2008 BMW K1200 S: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2008 BMW K1200 S
On the 2008 BMW K1200 S, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, with 5 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 5,000 miles. Overall it scores 85 out of 100, severe risk for a 2008.
Severe risk for a 2008 — 2nd riskiest of the 356 2008 vehicles we can rate. 19 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
The failures owners actually file about
Owners have reported 7 named failure modes on the 2008 BMW K1200 S, and the three most-reported carry 63% of everything filed, so the trouble here is concentrated rather than scattered.
Other engine problem leads with 5 reports and about 8.9 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other fuel system problem follows with 4 reports, median 5,000 miles.
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure follows with 3 reports, median 20,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into fuel (9), engine (5) and electrical (3).
At what mileage it happens
17 of the reports on the 2008 BMW K1200 S came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 5,000 miles.
The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 71% of the dated reports.
100% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
What happens when these parts fail
Across the named modes, 2 mention a crash. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.21, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other fuel system problem at $300–$2,200, fuel gauge or level sensor failure at $300–$1,200 and fuel pump failure at $600–$2,600. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
26% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other engine problem | engine | 5 | 5 | — | 5k | — | 8.9 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 4 | 4 | — | 4k | — | 7.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Fuel gauge or level sensor failure | fuel | 3 | 3 | — | 18k | — | 5.3 | $300–$1,200 | Moderate |
| Fuel pump failure | fuel | 2 | 2 | — | 15k | — | 3.6 | $600–$2,600 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 3.6 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 3k | — | 3.6 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 7k | — | 1.8 | $700–$3,000 | High |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2008 BMW K1200 S draws about 34 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 95th percentile of complaint rates among 2008 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 563 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2008 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other engine problem
1. Normal operation of bmw 2008 k1200s motorcycle was in progress. While slowing for stoplights or traffic, pulling in the vehicle's clutch and rolling off the throttle (either while downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear, or simply pulling in the clutch while in first gear and rolling off of the throttle), the vehicle's motor stalls and the engine shuts off. 2.) the stalling generally occurs sporadically, once every few weeks, and generally only once or twice per riding session, over the vehicle ownership period (january 2009-current). However, a recent incident on july 5th took place where the stalling would occur at every clutch pull in when the throttle dropped below 2000 RPM. This caused a drop/crash of the motorcycle at approximately 5mph, while traveling at slow speeds through a turn. Light damage occurred to bike's left fairing panel. Bike was sent to bmw dealership for diagnostics immediately after. 3.) the bmw dealership has the bike in for diagnostics, but cannot replicate the problem, and the stalls did not cause an error code they could identify. No fix for this instance has been stated yet. However, there are large levels…
Engine stall/die at low speed deceration to stop. Intermintent, one in 30-50 stops. Took to dealer 3 times for testing situation could not be dupllicated because of lack of test time available. *tr
Other fuel system problem
1. Normal operation of bmw 2008 k1200s motorcycle was in progress. While slowing for stoplights or traffic, pulling in the vehicle's clutch and rolling off the throttle (either while downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear, or simply pulling in the clutch while in first gear and rolling off of the throttle), the vehicle's motor stalls and the engine shuts off. 2.) the stalling generally occurs sporadically, once every few weeks, and generally only once or twice per riding session, over the vehicle ownership period (january 2009-current). However, a recent incident on july 5th took place where the stalling would occur at every clutch pull in when the throttle dropped below 2000 RPM. This caused a drop/crash of the motorcycle at approximately 5mph, while traveling at slow speeds through a turn. Light damage occurred to bike's left fairing panel. Bike was sent to bmw dealership for diagnostics immediately after. 3.) the bmw dealership has the bike in for diagnostics, but cannot replicate the problem, and the stalls did not cause an error code they could identify. No fix for this instance has been stated yet. However, there are large levels…
Engine stall/die at low speed deceration to stop. Intermintent, one in 30-50 stops. Took to dealer 3 times for testing situation could not be dupllicated because of lack of test time available. *tr
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure
I was driving down a road at a constant speed of 30 MPH when suddenly and unexpectedly my bike shut off. I had cars approaching me from the rear so I decided to make an immediate turn onto a secondary road. After coasting to a stop I immediately tried to start the bike with no success. It sounded like it was out of gas but I know I had at least a half of a tank. I went ahead and put more gas in the tank to top it off. Afterwards it immediately started up. The next day I went for another ride and the bike started to perform sluggish. It appear the bike was trying to shut off. I suddenly notice the fuel gauge spurting up and down from full to empty. When I pulled into my driveway the bike shut off and the fuel gauge read empty. I tried to go back to the gas station but my fuel range indicator was excessively decreasing. The fuel range indicator dropped from 167 miles to 120 within 200 meters. Then I noticed it kept running even at a stop. This bike is super dangerous. If I wasn't careful I would had definitely crashed. Bmw needs to get this fixed once and for all and definitely before someone gets killed. Right now there are…
Failure of the fuel level sending unit inside the gasoline tank caused the fuel gauge to report inaccurate fuel level. Gauge said tank was half full, but tank was empty, causing engine to sputter and stall. Check of tank fuel level with a flash light confirmed tank was empty. Added gasoline to tank and started engine ok. I have owned this motorcycle for 14 months and this makes the third failure of the fuel gauge, but the first to cause the engine to stall while the vehicle was in motion. The problem is actually very wide-spread, just google "bmw motorcycle fuel gauge problem" and see how many owners have experienced repeated failures. *tr
Recalls on the 2008 model year
NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2008 BMW K1200 S, affecting an estimated 1,401 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump, service brakes, hydraulic, suspension:rear and service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
16,926 vehicles 2020-08-10- 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…
- Consequence
- 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2,483 vehicles 2012-10-05- Defect
- BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles and 2012 and 2013 K1300 S motorcycles. In October 2012, BMW recalled 2062 2007-2008 K1200 S, K1200 R, and K1200 R Sport motorcycles. In November 2012, BMW informed the agency that it was adding model year 2012 and 2013 K1300 S (including HP Limited Edition) motorcycles to the recall campaign, representing an additional 421 units. The total number of motorcycles being recalled is now 2,483. In certain riding conditions, the brake fluid in the front brake fluid reservoir can foam.
- Consequence
- Brake fluid that foams could lead to a reduced braking capability of the front brake system, possibly resulting in a crash.
- Remedy
- The front brake fluid reservoir will be retrofitted with a screen insert, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
SUSPENSION:REAR
11,826 vehicles 2010-10-08- Defect
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 motorcycles. The bearings could be subject to corrosion. This could lead to reduced movement of the link lever.
- Consequence
- This could affect the handling of the motorcycle increasing the risk a driver may lose control of the vehicle resulting in a crash.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
548 vehicles 2008-06-04- Defect
- Bmw is recalling 548 my 2008 k1200 s and gt motorcycles. The fasteners used to secure the front brake-disc may not be long enough to ensure a secure mounting. Over time, these fasteners could loosen. If that happened, the brake disc would no longer be securely mounted.
- Consequence
- Failure to observe the following precautions, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the rider's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and install a longer front brake disc fasteners and reroute the sensor cable free of charge. The recall began during august 2008. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
39 vehicles 2008-06-02- Defect
- Bmw is recalling 30 my 2008 k1200 s and k1200 gt motorcycles. A set screw may not have been installed at its specific location within the oil duct. Consequently, an adequate supply of oil may not circulate within the engine.
- Consequence
- It is possible that connecting rod and crankshaft damage could occur. If this happened, the engine could seize. If the motorcycle was in gear, engine seizing could result in lock-up of the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a set screw in the oil duct. The recall began during august 2008. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-331-1117.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2008 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
Better and worse years of the same car
Severe risk for a 2008 — 2nd riskiest of the 356 2008 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Within the 2003–2008 generation specifically, 2005 is the strongest year at 84 and 2008 the weakest at 85.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2003-2008 generation, 2005 BMW K1200 S scores best at 84 and 2008 BMW K1200 S worst at 85.
Where these figures stop being useful
19 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 19 reports, 17 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 89% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW K1200 S?
The most-reported failures are other engine problem (5 reports, median 5,000 miles), other fuel system problem (4 reports, median 5,000 miles) and fuel gauge or level sensor failure (3 reports, median 20,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2008 BMW K1200 S reliable?
It scores 85 out of 100 on our risk index, which is severe — 2nd riskiest of the 356 2008 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2008 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the BMW K1200 S is best?
Within the 2003–2008 generation, 2005 scores best at 84 out of 100 and 2008 worst at 85. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed