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.
BMW R 1200 GS Adventure fuel gauge problems
13 of the 72 owner complaints about the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure describe wrong fuel gauge reading, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 13
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical mileage
- 12,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20093
- 20087
- 20072
- 20061
Often reported together
What owners say
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.
Fuel gauge not working. Have had several fuel level strips replaced. Bmw dealer tells me there is no fix.
While riding along a twisty rural road with a passenger the engine quit without warning. Due to the rural nature of the roadway and the prevailing terrain, there were few safe places to pull over. Fortunately I was on a downhill slope and was able to quickly regain balance of the machine and coast until a safe pullout could be reached. Upon inspection, it was determined the fuel indicating system was faulty indicating about 1/3 of a tank of fuel remaining when the tank was empty, also, the low fuel light did not illuminate or the range to empty appear, as is the design of the system. The fuel indication system on this machine consists of a fuel gauge, a low fuel light, and a range until empty. The system had worked accurately until the failure, meaning I had no previous indication that the system was failing or about to fail. Since motorcycle stability is frequently dependent on proper application of throttle, the sudden stoppage of the engine could quite easily lead to a crash.
Fuel gauge displaying 1/2 tank of fuel when tank was actually empty. Motorcycle ran out of fuel on busy freeway with limited shoulder access. Was almost hit by numerous cars getting to a safe place. Fuel level strip has been replaced twice and is again not working. This is very common on these motorcycles, and dangerous as you never know when you will be out of gas.
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.
New bmw motorcycle, 2007 gs adv. Fuel gauge failed with in weeks. Repaired twice. 3 months out of warranty, failed again. Discovered by running out of gas away from home. Reported to dealer and he indicated bmw would not fix. However, this issue is so problematic that bmw has put a different send unit on the new bikes. Now the mileage and miles left do not work.
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.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2014 S 1000 RR/R/ HP4, R 1200 GS/GS Adventure/R/RT, K 1300 S, K 1600 GT/GTL/GTL Exclusive and 2014 R nine T motorcycles. The fuel pump, and auxiliary fuel pump in certain models, may crack and leak fuel during vehicle operation.
- Risk
- A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 21V060000 · Recall details
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
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain 2005 through 2007 r 1200 gs adventure motorcycles manufactured from december 7, 2005 through september 26, 2007. The fuel tank front attachment bolts can work loose allowing the bolts to come into contact with the fork leg if the handlebar is turned a significant amount.
- Risk
- This could limit the travel range of the handlebars which could affect handling and maneuverability of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners and dealers will repair motorcycles by further securing the bolts using loctite. The repair will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on august 30, 2010. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 10V275000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure fuel gauge
Which BMW R 1200 GS Adventure years have wrong fuel gauge reading problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (7 complaints), 2009 (3 complaints) and 2007 (2 complaints).
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