Owners have filed 23 complaints
about the 2008 BMW R1200 RT with NHTSA between 2009 and 2019.
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 — 46
Against the median year of the BMW R1200 RT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 45
8.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
87% 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
730.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
730.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
834.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14.3%
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.
Jul 2009peak 3Apr 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 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...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 35,000 milesPhoenix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE BEGAN EXHIBITING ENGINE STALLING SYMPTOMS FOR ABOUT A MONTH (ENGINE DIES WITHOUT WARNING AS IF IGNITION HAD BEEN CUT) DURING CITY DRIVING, WHILE TURNING AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT ABOUT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ENGINE QUIT ALONG WITH INSTRUMENT PANEL GOING BLANK. ELECTRICAL SMOKE BEGAN TO BILLOW BETWEEN THE FRONT FORKS. THIS LASTED FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE HOME, I DISCOVERED THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO HAVE ORIGINATED IN THE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE FRONT FORKS. THE HARNESS WRAP APPEARS TO HAVE FRICTION WEAR INDICATIONS EXPOSING BARE WIRING. THE FAULTY WIRE MELTED THE INSULATION ALL THE WAY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH DOWN INTO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS THAT IS ROUTED UNDER THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10968858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesMason City, IL1 injured
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVE SHAFT FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ON TO THE ROAD SHOULDER BUT SUFFERED SCRAPES AND BRUISES WHILE DOING SO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 09-18-13
NHTSA complaint #10534997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 42,000 milesSanger, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS SERIES OF MOTORCYCLES HAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CRACKS IN THE THROTTLE PULLEYS ON THE THROTTLE BODY. FAILURE OF THIS PLASTIC PART WILL RESULT IN INSTANT LOSS OF POWER. I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND DECIDED TO INSPECT THE TWO THROTTLE BODIES ON MY MOTORCYCLE AS A PRECAUTION. BOTH OF MINE WERE CRACKED. ONE OF THE PULLEYS HAS THREE CRACKS IN IT, AND WOULD LIKELY HAVE FAILED WITHIN A SHORT TIME. SEE PHOTOS INCLUDED WITH THIS REPORT.
NHTSA complaint #11202929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesTallinn, Estonia, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS PUMP MOTOR IS FAILING ON MANY OF THE SAME MODEL BIKES AND SOME OTHER 2006-2008 MODEL BMW BIKES WITH LOW MILEAGE, BECAUSE THE BRUSH HOLDERS IN THE ABS ELECTRICAL MOTOR ARE TOO TIGHT AND BRUSHES GET STUCK IN THEM - BAD DESIGN OF THE ABS PUMP MOTOR. BMW WILL ASK YOU LOADS OF MONIES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PUMP, EVEN THO THEY ARE FULLY AWARE IT'S A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THE BIKES.
NHTSA complaint #11131018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,000 milesEddmond, OK
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL PUMP LEAKING FROM A CRACK IN THE HIGH PRESSURE OUTPUT LINE SPRAYED GASOLINE ON THE INSIDE OF THE FAIRING, MOTOR AND MY LEG. THE PUMP SPRAYS GASOLINE ANYTIME THE KEY IS IN THE ON POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #11013884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesPhoenix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE BEGAN EXHIBITING ENGINE STALLING SYMPTOMS FOR ABOUT A MONTH (ENGINE DIES WITHOUT WARNING AS IF IGNITION HAD BEEN CUT) DURING CITY DRIVING, WHILE TURNING AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT ABOUT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ENGINE QUIT ALONG WITH INSTRUMENT PANEL GOING BLANK. ELECTRICAL SMOKE BEGAN TO BILLOW BETWEEN THE FRONT FORKS. THIS LASTED FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE HOME, I DISCOVERED THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO HAVE ORIGINATED IN THE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN THE FRONT FORKS. THE HARNESS WRAP APPEARS TO HAVE FRICTION WEAR INDICATIONS EXPOSING BARE WIRING. THE FAULTY WIRE MELTED THE INSULATION ALL THE WAY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH DOWN INTO THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS THAT IS ROUTED UNDER THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10968858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesWhitesboro, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON, BMW SHOP SAID ABS UNIT IS BAD $2000 FIX. ON MANY BMW MOTORCYCLE FORUMS THERE ARE MANY ABS UNIT FAILURES. BMW KNOWS ABOUT THESE FAILURES BUT DOES NOTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10944497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesANN Arbor, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE HAS 6000 MILES ON IT. PREVIOUS OWNER HAD A RECEIPT FROM THE DEALER SHOWING THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR HAD BEEN REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. FUEL INDICATOR SHOWS 1/4 TANK OF FUEL, AND ENGINE COMPUTER SHOWS 92 MILES RANGE. VEHICLE STALLED AT AN INTERSECTION, OUT OF FUEL. I WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE MOTORCYCLE OUT OF TRAFFIC, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10915462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesWinston Salem, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE ABS PUMP AT 29K MILES. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. BRAKES STILL FUNCTION BUT WITHOUT ABS.
NHTSA complaint #10897994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE RIDING. INVESTIGATION BY MECHANIC SHOWS ABS HAS FAILED. BIKE ONLY HAS 26,000 MILES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND SHOULD BE A RECALL BASED ON INFORMATION AND REPORTS ON THE VARIOUS LISTS AND BOARDS I PARTICIPATE ON. FAULT CODES 24048 (ABS PUMP MOTOR DEFECTIVE) AND 24049 (POWER SUPPLY TO PUMP MOTOR FAULTY). THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT AND BASED ON IT BEING AN INTEGRAL BRAKING SYSTEM FAILURE SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED BY MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10896509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesSacramento, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS MODULE FAILED WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A HIGHWAY. THE DEALER AND BMW ASKED IF IT WAS PARKED OUTSIDE AND IT WAS FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY. THEY SAID THE MODULE CORRODED. IT IS A SEALED MODULE AND IF IT CORRODED IT MUST HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE IN ORDER TO ALL THE ELEMENTS NECESSARY IN FOR IT TO CORRODE. FORTUNATELY I AM A VERY EXPERIENCED RIDER AND QUICKLY RELEASED THE BRAKE AS IT LOCKED UP (WHAT THE ABS SYSTEM IS TO PREVENT. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF AN ABS MODULE FAILING LIKE THIS. I DISCUSSED THIS WITH THE DEALER AND BMW AND BOTH DECLINED TO HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10860628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,124 milesMelbourne, FL
POWER TRAIN
WITH JUST 16124 MILES, MY MOTORCYCLE HAS A FINAL DRIVE RING BEARING FAILURE. THE BMW DEALER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM WHEN CONDUCTING THE REAR FLANGE RECALL REPAIR. THIS FAILURE IS SO COMMON THAT IT HAS BECOME ENDEMIC. BMW OFFERS NO HELP WITH THE REPAIR AN OBVIOUS DESIGN ERROR.
NHTSA complaint #10781671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,855 milesDavis, CA
POWER TRAIN
I WAS RIDING ALONG AT ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING A LACK OF STABILITY AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. IT FELT LIKE I HAD A FLAT TIRE. AT THE SAME TIME THERE WAS LOUD RUMBLING AND A VIBRATION FELT THROUGHOUT THE BIKE.
NHTSA complaint #10621168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,400 milesKittery Point, ME
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWED 1/4 TANK OF FUEL, BUT THE MOTORCYCLE HAD ACTUALLY RUN OUT OF FUEL ON A VERY BUSY SECTION OF INTERSTATE 95 IN DELAWARE JUST BEFORE THE I 95 / I 295-I 495 SPLIT. I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT HAND TRAVEL LANE AND WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OFF ONTO A WIDENED LEFTHAND SECTION OF BREAKDOWN LANE THAT WAS LED INTO THE IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT DELAWARE DOT SALT/SAND BARN. THE SUDDEN DECELERATION WAS COMPLETELY UNEXPECTED, AND I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER MOTORIST JUST AS I WAS MOVING INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE, IN SPITE OF PULLING IN THE CLUTCH TO COAST SO AS NOT TO CONTINUE WITH THE STRONG ENGINE BREAKING THAT RESULTED. HAD TO CALL AAA SERVICES TO GET FUEL ENOUGH TO GET TO A REFUELING STATION. FUEL TANK SENSOR WAS ULTIMATELY REPLACED BY LOCAL BMW MOTORCYCLE DEALER A MONTH AND A HALF AGO, BUT FAILED AGAIN LAST WEEK!!! THIS SENSOR HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR BMW, AND CONTINUES TO BE, AS SEVERAL OF MY FRIENDS HAVE HAD THEIRS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES EACH. IF I WERE TO RUN OUT OF GAS ON A DANGEROUS HIGHWAY, OR IN A REMOTE LOCATION - IN EITHER EXTREME COLD OR HOT, WITHOUT A WAY TO CONTACT HELP, IT COULD PROVE TO BE DANGEROUS. THE SUDDEN DECELERATION ALONE ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE REAR-ENDED, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY.
NHTSA complaint #10543467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,602 milesCenter Valley, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL STRIP INDICATOR HAS NOW FAILED 3 TIMES, TWICE LEAVING ME STRANDED WITH AN EMPTY FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10535457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesMason City, IL1 injured
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW R1200RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE DRIVE SHAFT FRACTURED AND CAUSED THE REAR WHEEL TO LOCK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ON TO THE ROAD SHOULDER BUT SUFFERED SCRAPES AND BRUISES WHILE DOING SO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,000. UPDATED 09-18-13
NHTSA complaint #10534997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #10499756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesFulton, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MOTORCYCLE GAS GAUGE SHOWED HALF FULL WHEN IT STOPPED RUNNING, HAD TO CROSS TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC DURING RUSH HOUR TO GET TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. BIKE WAS OUT OF GAS....THIS HAS HAPPEN 5 TIMES NOW ( RUNNING OUT OF GAS ).. ONE DAY SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE KILLED BECAUSE BMW WILL NOT STEP UP AND RECALL THE FUEL STRIP CAUSING THE PROBLEM..
NHTSA complaint #10499731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,000 milesBaker, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
A FUEL LEAK DEVELOPED IN THE PLASTIC FUEL PUMP FLANGE AT THE FUEL LINE QUICK DISCONNECT FITTING. I SMELLED A STRONG GASOLINE SMELL IN MY GARAGE WHERE MY NATURAL GAS WATER HEATER IS LOCATED. HAVING HEARD OF THIS COMMON PROBLEM ON BMW SPORT TOURING FORUM, I REPAIRED CRACKS IN THAT FLANGE WITH JB WELD AND A $30 CLAMP MADE JUST TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AVAILABLE ONLINE. I AM REPORTING THIS NOW TO ADD MY INCIDENT TO YOUR DATABASE ON THIS ISSUE. IF MY GARAGE HAD BEEN SMALLER OR THE LEAK A LITTLE WORSE, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. *TR ## VIN FAILED
NHTSA complaint #10485796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,500 milesGranbury, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I DISCOVERED THAT MY FUEL PUMP WAS DEVELOPING CRACKS AROUND THE FUEL LINE FITTING. I DISCOVERED THE CRACKS BEFORE COMPLETE FAILURE OCCURRED. I DID NOT SUFFER A FAILURE ONLY BECAUSE I HAD LEARNED OF THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD FROM FRIENDS, ONE OF WHOM HAD HIS LEFT LEG SOAKED WITH GASOLINE AS A RESULT OF GASOLINE SPRAY COMING FROM BENEATH THE LEFT SIDE BODY PANELS. MY FRIEND, A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, ADVISED THAT BMW USED PIPE THREADS IN THE FITTING THAT RESULTED IN OUTWARD FORCE UPON TIGHTENING, AND FAILURE WOULD LIKELY OCCUR ON ALL MODELS. I PURCHASED A "FIX" KIT FOR THIS WIDELY KNOWN PROBLEM FROM BEEMER BONEYARD, NAMELY A METAL CLAMP TO PLACE AROUND THE BASE OF THE PLASTIC FUEL PUMP FITTING. I HOPE IT HOLDS THE CRACKS FROM GROWING ANY WORSE. THIS FUEL PUMP SHOULD BE RECALLED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS AN OPEN INVESTIGATION ON THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10485376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesSanger, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DISCOVERED SEVERAL CRACKS AT FUEL PUMP OUTLET FLANGE. REPAIRED AT MY OWN COST IN ORDER TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FIRE. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN AND WELL-DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WITH THIS FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10485348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,350 milesRaleigh, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
BIKE DIED ENTERING INTERSECTION. ONLY SPACING AVERTED ACCIDENT. BOUGHT USED LESS THAN ONE WEEK AGO. FUEL GAUGE SHOWED JUST UNDER 1/2 TANK AND 120 MILES TO EMPTY. GAS TANK WAS EMPTY WITHOUT WARNING. GAS GAUGE STRIPS IN TANK FAIL - BMW HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE FOR YEARS, ARE YOU? AND, IF "GERMAN ENGINEERING" IS MORE THAN MARKETING, WHY HAVEN'T THEY FIXED IT?
NHTSA complaint #10472467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,520 milesIndianapolis, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2008 BMW R1200RT (MOTORCYCLE) ENGINE STALLS WHILE IN OPERATION. THIS OCCURRED 3 OCCASIONS DURING A COMMUTE. FIRST STALL AFTER ACCELERATION. RESTARTED ENGINE. APPROXIMATELY 1/2 MILE DOWN THE ROAD TRAVELING 45 MPH SECOND ENGINE STALL OCCURS. RESTARTED ENGINE.. THIRD ENGINE STALLS OCCURS WITHIN ANOTHER MILE OF THE SECOND STALL ON A BUSINESS LOOP. RESTARTED ENGINE. EACH TIME THE ENGINE STALLED I WAS FORCED TO ENTER THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHILE AVOID TRAFFIC BEHIND MY MOTORCYCLE. EACH TIME THE STALL OCCURRED THEIR WAS NO VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE CUE THE ENGINE WAS NO LONGER IN OPERATION THE ENGINE SIMPLY QUIT.
NHTSA complaint #10334368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,600 milesPark Hall, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2008 BMW R1200RT WITH UNDER 4,000 MILES OF SERVICE. REAR BRAKE PULSES UNPREDICTABLE UPON APPLICATION. NOT RELATED TO ABS. BMW DEALER ANALYSIS DETERMINED THAT IT IS DUE TO IMPROPER SURFACE TEMPERING OF THE BRAKE DISK. THIS CAUSES ALTERNATING PATCHES OF SOFT/HARD SURFACE ON THE DISK. BMW NA REFUSED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND PROVIDE COVERAGE UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION, SHARED BY OTHER MODEL AND YEAR BMW MOTORCYCLES, FOR WHICH BMW SHOULD PROVIDE RECALL AND RESOLUTION.
NHTSA complaint #10308965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,800 milesRochester, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2008 BMW R1200RT AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE MOTORCYCLE ENGINE STOPPED WITH NO WARNING. THE CAUSE WAS FOUND TO BE THE FUEL PUMP DRIVER. IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE R1200RT.
NHTSA complaint #10277690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.