2005 BMW R1200 GS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 31%of 51 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 BMW R1200 GS, 31% of the 51 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On my Bmw r1200gs, I noticed oil leaking from the final drive. It turns out that the seal was only an indication that the drive was failing. The dealer confirmed this and has replaced the final drive under warranty. There ar rumors of this being a common problem for r1200 series bmws. The old final drive is not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10209020, filed 2007-11, 39,400 miles“Rear wheel moved side to side (bearing about to fail). Second r1200gs I owned with same safety failure, replaced and sold motorcycle at severe loss as two r1200gs rear drive failures on two low mileage r1200gs. Loss of thousands upon thousands of dollars.”
NHTSA complaint #10447862, filed 2012-02, 5,300 miles“Final drive on the motorcycle failed. This is a typical failure for many Bmw motorcycles. There was minor leakage/seepage of final drive oil before and during the failure. No crash resulted.”
NHTSA complaint #10446715, filed 2012-02, 55,474 miles“Motorcycle failed to downshift on rugged mountain roadway on numerous occasions. Shifting required stopping the vehicle and/or double clutching. Problem was diagnosed as drive spline without lubrication. Had this occurred in a busy area, the consequences could be fatal.”
NHTSA complaint #10208077, filed 2007-11, 14,000 miles“Upon replacing rear tire at the Bmw dealership, noticed a cracked rear wheel flange. These cracks appeared on 4 of 5 attachment points where the flange bolts onto the rear drive. This is a part that holds the wheel to the motorcycle. Spoke to Bmw na and they do recognize the problem as inherent defect, and have not recalled despite having redesigned the replacement part several times over the last few years (implied admission by Bmw of the inherent defect due to redesign). This is safety issue related to an inherent defect of safety critical part - the rear wheel flange. …”
NHTSA complaint #10643951, filed 2014-10, 62,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10248094Dec 13, 2023Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models. For the first time, maintenance positions for the cardan shaft (Driveshaft) are included. NOTICE: 1…
- 10236237Apr 24, 2023Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic…
- 10218351Jul 28, 2022Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts of the driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic…
- 10149276May 1, 2017During the course of the quality analysis carried out by BMW Motorrad, it has been determined that for the R 1200 models with the gearshift assistant (SA X222A) OE, a few faulty…
- 10149274May 1, 2017Customer complains about an operating failure on the left or right multifunction switch.
- 10151392Jun 1, 2016BMW Motorrad has determiend in th ecourse of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel…
- 10151238Mar 1, 2016BMW Motorrad has determined in the course of quality observation that in a few cases clutch fluid may leak between the clutch slave cylinder and the braided stainless steel…
- 10151430Aug 1, 2015Shift assist does not function after performing SIB 23 001 15 (017) DME software upgrade. This is due to a progrm fault in ISTA/p version 3.56.0.
- 10148016Mar 1, 2014Difficulty retrofitting the gear shift Assistant Pro. Early prodction and incorrect integration level.
- 10150153Mar 1, 2013Swinging arm gaiter to gearbox is split or collapsed.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 8% |
| 2014 | 4 | 29% |
| 2013 | 2 | 17% |
| 2012 | 3 | 30% |
| 2011 | 2 | 29% |
| 2010 | 2 | 25% |
| 2009 | 6 | 20% |
| 2008 | 5 | 16% |
| 2007 | 4 | 10% |
| 2005 | 16 | 31% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW R1200 GS
20 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW R1200 GS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology