2009 BMW R1200 GS Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 20%of 30 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,260miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2009 BMW R1200 GS, 20% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,260 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.
“30,000 miles, one week after dealership completed the required 30k service, driving 35-40 MPH on asphalt road, felt extreme wobble on back wheel, black oil all over back rim and wheel. Dealership reports the complete final drive system failed at a cost of $2500.00 to me as it just went out of warranty. This is the second major issue, esa also went out at 9000k. Thankfully I was not injured due to the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10537358, filed 2013-08, 30,000 miles“I purchased the motorcycle new with just over 300 miles on it. After I began riding it I discovered that it would stall intermittently. This stalling would occur when decelerating from high rpms (above 2000), when the throttle was closed and the clutch was pulled in. The motorcycle now has over 13,000 miles on it and the problem continues. It has been to the dealer for service on this issue many times and for over several months cumulatively. The dealer claims that they cannot find the issue, yet their answer (that they 'can't find an issue') remains unconvincing, in my mind. …”
NHTSA complaint #10466931, filed 2012-07, 425 miles“2009 Bmw r1200gs. Consumer writes in regards to final drive failure in motorcycle. The consumer submitted a photo of the rear wheel, to show the extent of how the gear oil leaked. The consumer referenced NHTSA campaign # dp12001.”
NHTSA complaint #10524430, filed 2013-07, 33,168 miles“Riding the motorcycle to dealership when I noticed a vibration in the drive train. Dealership diagnosed as final drive crown bearing failure(essentially rear wheel bearing).”
NHTSA complaint #10493510, filed 2013-01, 28,519 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 2009 BMW R1200 GS
20 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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