2008 BMW R1200 RT Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 13%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,855miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 BMW R1200 RT, 13% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,855 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.
“I was riding along at about 50 MPH when the motorcycle began experiencing a lack of stability and directional control. It felt like I had a flat tire. At the same time there was loud rumbling and a vibration felt throughout the bike.”
NHTSA complaint #10621168, filed 2014-08, 16,855 miles“With just 16124 miles, my motorcycle has a final drive ring bearing failure. The Bmw dealer diagnosed the problem when conducting the rear flange recall repair. This failure is so common that it has become endemic. Bmw offers no help with the repair an obvious design error.”
NHTSA complaint #10781671, filed 2015-10, 16,124 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Bmw r1200rt motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the drive shaft fractured and caused the rear wheel to lock. The contact was able to coast on to the road shoulder but suffered scrapes and bruises while doing so. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 52,000. Updated 09-18-13”
NHTSA complaint #10534997, filed 2013-08, 52,000 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.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2008 BMW R1200 RT
18 complaintsBrakes
7 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