2009 BMW R1200 GS

Routine

Owners filed 30 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel and propulsion system. It has been recalled 5 times.

Not among the BMW R1200 GS years to avoid. Which BMW R1200 GS years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
15,329 milesMedian miles at failure

26 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2009 BMW R1200 GS problems

13 of the 30 complaints (43%) are about the fuel and propulsion system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system13
010
Power Train · transmission5
000
Electrical System4
010
Suspension2
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system2
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
000
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · transmission1
000
Fuel System, Other · fuel system1
000
Equipment1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump20V471000
Filed Aug 10, 202016,926 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW 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 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal17E052000
Filed Aug 21, 20179,000 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain accessory turn signals manufactured for 2006-2017 R1200GS, 2007-2008 and 2010-2017 R1200GS Adventure, 2017 F700GS and F800GS, 2013-2017 F800GT, 2015-2016 F800R, 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure, 2014-2016 S1000R, 2015-2017 R1200R, 2016-2017 R1200RS, and 2010-2017 S1000RR motorcycles. As designed, these accessory turn signals may be insufficiently visible to other drivers, and, as such, fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk. If other drivers cannot easily see the turn signals, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the turn signals, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs15V141000
Filed Mar 11, 201543,426 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened.

Risk. If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump13V617000
Filed Dec 12, 201350,184 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW 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 2010-2011 S 1000 model motorcycles, and model year 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel pump flange (and the auxiliary fuel pump flange if equipped) could develop cracks and leak fuel.

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will either reinforce the fuel pump flange or replace the pump, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Service Brakes, Hydraulic10V276000
Filed Jun 18, 201015,532 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2009 R 1200 AND K 1200 SERIES MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 2006 THROUGH MAY 2009. DUE TO THE CURRENT ROUTING OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DURING RIDING, AND THEREFORE ASSOCIATED VIBRATION. THE BRAKE LINES COULD BE UNDER STRAIN. IF THE VIBRATION/STRAIN IS SIGNIFICANT, THE BRAKE LINE COULD SPLIT AND START TO DEVELOP A LEAK.

Risk. IF THIS GOES UNNOTICED, AND THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR RUNS EMPTY, THE FRONT BRAKES COULD FAIL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW BRAKE LINES, CONTAINING A "SLEEVE" ALONG A PORTION OF THE LINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 29, 2024MD

While attempting to pass a car on the highway, the engine suddenly lost power, forcing me into a perilous maneuver to reach the breakdown lane at highway speed. Following vehicle recovery and upon further inspection, I discovered that both plastic throttle body cam pulleys had broken in half, completely disabling throttle control. There were no warning lights or symptoms indicating this failure was imminent. In my research to fix the issue, I found that this problem is more common than I realized and poses a serious safety risk.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 2, 2024CA

Throttle cable pulleys made of plastic have cracks. Catastrophic failure will eventually occur with zero warning, causing total loss of power. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Fuel System, GasolineFire
Filed Sep 22, 202336,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2009 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V471000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after a short ride, the contact had made a stop and ran into a machine shop. The contact had parked (P) the vehicle and left it on. When the contact returned after a few minutes he saw that the vehicle had caught fire, the engine was still running. The location of the fire was from the gasoline tank and fuel pump assembly. The contact extinguished the fire using a large extinguisher available in the shop. The fire department was not called. The contact towed the vehicle to his motorcycle shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 26, 2023MO

The Fuel line connector at fuel pump started leaking and spraying fuel onto the hot engine and exhaust pipes causing the Motorcycle to catch on fire! the 2nd fuel pump the recall was not done yet. The best I can tell the owner did not get the 2nd recall or didn't forward it to the next owner. The person who was riding the motorcycle at the time escaped from being burned! He put it out the fire with a fire extinguisher, bike looks totaled, confirmed by the Dealer. I brought the motorcycle to the BMW dealership in Kansas City it has been inspected. but not by the manufacture yet. no police report was made. No warning lamps or messages or symptoms just burst into flames!

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Jul 18, 2023MO

Hello I would like to open a case on a fire recall :VIN wb10313089zu47089 2009 BMW 1200gs Motorcycle , The motorcycle did start on fire casing much burn damage at the fuel line , needed the update fuel line and pump update. Rider was able to escape the flames and get a fire extinguisher and put out the fire ! I called BMW of north America , at first they said take it to the Dealer for a inspection it should be fixed at no charge. Made appointment for the 7-20-23 at BMW of Kansas City , Then they called me back said it was not covered because the last owner failed to take it in for the 2nd fire recall new updated fix so they are not responsible , I will keep you updated after the 20th of July , Thanks Randall McGowen , 40211 E Boswell Rd , Lone Jack, MO ( 816-699-1089) p.s. I am a retired GM master tech , seen many fire safety recalls , it defiantly sprayed fuel from the defective part to start the fire , luckily no one was burned!

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 1, 201910,700 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING MY MOTORCYCLE WHEN I NOTICED A GAS LEAK COMING FROM THE FITTING WHERE THE FUEL LINE GOES INTO THE FUEL PUMP ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE GAS TANK. THIS CAUSED GAS TO DRIP DIRECTLY ONTO THE LEFT SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE. IN THE PAST I HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE PLASTIC QUICK RELEASE FUEL LINE CRACKING WHERE IT SCREWED INTO THE FUEL PUMP (SAME LOCATION) AND DRIPPING GAS DIRECTLY ONTO THE LEFT EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHEN RIDING IT. I REPLACED THE PLASTIC QUICK RELEASE FUEL FITTING WITH A METAL ONE FROM THE SAME MANUFACTURER TO CORRECT THE ISSUE. CHECKING WITH OTHERS ONLINE, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT BOTH OF THESE ISSUES ARE KNOWN, COMMON PROBLEMS ON THIS MODEL.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 31, 201812,500 milesNH

MULTIPLE FUEL STRP FAILURES, RESULTING IN LOSS OF FUEL RELATED WARNINGS.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 6, 201823,000 milesOK

THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE CONNECTION IS CRACKED AND LEAKING FUEL. THERE ARE MULTIPLE PICTURES VIDEOS AND THREADS REGARDING RECALLS FOR THE EXACT SAME FUEL LEAK THAT I AM EXPERIENCING ON THE INTERNET. HOWEVER WHEN I CALLED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA THEY TELL ME THAT MY MOTORCYCLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. CLEARLY THIS TYPE OF FUEL LEAK REPRESENTS A FIRE HAZARD AND DIRECT LIFE SAFETY ISSUE. MY QUESTION IS HOW CAN MY PARTICULAR MOTORCYCLE BE EXCLUDED FROM THIS WELL PUBLICIZED BMW RECALL SITUATION ?? FORTUNATELY I DISCOVERED THE FUEL LEAK IN MY GARAGE AND NOT WHILE GOING 70 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 7, 201728,650 milesCA

I WAS ACCELERATING ON THE ON-RAMP TO MERGE IN TO THE SLOW LANE WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE 80 NORTH BOUND HEADING HOME. I HAD JUST SHIFTED THE MOTORCYCLE IN TO 3RD GEAR WHEN IT LOST ALL POWER AND STARTED SLOWING DOWN. THE NEXT EXIT WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO REACH SAFELY AND MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO COAST INTO THE SIDE EMERGENCY LANE. AS I WAS INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE A SMALL PLASTIC PULLEY FORM THE LEFT SIDE THROTTLE-BODY FELL TO THE GROUND. I'M CURRENTLY CONTACTING BMW MOTORCYCLES AS THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT PUT ME IN HARMS WAY. THIS PLASTIC PIECE IS UNDER CONSTANT TENSION AND IN MY OPINION SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN MAKE OF PLASTIC.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 18, 20164,700 milesMI

FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILURE TWICE. UNABLE TO DETERMINE LEVEL OF FUEL IN TAKE WHILE DRIVING AND STOPPED. INCREASED RISK OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS IN TRAFFIC.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 7, 20143,500 milesWY

ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE FUEL GAGE HAS FAILED. TWICE IT SHOWED FUEL WHILE RUNNING EMPTY, ONCE IN TRAFFIC. ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS THE FUEL SCREEN HAS GONE BLANK. THREE TIMES THEY HAVE REPAIRED IT UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS NOW HAPPENED AGAIN. I HAVE SINCE HEARD THEY RECALLED THERE CARS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. *JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 5, 201422,520 milesIL

FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY FAILED AND GAVE INACCURATE READING. I HAVE HAD THE FUEL GAUGE REPLACED 4 TIMES, MOST RECENTLY LESS THAN ONE MONTH AGO, ALWAYS BY A BMW DEALER. THAT MOST RECENT GAUGE, INSTALLED 6/7/2014 BY THE DEALER, FAILED COMPLETELY, WITHOUT WARNING, ON 7/3/14 AFTER LESS THAN 250 MILES. THE FUEL GAUGE FAILURE CAN LEAD TO SUDDEN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF POWER, IF THE GAUGE INDICATES FUEL REMAINING, WHILE IN FACT THE TANK IS EMPTY. I AM ASTONISHED THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT ORDERED BMW TO FIND A RELIABLE FIX THIS. ANECDOTAL INDICATIONS ARE THOUSANDS OF GAUGES HAVE FAILED, OVER APPROXIMATELY A FIVE MODEL YEAR PERIOD THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN WAS USED. *TR

Suspension
Filed May 29, 201416,234 milesFL

THERE HAD BEEN MANY MOTORCYCLE COMPLAINT ON SUSPENSION LEAKING PROBLEMS, WITH VERY LOW MILES ON. AND BMW IS NOT RESPONDING FOR THIS FAILURE. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 31, 201342,182 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 1200 GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE REAR FINAL DRIVE BEARING BECAME SEPARATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE FRONT BRAKE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE REAR FINAL BEARING WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,182. UPDATED 01/07/014*LJ UPDATED 1/17/2014 *JS

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 30, 201320,434 milesOH

TRAVELING APPROX 60 MPH DURING RUSH HOUR IN MIDDLE LANE OF THREE LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY. FUEL GAUGE SHOWED TWO BARS AND DISPLAY INDICATED APPROX 60 MILES OF RANGE LEFT. ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO RIGHT SHOULDER WHEN ENGINE DIED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. WAS ABLE TO PUSH APPROX 1/4 MILE TO EXIT RAMP AND THEN TO FUEL STATION. FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. FUEL GAUGE NEVER SHOWED EMPTY NOR DID LOW FUEL LIGHT COME ON. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 26, 201330,000 milesAZ

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. *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 14, 201341,240 milesCO

REFER TO ODI NO. 10439549/CAMPAIGN DP12001. DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND MOTORCYCLE REAR TIRE BEGAN TO DRIFT UNEXPECTEDLY AND MOVE SIDEWAYS. PULLED OVER EXIT AND FOUND FINAL DRIVE (DIFFERENTIAL), BRAKE AND REAR TIRE COVERED IN OIL. DISASSEMBLY REVEALED FAILED BALL BEARING (CAGE HAD DISINTEGRATED) IN FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY. MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED PER MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 10, 201315,329 milesGA

BIKE FUEL METER DOES NOT FUNCTION. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY 8/12/11 AND 8/10/13. FUEL METER RELIES ON SENSOR STRIP INSIDE FUEL TANK. SENSOR STRIP FAILS WITHOUT WARNING. OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE IF FAILURE CAUSES BIKE TO UNKNOWINGLY AND SUDDENLY RUN OUT OF FUEL WHILE MOVING. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 5, 20139,800 milesKS

THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING AND THERE WAS A YELLOW WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DISPLAY. PRIOR TO THE OUTRIGHT FAILURE, THE GAUGE HAD OCCASIONALLY SHOWN A FALSE VALUE, SHOWING TOO MUCH FUEL FOR THE MILES COVERED, AND THEN SUDDENLY IT WOULD DROP TO THE CORRECT VALUE, INDICATING ALMOST ZERO FUEL LEFT. THE GAUGE NOW SHOWS NO FUEL LEVEL AT ALL CONSTANTLY. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY WHEN THIS OCCURRED. WHEN YOU PURCHASE A NEARLY $20K MOTORCYCLE, YOU EXPECT SIMPLE THINGS LIKE A FUEL GAUGE SENSOR TO WORK RELIABLY. BMW HAS FAILED TREMENDOUSLY IN THIS RESPECT. *TR

Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit
Filed Jul 17, 201333,168 milesCA

2009 BMW R1200GS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FINAL DRIVE FAILURE IN MOTORCYCLE. *SMD 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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 14, 20135,200 milesCO

WHILE OPERATING THE MOTORCYCLE AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH IT SUDDENLY STOPPED RUNNING. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP I OBSERVED FUEL STEADILY LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP, DOWN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE AND ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST. I HAD TO LEAN THE BIKE AGAINST A FENCE POST IN ORDER TO GET FUEL TO FLOW AWAY FROM HOT EXHAUST AND PREVENT FIRE. UPON LATER EXAMINATION I FOUND THAT THE FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM MULTIPLE SMALL CRACKS IN A FLANGE LOCATED AT THE TOP TO THE FUEL PUMP AND WHERE THE FUEL LINE IS ATTACHED. THE PLASTIC FLANGE APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED LEADING TO THE LEAK. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 29, 201312,000 milesOR

FUEL GAUGE FREQUENTLY INDICATES PLENTY OF FUEL IN TANK WHEN TANK RUNS EMPTY. GAUGE WILL ALSO OCCASIONALLY SHOW EMPTY WHEN SEVERAL GALLONS OF FUEL IN TANKS. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##

Power Train
Filed Jan 19, 201328,519 milesIL

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). *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 17, 20121,500 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW R 1200 GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRIANGLE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD ONE WARNING LIGHT AND THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT IF ANY OTHER SYSTEM ON THE MOTORCYCLE FAILED, HE WOULD NOT BE AWARE OF THE PARTICULAR FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE SENSOR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,856. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.

Power Train
Filed Jul 22, 2012425 milesNY

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. THIS IS ESPECIALLY A HAZARD AT NIGHT WHEN THE LIGHTS DIM IN ORDER TO RESTART THE MOTORCYCLE. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 11, 201219,404 milesTX

BMW MOTORCYCLES FUEL GAUGE WITH "ELECTRONIC FUEL STRIP" FAIL RESULTING IN SAME CONDITION AS THEIR CAR RECALL SHOWN BELOW! DANGEROUS CONDITION RESULTS. (POST 2010 MODELS CHANGED TO FLOAT TYPE SYSTEM). SUMMARY: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2010 AND 2011 5-SERIES AND 5-SERIES GRAN TURISMO PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 12 THROUGH JULY 1, 2010. THE VEHICLE'S FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WITHIN THE FUEL TANK CAN BECOME WEDGED AGAINST THE TANK. CONSEQUENCE: IF THIS OCCURS, THE FUEL GAUGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD DISPLAY A LARGER AMOUNT OF FUEL THAN WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. AS A RESULT, IF THE TANK BECAME EMPTY, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. *TR

Power Train
Filed Feb 3, 201210,000 milesIL

AT THE INDICATED TIME, I NOTICED ROUGHNESS WHILE DRIVING. I STOPPED, EXAMINED THE DRIVETRAIN, AND FOUND ROUGHNESS WHEN TURNING THE REAR WHEEL BY HAND. I DRAINED THE DRIVETRAIN OIL AND FOUND METALLIC PARTICLES THE TEXTURE OF COARSE SAND ADHERING TO THE MAGNETIC DRAIN PLUG. THE LOCAL AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER EXAMINED THE MOTORCYCLE AND FOUND THAT A BEARING IN THE FINAL DRIVE HAD FAILED. BMW REPLACED THE BEARING AT NO COST UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS THE SAME FAILURE AS DESCRIBED IN ODI NO. 10439549, AND CURRENTLY BEING INVESTIGATED UNDER CAMPAIGN DP12001. *KB

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 15, 20119,000 milesCO

2009 BMW R1200GS FUEL STRIP FAILURE. *TR

Equipment
Filed Apr 20, 20116,200 milesCA

FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2009 BMW R1200GS MOTORCYCLE WAS SHOWING I HAD APPROXIMATELY 1/3 OF A TANK OF FUEL WHEN I RAN OUT OF GAS. I WAS TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 15MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED BUT WAS FORCED TO GET OFF THE BIKE AND PUSH IT TO THE FAST LANE SHOULDER. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE BIKE RESTARTED BY LEANING IT OVER AS FAR AS I COULD TO THE LEFT WHICH LET SOME ADDITIONAL FUEL GO FROM THE RIGHT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TANK. I FEEL THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. APPARENTLY THIS IS A WELL KNOW ISSUE BY BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AS IT SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING TO MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN BMW MOTORCYCLES. I HAVE HAD MY MOTORCYCLE IN TO THE SHOP THREE TIMES AND IT STILL IS NOT FIXED. I WILL GO IN FOR A FOURTH TIME TO SEE IF THEY CAN MAKE IT WORK PROPERLY AGAIN. *TR

Fuel System, Other
Filed Apr 20, 2011100 milesNY

RIDING MOTORCYCLE WITH FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYING 3/4 FULL TANK AND THEN SUDDENLY THE BIKE RAN OUT OF FUEL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TOOK MOTORCYCLE INTO DEALER AND THE FUEL STRIP SENSOR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER KEPT OLD PART. THE FUEL SENSOR HAS SUBSEQUENTLY FAIL TWO MORE TIMES CAUSING A STALLING OF THE ENGINE WHILE RIDING ALONG A ROAD. DEALER HAS REPLACED FUEL SENSOR STRIP THREE TIMES. *TR

All 30 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20184200Routine
20173410Routine
201612400Routine
201510400Routine
201414501Fatalities reported
201312600Routine
201210200Routine
20117400Routine
20108400Routine
2009 — this page30530Routine
200832910Routine
200742700Routine
200691000Routine
200551900Routine
20044300Routine

Compare every R1200 GS year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 10, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.