Model year record

2008 BMW K 1200 S recalls & problems

The 2008 BMW K 1200 S has 7 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is fuel/propulsion system (5 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints13filed by owners

Crashes · fires1 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineAug 10, 2020

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 20V47100016,926 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

WheelsMar 11, 2015

Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Recall 15V14100043,426 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.
Risk: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel system, gasolineDec 12, 2013

Delivery › Fuel pump

Recall 13V61700050,184 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 model year R-model motorcycles, model year 2005-2012 K-model motorcycles, model year 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Service brakes, hydraulicOct 5, 2012

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 12V4870002,483 vehicles

Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 K1300 S motorcycles. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012 and 2013 K1300 S (including HP Limited Edition) motorcycles to the recall campaign, representing an additional 421 units. The total number of motorcycles being recalled is now 2,483. In certain riding conditions, the brake fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir can foam.
Risk: Brake fluid that foams could lead to a reduced braking capability of the front brake system, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

SuspensionOct 8, 2010

Rear

Recall 10V48800011,826 vehicles

Problem: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 MOTORCYCLES. THE BEARINGS COULD BE SUBJECT TO CORROSION. THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED MOVEMENT OF THE LINK LEVER.
Risk: THIS COULD AFFECT THE HANDLING OF THE MOTORCYCLE INCREASING THE RISK A DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

Service brakes, hydraulicJun 4, 2008

Foundation components › Disc

Recall 08V245000548 vehicles

Problem: BMW IS RECALLING 548 MY 2008 K1200 S AND GT MOTORCYCLES. THE FASTENERS USED TO SECURE THE FRONT BRAKE-DISC MAY NOT BE LONG ENOUGH TO ENSURE A SECURE MOUNTING. OVER TIME, THESE FASTENERS COULD LOOSEN. IF THAT HAPPENED, THE BRAKE DISC WOULD NO LONGER BE SECURELY MOUNTED.
Risk: FAILURE TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRAFFIC AND ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE RIDER'S REACTIONS, COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A LONGER FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS AND REROUTE THE SENSOR CABLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Engine and engine coolingJun 2, 2008

Engine

Recall 08V23900039 vehicles

Problem: BMW IS RECALLING 30 MY 2008 K1200 S AND K1200 GT MOTORCYCLES. A SET SCREW MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT ITS SPECIFIC LOCATION WITHIN THE OIL DUCT. CONSEQUENTLY, AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF OIL MAY NOT CIRCULATE WITHIN THE ENGINE.
Risk: IT IS POSSIBLE THAT CONNECTING ROD AND CRANKSHAFT DAMAGE COULD OCCUR. IF THIS HAPPENED, THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE. IF THE MOTORCYCLE WAS IN GEAR, ENGINE SEIZING COULD RESULT IN LOCK-UP OF THE REAR TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SET SCREW IN THE OIL DUCT. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING AUGUST 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-331-1117.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Typical mileage*
Fuel/propulsion system	5	0	7,300 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	4	1	7,102 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine	3	1	2,005 mi
Electrical system	2	0	—
Service brakes	2	0	—
Engine	2	0	—
Electronic stability control (esc)	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
BMW K1200S 2008, ENGINE SHOTS OFF WHEN COMING TO STOP ON LOW SPEEDS. THE BIKE THEN NEEDS TO BE IN A COMPLETE STOP, SWITCH GEAR TO NEUTRAL TO RESTART. IT HAPPENS RANDOM AND COULD HAPPENED ANYWHERE. IN ONE RIDE IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES AND IT HAS HAPPENED EVERY TIME I RIDE IT SO FAR. I NEED HELP TO FIX THE ISSUE! IT FEELS REALLY UNSAFE AS THE ENGINE AND DRIVE TRAIN ARE CRUCIAL ELEMENTS OF THE TRACTION IN A MOTORCYCLE, IF THIS WERE TO HAPPENED IN A CURVE OR THE FREEWAY...IT COULD BE A DISASTROUS TIME. I HOPE SOMEONE CAN READ THIS AND DO SOMETHING TO HELP FIX THE ISSUE.
Oct 5, 2018 · 5,450 miles
Service brakes
ABS BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER RAIN FALL, BRAKING IS IMPACTED, WAS TOLD THAT MANY OWNERS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ABS BRAKE MOTOR FAILURE DUE TO BAD MOTOR AND /OR MOTOR BRUSHES STICKING TO ARMITURE IN MOTOR. I-BMW.COM USERS HAVE NOTED THE SAME THING WITH BMW MOTORCYCLES. THIS DOES EFFECT THE USE OF THE BRAKES. *TR
Jul 20, 2013
Fuel system, gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW K1200 S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL WAS EMPTY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR BECAME INOPERABLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR STRIP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,500.
May 15, 2014 · 17,500 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
THE BIKE REPEATEDLY STALLED DURING DECELERATION WITH A CLOSED THROTTLE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. CLUTCH WAS ENGAGED. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES BEFORE AND I'VE HAD ENOUGH OF IT. I'VE READ THREADS ONLINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND BMW DOESN'T SEEM TO HAVE AN ANSWER (SEEMS TO DENY THE PROBLEM). THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE ISSUE WHEN ON A MOTORCYCLE. *JS
Apr 27, 2014 · 7,300 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW K1200 S MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECELERATING, THE FRONT BRAKES PULSATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A COMPUTER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Feb 11, 2014 · 7,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
FAILURE OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT INSIDE THE GASOLINE TANK CAUSED THE FUEL GAUGE TO REPORT INACCURATE FUEL LEVEL. GAUGE SAID TANK WAS HALF FULL, BUT TANK WAS EMPTY, CAUSING ENGINE TO SPUTTER AND STALL. CHECK OF TANK FUEL LEVEL WITH A FLASH LIGHT CONFIRMED TANK WAS EMPTY. ADDED GASOLINE TO TANK AND STARTED ENGINE OK. I HAVE OWNED THIS MOTORCYCLE FOR 14 MONTHS AND THIS MAKES THE THIRD FAILURE OF THE FUEL GAUGE, BUT THE FIRST TO CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE PROBLEM IS ACTUALLY VERY WIDE-SPREAD, JUST GOOGLE "BMW MOTORCYCLE FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM" AND SEE HOW MANY OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED REPEATED FAILURES. *TR
Aug 26, 2013 · 22,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
THE BMW K-SERIES MOTORCYCLES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH CRACKS IN THE FUEL PUMP HOUSING THAT NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING FOR THE R-SERIES BIKES (INVESTIGATION: PE 12-036 / INVESTIGATOR: [XXX]). THIS PROBLEM IS POTENTIALLY MORE SERIOUS IN THE K-SERIES BIKES BECAUSE ON THE K-SERIES MACHINES THE LEAK IS OVER THE CYLINDER HEADS WHERE THERE IS A GREATER DANGER OF FIRE. BMW HAS INDICATED TO ME (BY PHONE) THAT THEY WILL NOT REPAIR THIS WIDE-SPREAD DEFECT IN THEIR MOTORCYCLES THAT ARE OUT OF WARRANTY UNTIL THERE IS A RECALL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Feb 6, 2013 · 17,200 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AT A CONSTANT SPEED OF 30 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY MY BIKE SHUT OFF. I HAD CARS APPROACHING ME FROM THE REAR SO I DECIDED TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE TURN ONTO A SECONDARY ROAD. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO START THE BIKE WITH NO SUCCESS. IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS BUT I KNOW I HAD AT LEAST A HALF OF A TANK. I WENT AHEAD AND PUT MORE GAS IN THE TANK TO TOP IT OFF. AFTERWARDS IT IMMEDIATELY STARTED UP. THE NEXT DAY I WENT FOR ANOTHER RIDE AND THE BIKE STARTED TO PERFORM SLUGGISH. IT APPEAR THE BIKE WAS TRYING TO SHUT OFF. I SUDDENLY NOTICE THE FUEL GAUGE SPURTING UP AND DOWN FROM FULL TO EMPTY. WHEN I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY THE BIKE…
Jun 28, 2012 · 2,300 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Fuel Leak - MotorycleClosedLed to recall 13V617000
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 subject motorcycles.In conducting recall 13V-617, BMW voluntarily expanded the scope of affected vehicles from ODI'soriginal scope, MY2005-2008 R-series motorcycles, to include the primary and auxiliary fuel pumps on all MY 2005-2011 R-series, MY 2005-2011 K12&13 models, MY 2010-2011 RR models, and…
EA13006 · opened Jul 12, 2013 · closed Jan 31, 2014