2008 BMW R1200 RT Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 56%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the fuel system of the 2008 BMW R1200 RT, 56% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“This series of motorcycles has a common problem with cracks in the throttle pulleys on the throttle body. Failure of this plastic part will result in instant loss of power. I have been reading about this problem, and decided to inspect the two throttle bodies on my motorcycle as a precaution. Both of mine were cracked. One of the pulleys has three cracks in it, and would likely have failed within a short time. See photos included with this report.”
NHTSA complaint #11202929, filed 2019-04, 42,000 miles“The fuel gauge showed 1/4 tank of fuel, but the motorcycle had actually run out of fuel on a very busy section of interstate 95 in delaware just before the I 95 / I 295-I 495 split. I was in the far left hand travel lane and was able to immediately pull off onto a widened lefthand section of breakdown lane that was LED into the immediately adjacent delaware DOT salt/sand barn. …”
NHTSA complaint #10543467, filed 2013-09, 10,400 miles“A fuel leak developed in the plastic fuel pump flange at the fuel line quick disconnect fitting. I smelled a strong gasoline smell in my garage where my natural gas water heater is located. Having heard of this common problem on Bmw sport touring forum, I repaired cracks in that flange with jb weld and a $30 clamp made just to fix this problem available online. I am reporting this now to add my incident to your database on this issue. If my garage had been smaller or the leak a little worse, it could have been a disaster. ## VIN failed”
NHTSA complaint #10485796, filed 2012-11, 27,000 miles“I discovered that my fuel pump was developing cracks around the fuel line fitting. I discovered the cracks before complete failure occurred. I did not suffer a failure only because I had learned of this potential safety hazard from friends, one of whom had his left leg soaked with gasoline as a result of gasoline spray coming from beneath the left side body panels. My friend, a mechanical engineer, advised that Bmw used pipe threads in the fitting that resulted in outward force upon tightening, and failure would likely occur on all models. …”
NHTSA complaint #10485376, filed 2012-11, 28,500 miles“Vehicle has 6000 miles on it. Previous owner had a receipt from the dealer showing the fuel level sensor had been replaced under warranty. Fuel indicator shows 1/4 tank of fuel, and engine computer shows 92 miles range. Vehicle stalled at an intersection, out of fuel. I was able to push the motorcycle out of traffic, but it could have been a dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10915462, filed 2016-10, 6,000 milesRelated recalls
- 20V471000Aug 10, 2020BMW 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…Covers: BMW R1200 RT 2005–2011, R1200 GS 2005–2011, R1200 GS Adventure 2005–2011 +13 more
- 13V617000Dec 12, 2013BMW 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…Covers: BMW R1200 RT 2005–2011, R1200 GS 2005–2011, R1200 GS Adventure 2006–2011 +12 more
Related service bulletins
- 10245433Nov 13, 2023BMW Motorrad USA has become aware of a potential durability issue with the film type fuel level sender âÂÂFuel Stripâ equipped on certain model year 2005 to 2013 R and K…
- 10056106Jun 1, 2014Bmw mc: see document search button for owner letter. Information provided regarding the warranty extension, with out mileage limitations, to 12 years due to a potential…
- 10033130Dec 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: fuel level sensor repairs. Where it is necessary to replace the right or the left side fuel level sensor due to a failure, the entire pump and housing or delivery…
- 10030825Nov 1, 2007Bmw motorcycle: engine fuels containing ethanol. Bmw motorrad has no objection to the use of si engine fuels containing up to a maximum of 10% ethanol and imposes no warranty…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 2 | 33% |
| 2013 | 3 | 50% |
| 2012 | 4 | 36% |
| 2011 | 16 | 80% |
| 2010 | 6 | 67% |
| 2009 | 20 | 56% |
| 2008 | 18 | 56% |
| 2007 | 37 | 71% |
| 2006 | 30 | 56% |
| 2005 | 22 | 69% |
Other parts of the 2008 BMW R1200 RT
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW R1200 RT
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