLE OF GAS ON THE GROUND. AT REST THE GAS IS POURING ONTO THE LEFT CYLINDER AND I ASSUME WOULD BE SPRAYING ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AT SPEED. AFTER REMOVING THE PANELS TO FIND THE LEAK. THERE WERE SEVERAL CRACKS ON THE FEMALE FITTING SIDE OF THE CONNECTOR OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE. WHERE THE HOSE GOES INTO THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. SCARY TO THINK IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE ROAD. THE LEAST PROBLEM WOULD BE BEING STRANDED. WORST CASE IF GASOLINE WAS SPRAYED ONTO THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AND WERE TO IGNITE.
NHTSA complaint #10537789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,100 milesBloomington, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RIDING TO WORK I NOTICED THE SMELL OF GAS - I PARKED THE BIKE AND NOTICED A STEADY OF GASOLINE DRIPPING OUT FROM UNDER THE LEFT FRONT FAIRING (PLASTIC GAS TANK AND FUEL PUMP ARE BEHIND THE LEFT FAIRING). I REMOVED THE VARIOUS FAIRING PARTS AND NOTICED POOLING OF GASOLINE IN THE RESERVOIR ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE. I DRIED OUT THE TOP OF THE FLANGE AND TURNED THE KEY BACK ON TO ENGAGE THE FUEL PUMP AND DISCOVERED SEVERAL AREAS WHERE THE GASOLINE WAS SPRAYING FROM THE HIGH PRESSURE, 90 DEGREE GAS LINE BELOW THE BASE OF THE MALE CONNECTOR AND ONLY ON THE SHROUD OF THE FEMALE CONNECTION - BOTH THE 90 DEGREE MALE SIDE AND THE CONNECTING LINE WERE WHOLLY INTACT AND SEATED FULLY INTO THE CONNECTION. I DISCONNECTED THE LINE AND REMOVED THE MALE CONNECTOR AND DISCOVERED MULTIPLE CRACKS AROUND THE SURFACE OF THE FEMALE RECEPTOR THAT PASSED INTO THE THREADED AREA OF THE FLANGE (WHICH ALLOWED GAS TO SPRAY OUT WHEN IT WAS UNDER PRESSURE). THE BIKE IS BACK HOME AND INOPERABLE NOW - THE BIKE AS MENTIONED ABOVE, IS A 2007 BMW R1200RT WITH JUST OVER 21,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10536814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesChicago, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SIRS, I AM THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER/OWNER OF A BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE, VIN# [XXX]. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR (PART # 16147675547 - SENSOR AND # 16117677883 - GASKET) THREE TIMES ALREADY. NOW IT HAS FAILED AGAIN. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME IT HAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN 6 YEARS. I CONTACTED MY DEALER (BMW MOTORCYCLES OF COUNTRYSIDE IL) AND SPOKE WITH SERVICE MANAGER [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMED THAT MY LAST FUEL SENSOR REPLACEMENT WAS 27 MONTHS AGO AND THEREFORE IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY (24 MONTH), DESPITE IT HAVING FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES AND DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE MOTORCYCLE HAS LESS THAN 14,000 MILES ON IT. HE THEN ESTIMATED IT WOULD COST ME $350 TO REPLACE THE SENSOR. IF THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD TO REPLACE THE SENSOR, I WOULD UNHAPPILY PAY THE $350 AND ATTRIBUTE IT TO THE MOTORCYCLE BEING 7 YEARS OLD AS THE MILEAGE IS NEGLIGIBLE. BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE. THIS PART HAS REPEATEDLY FAILED. [XXX] ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD AND RECURRENT PROBLEM. MY OWN RESEARCH INDICATES THAT MULTITUDES OF BMW R1200 MODEL MOTORCYCLE OWNERS HAVE ALSO BEEN EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE AND REPETITIVE FUEL SENSOR FAILURES FOR MANY YEARS. THIS ISSUE IS DOCUMENTED UNDER NHTSA ID # 10033130 AND BMW SERVICE BULLETIN NO. SIB-16-02-09. THIS R1200RT IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE MOTORCYCLE I HAVE EVER PURCHASED. I FIND IT UNCONSCIONABLE THAT BMW EXPECTS ME TO PAY THE FULL REPLACEMENT COST OF A PART THAT HAS REQUIRED MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS OVER THE COURSE OF 14,000 MILES, A PART THAT OBVIOUSLY IS THE SUBJECT OF AN INHERENT DESIGN/MANUFACTURING FLAW. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10536439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,500 milesFresno, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
RIDING AT ABOUT 50 MPH, MY PASSENGER ASKED TO PULL OVER, "WE ARE LEAKING SOMETHING". I PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE BIKE, WE WERE LEAKING FUEL FROM THE FUEL PUMP. FUEL WAS LEAKING DOWN THE FARING & ON TO MY LEFT PANT LEG AND BOOT. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE BIKE IN TO THE BMW MOTORCYCLE SHOP FOR INSPECTION & REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10536503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,841 milesClovis, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
YET ANOTHER FUEL LEVEL SENSOR STRIP [FUEL GAUGE] FAILURE. THIS IS NUMBER 6. NOW NO LONGER COVERED AND COST $350 TO REPLACE AT THE DEALER - 250 MILES FROM MY HOME. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE HERE IN THE WESTERN US WHERE IT'S POSSIBLE TO TRAVEL OVER 100 MILES WITHOUT SEEING ANOTHER SMILING FACE, RUNNING OUT OF FUEL IS A SERIOUS THREAT TO YOUR SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #10535046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,841 milesClovis, NM
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
YET ANOTHER FUEL LEVEL SENSOR STRIP [FUEL GAUGE] FAILURE. THIS IS NUMBER 6. NOW NO LONGER COVERED AND COST $350 TO REPLACE AT THE DEALER - 250 MILES FROM MY HOME. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE HERE IN THE WESTERN US WHERE IT'S POSSIBLE TO TRAVEL OVER 100 MILES WITHOUT SEEING ANOTHER SMILING FACE, RUNNING OUT OF FUEL IS A SERIOUS THREAT TO YOUR SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #10535046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,846 milesSaint Paul, MN
POWER TRAIN
FINAL DRIVE OIL SEAL FAILED. OIL LEAKED, CAUSING THE REAR BRAKES TO BE NON-FUNCTIONAL. THE LOCAL BMW DEALER, HOPKINS HITCHING POST IN HOPKINS, MN, FOUND SEAL, BEARING, AND BEVEL GEAR FAILURE THAT REQUIRES FINAL DRIVE REPLACEMENT. THIS IS THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549 AND CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED UNDER CAMPAIGN DP12001.
NHTSA complaint #10524382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesValparaiso, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE I WAS BACKING MY MOTORCYCLE INTO THE GARAGE I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. AS I DISMOUNTED I NOTICED A LIQUID DRIPPING ON THE GROUND NEXT TO THE LEFT EXHAUST PIPE WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE GASOLINE. I REMOVED THE BODY PANELS TO INVESTIGATE AND FOUND A PUDDLE OF FUEL ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE BOSS THAT HOLDS THE FEMALE FUEL LINE QUICK DISCONNECT. I REMOVED THE FEMALE QUICK DISCONNECT AND REAPPLIED FUEL RESISTANT SEALANT TO IT AND LET IT SIT OVERNIGHT, THINKING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. I RECONNECTED THE FUEL LINE AND PRESSURIZED THE SYSTEM. IT STILL LEAKED ONLY WORSE NOW. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO TIGHTEN THE FITTING A BIT GAS ACTUALLY SQUIRTED OUT OF THE JOINT BETWEEN THE FITTING AND THE BOSS. THIS CAUSED ME TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER AND DISCOVER THAT THE WERE 4 TO 5 SMALL CRACKS IN THE BOSS ON THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY WHERE THE FUEL PRESSURE LINE FEMALE QUICK DISCONNECT SCREWS IN. BEING THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY SITS ABOUT THE LEFT EXHAUST PIPE WHERE IT COMES OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD A GAS LEAK FROM THIS AREA IS A FIRE HAZARD. I SHUDDER TO THINK OF WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF ONE OF THOSE DROPS OF GASOLINE HAD DRIPPED ON MY EXHAUST PIPE.
NHTSA complaint #10522421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesClio, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DURING ROUTINE SYSTEMS CHECK, DISCOVERED THAT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING (SPECIFICALLY THE RIDGE AT THE BASE OF FUEL LINE DISCONNECT) HAD DEVELOPED NUMEROUS CRACKS AND NO LONGER APPEARS SAFE, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #10494899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,315 milesVienna, IL
POWER TRAIN
TRAVELING TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE UNUSUAL VIBRATION IN DRIVE LINE CHECKED. RIDING ALONG AT 55 MPH WHEN REAR WHEEL OF MOTORCYCLE BEGAN TO SWAY AS IF TIRE WAS GOING FLAT. HAULED TO DEALER. DIAGNOSED AS FINAL DRIVE CROWN BEARING FAILURE (ESSENTIALLY A REAR WHEEL BEARING). I FEEL FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE CRASHED!
NHTSA complaint #10493508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,315 milesVienna, IL
WHEELS
TRAVELING TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE UNUSUAL VIBRATION IN DRIVE LINE CHECKED. RIDING ALONG AT 55 MPH WHEN REAR WHEEL OF MOTORCYCLE BEGAN TO SWAY AS IF TIRE WAS GOING FLAT. HAULED TO DEALER. DIAGNOSED AS FINAL DRIVE CROWN BEARING FAILURE (ESSENTIALLY A REAR WHEEL BEARING). I FEEL FORTUNATE NOT TO HAVE CRASHED!
NHTSA complaint #10493508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.