Fuel level sensor indicator failed and needed replacement. This happens on all of these models but there has not been a recall or even an acceptable fix from bmw. We are advised to use our odometer and ignore warning lights on our dashboards.
2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure fuel system problems
11 complaints (61% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 11,967.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 61%
- typical mileage
- 11,967
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
BMW R 1200 GS Adventure fuel system problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure fuel system
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 20V471000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- 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].
Recall number 13V617000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Fuel Leak - Motorycle
ODI began investigating this issue after owners of model year (MY) 2004-2011 R-series BMW motorcycles reported incidents of pressurized fuel leakage from the fuel pump flange.Some owners first became aware of the problem when their pant leg was fuel-soaked.Prior to opening our initial investigation on November 16, 2012, BMW had concluded that the small number of warranty claims and owner reports did not indicate the existence of a safety defect trend.However, during the course of responding to our information requests, BMW re-examined its data and decided to conduct a recall (13V‑617) of the subject motorcycles.In conducting recall 13V‑617, BMW voluntarily expanded the scope of affected vehicles from ODI'soriginal scope, MY2005-2008 R-series motorcycles, to include the primary and auxiliary fuel pumps on all MY 2005-2011 R-series, MY 2005-2011 K12&13 models, MY 2010-2011 RR models, and the MY 2012 K1600 motorcycles.The total number of motorcycles subject to this recalled is 50,184.The 55 reports cited in this investigation can be viewed at: http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following complaint identification numbers:10485789,10449393,10521322,10475150,10435325,10493015,10471642, 10448216,10488899,10356156,10433733,10442023,10492342,10435968, 10492961,10504324,10485882,10433013,10453738,10474390,10417320, 10485276,10444876,10508150,10485807,10492118,10491835,10425962, 10430734,10488652,10485274,10493320,10522421,10399423,10443840, 10448325,10490417,10485452,10433589,10467136,10420291,10503806, 10532145,10523763,10523626,10425514,10354202,10437222,10444742, 10454834,10532172,10487624,10435984,10452476, 10485337
EA13006
Fuel Leak - Motorcycle
Owners of model year (MY) 2005-2008 R-Series motorcycles report substantial, high pressure fuel loss occurring when the fuel pump is energized.Many times they first become aware of the problem when fuel soaks their pant legs or is puddled under their parked motorcycle.The Office of Defects investigation (ODI) has obtained an owner video illustrating the issue.This video, and other material, may be found in the public file at ODI has learned that the subject fuel leak is due to cracks in the fuel outlet quick connector located on the in-tank fuel pump housing.While some owners, reluctant to incur the expense to replace the fuel pump assembly, have undertaken frequently ineffective do-it-yourself repairs primarily involving adhesive patches, two other remedies are available.The first, found in the after-market, is an aluminum clamp designed to reinforce the fuel outlet threaded flange.The second is BMW?s own remedy, appearing in early 2011, following introduction of the aftermarket clamp.It, too, involves a metal collar designed to support the fuel outlet threaded flange.In January 2004 BMW conducted safety recall 04V028 involving 2000 to 2004 Model Year K and R Series motorcycles for a pressurized fuel leak.In this case an O-ring in a fuel line quick connector could become damaged and BMW identified the potential for fire as a consequence of this failure.In its recall, influenced by an ODI investigation (PE03-054), BMW judged the fire risk to be low and the fuel loss to be insignificant -- occurring most often during cold starts -- resulting most often from improper servicing of the fuel line quick connector by its dealers. All of the complaints and warranty claims referenced in this resume involve verified fuel leaks rather than owners simply expressing a concern that a leak may develop in their subject motorcycle. With summer approaching and seasonal motorcycle usage increasing, ODI has upgraded PE12-036 to EA13-006 to further evaluate this issue, monitor fuel leak frequency, and determine the risk associated with the alleged fuel leaks.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following complaint identification numbers: 540232, 765847, 10074376, 10159252, 10236289, 10339245, 10356156, 10417320, 10425962, 10430734, 10430822, 10432269, 10433589, 10433733, 10436885, 10437222, 10442023, 10443840, 10444670, 10444742, 10444876, 10445888, 10445954, 10448104, 10448104, 10448325, 10448592, 10449393, 10451907, 10452476, 10453738, 10460566, 10463408, 10463946, 10467136, 10470251, 10471518, 10471642, 10474390, 10475150, 10474390, 10475150, 10480052, 10480834, 10485274, 10485276, 10485292, 10485337, 10485348, 10485351, 10485376, 10485434, 10485452, 10485783, 10485789, 10485796, 10485807, 10485882, 10487501, 10487624, 10488652, 10488899, 10490417, 10490868, 10491835, 10492118, 10492342, 10492961, 10493015, 10493320, 10494927, 10494899, 10495307, 10496593, 10503488, 10503806, 10504130, 10504324, 10508135, 10508150
PE12036
What 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Fuel level indicator showed empty after refilling. Flashing lights indicating problem with vehicle. Filled up with 1/2 gallon of 91 octane gasoline to visible full in tank. The tank was not empty, faulty fuel level gauge/strip. This item has been replaced in the past with no apparent permanent fix.
Arbitrary failure of the fuel level sensor. It occurred at 2,200 miles. Operation of the motorcycle was uninhibited except for a false reading on the fuel gauge. After the failure and replacement of the recalled fuel pump controller, the fuel gauge reads empty regardless of level. This results in a constant warning light that cannot be reset or turned off. This problem is well documented and a common issue with this type of fuel sensor in these motorcycles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw r1200 gs adventure motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was stated that the fuel pump electronics needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 3,300.
First, my motorcycle is titled a 2009 but manufactured in 2008. The flange where the female fuel line quick-disconnect cracked (on the left and right sides of the fuel tank) and there was a slight smell of fuel. One of the male plastic quick disconnect broke when I was making the repair. I ordered, received and installed metal quick-disconnects and repaired the cracked flange itself with parts ordered from beemer boneyard.
While riding with preteen son on the passenger seat, gas fumes became apparent. Upon inspection found the top of the riders right fuel pump was leaking fuel via several cracks thus allowing fuel to escape and become a hazard. The following has already been submitted to you but it explains the issues with this faulty fuel pump better than I could failure of the fuel pump housing high-pressure fuel quick disconnect reinforcement flange cracks under high pressure cycling and leaks, sending raw fuel down the left fairing in close proximity of the vehicles left exhaust pipe and ignition system components. Consequences of failure the combination of high fuel pressure and negligent design create substantial risk for riders of the impacted vehicles. There are multiple negative consequences of this failure, a few of which are outlined below: 1. Riders become fuel soaked as fuel leaks down the left fairing and then is forced by fairing airflow dynamics on to the riders left leg. 2. Fuel vapors, captured by the fairing and heated by the exhaust pipe become extremely volatile and could lead to a fire and/or explosion. 3. Fuel vapors rising from the fairing and exiting the top of the fairing between the instrument panel and fuel tank, are blown by airflow into the riders face. Preliminary analysis examination of the fuel pump assembly suggests that the high-pressure fuel quick disconnect reinforcement flange was inadequately designed for the fuel pump outlet pressures. Bmw's choice of a non-metallic (composite) pump housing combined with a composite high-pressure disconnect fitting was unwise and the failure mechanism is obvious. High pump pressure expands the composite high-pressure fitting causing it to readily load the fuel pump high-pressure quick disconnect flange. Over time, pressure cycling causes the quick disconnect reinforcement flange to crack allowing fuel to leak.
Fuel level sensor strip has failed for the fourth time in the last two years. This causes a warning light to illuminate on the dash and a "fuel!" warning to flash on the computer. It is distracting and decreases the rider's ability to judge when the bike is actually low on fuel.
Driving in the rain cause water to penetrate into an area where a fpc (fuel pressure controller) on the vehicle is positioned. The engine dies suddenly as fuel pressure is interrupted and the vehicle. A large number of this failure is reported by other individuals online in web board discussions making it appear a design flaw. The consequence for me was that I had to cross two lanes of traffic on a disabled motorcycle and was stranded on the side of the road. Nothing was done to correct the problem as the problem fixed itself temporarily and the dealer simply cleared the fault code from the computer and claimed to not be able to duplicate the problem.
Fuel gauge sensor displays inaccurate readings (no/low fuel when tank is full or worse, displays full tank when there is low/no fuel). This has LED to me being stranded twice. The fuel sensor has been replaced twice already by the dealership. That adds up to almost one replacement a year.
The fuel strip on my motorcycle has failed twice resulting in false readings on the fuel gauge (showing more fuel then is actually present). Bmw is aware of the problem but has so far issued no recalls or developed a solution.
Questions about the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure fuel system
Does the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure have fuel system problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the fuel system of the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure, 61% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure fuel system problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 11,967 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure fuel system?
Yes, 2 recalls: 20V471000, 13V617000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure have the most fuel system problems?
The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2007 (16 complaints) and 2008 (11 complaints).
Other 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure problems
Brakes 3Body 2Electrical 2Transmission 2Engine 1Seats 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history