2008 BMW R1200 GS Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 6%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine of the 2008 BMW R1200 GS, 6% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,100 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While travelling at the speed limit on the left lane in busy traffic, the motorcycle quit as if I had shut off the key. I had to maneuver through 4 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. I believe that the fuel level indicator shut the bike off even though there was fuel in the tank. Once stopped, the bike started again and ran normally. I believe that the fuel level indicator can interrupt engine operation when it gets to a point of zero range, even though the bike has adequate fuel in the tank. I have asked Bmw to verify this and they will not. …”
NHTSA complaint #10760928, filed 2015-09, 12,000 miles“On 17 august 2014 at newcomb's ranch in the angeles national forest east of los angeles at approximately 10:15 am I discovered that the ignition switch detent mechanism had failed on my 2008 Bmw r1200gs motorcycle. I was able to freely rotate the ignition key between on and off, so that the slightest torque from a key fob or wind could turn the key to off, which would shut the engine and all electrical systems off, perhaps unexpectedly during operation of the vehicle. The failed ignition switch detent condition apparently occurred during my one hour ride on l.a. …”
NHTSA complaint #10630849, filed 2014-09, 20,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10165274Aug 1, 2019Ticking noises from the cylinder hood.
- 10165251Aug 1, 2019Ticking noises from the cylinder hood.
- 10149206Oct 1, 2014When the throttle is closed, the engine goes into emergency mode.
- 10193510Sep 10, 2014Oil leak immediately after replacing cylinder head cover seal set.
- 10053961Oct 1, 2013Bmw mc: the engine oil capacity in repair and service data (rsd) for changing oil and oil filter, is too high and would over fill beyond maximum level, resulting in malfunction…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW R1200 GS
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW R1200 GS
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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