2008 BMW R1200 GS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 16%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 BMW R1200 GS, 16% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 traveling down a freeway a slight vibration was felt when the suspension unloaded. The vibration suddenly turned in to a bucking from the bike's rear and the drive shaft froze, locking the rear wheel. Small flames were noticed from the forward swing arm boot which self extinguished. Inspection showed the forward universal joint failed and the rotating drive shaft tore the swing arm.”
NHTSA complaint #10588000, filed 2014-05, 51,000 miles“While traveling down the freeway the forward drive shaft universal joint failed, locking the rear wheel. The spinning forward end of the unconstrained drive shaft damaged the swing arm.”
NHTSA complaint #10910909, filed 2016-10, 51,000 miles“While riding down the freeway an odd vibration in the bike occurred when the suspension unloaded. About a half mile later the rear wheel suddenly locked up, causing the bike to jerk violently. Immediately pulling in the clutch allowed me to coast to the side. Smoke was coming out through the two swing arm joint boots. The lower u-joint of the drive shaft seized and broke due to the failure of a non-maintainable sealed bearing. The driveshaft is located in the swingarm and the flailing driveshaft caused significant damage to that part as well. …”
NHTSA complaint #10535147, filed 2013-08, 51,063 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Bmw R1200 GS motorcycle. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact noticed that the final drive unit and drive shaft were leaking a small amount of oil. The rear wheel began to wobble excessively. The vehicle was towed an authorized dealer who replaced one wheel bearing and the seal. The failure recurred and the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where they replaced the final drive unit and the drive shaft. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 36,700. …”
NHTSA complaint #10471518, filed 2012-08, 36,700 miles“Right angle final drive on 2008 R1200 GS has become a safety hazard. The bearing and splines have failed. Final drive flange and splines have become un repairable and final drive is inoperative. Motorcycle has been deemed by Bmw dealer un-safe to ride unless final drive is replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10596522, filed 2014-06Related recalls
- 08V290000Jul 1, 2008Bmw is recalling 46 my 2008 r1200 r, r1200 gs, and r1200 gs adventure motorcycles. Due to a material defect in the intermediate shaft of the transmission, the…Covers: BMW R1200 GS 2008, R1200 GS Adventure 2008, R 1200 R 2008
Related 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 2008 BMW R1200 GS
24 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine
2 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 31, 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