2008 BMW R1200 RT problems
Owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW R1200 RT. Fuel system is the most reported problem area, at 56% of complaints. After that come brakes (22%) and drivetrain & axles (12%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 32 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Fuel system 56% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 17,000 miles 27 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 14 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 9 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 0 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 27 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 17,000 miles. For fuel system specifically, the median reported mileage is about 12,000 miles (15 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a fire; 1 injury reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2008 ranks 4th most-complained-about out of 6 model years of the BMW R1200 RT with enough data (17 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 5 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl* 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
Vehicle began exhibiting engine stalling symptoms for about a month (engine dies without warning as if ignition had been cut) during city driving, while turning and pulling into a parking space at about 5 MPH, the vehicle engine quit along with instrument panel going blank. Electrical smoke began to billow between the front forks. This lasted for about 10 seconds. After getting the vehicle home, I discovered that the fire appeared to have originated in the ignition wiring harness somewhere between the front forks.
2008 BMW r1200rt at highway speed, the motorcycle engine stopped with no warning. The cause was found to be the fuel pump driver. It appears that this is a very common problem with the r1200rt.
Fuel gauge failed, warning light constantly on. Bike could run out of fuel in traffic with no warning causing dangerous situation.
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.