Fuel gauge stopped responding, leading to running out of fuel while moving. This is a common failure on many bike models from bmw from 2005-2013. I have had this happen 5 times so far, and each time the fuel level measuring strip in the fuel tank was replaced. This is an unsafe condition since loss of engine power from running out of fuel can be quite dangerous on a motorcycle. The date listed below is the first instance of when it happened.
2013 BMW R 1200 R: wrong fuel gauge reading
6 of the 12 complaints about the 2013 BMW R 1200 R describe wrong fuel gauge reading.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 50%
- typical mileage
- 1,100
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
Wrong fuel gauge reading by model year
What owners say
The fuel gauge showed low level and the reserve visual alarm stayed on while there was plenty of fuel in the tank. Reported to dealer, official bmw dealer broward motorsport of palm beach, their report claimed they have fixed the issue, the motorcycle had 1166 miles at time of service. Today, at 1540 miles the same issue occurred again, there is plenty of fuel in the tank but the gauge show the lowest bar only and the visual alarm light stays on at all times. I will now have to take the motorcycle to the dealership to install the 3rd fuel gauge in 1500 miles. It's a 17,500 $, 2013 new motorcycle, still under warranty, but I would like to know what will happen once the warranty will be expired, by reading online forums it seems like this is a very common and repetitive issue with apparently no solution apart from keep on replacing while it will keep on repeating. Please inform if there is any solution. Thanks
Low fuel light illuminated and reported 42 miles to empty on the instrument cluster. Approximately 7 miles later the motorcycle lost power while on the roadway. Fuel gauge still showed one bar and 42 miles to go at the time power was lost. Bmw apparently knows all about this problem but has not fixed the defective fuel strip design to prevent future occurrences.
The fuel gauge indicated a full tank, but wasn't correct. When the tank ran dry, I lost all power on the expressway going 75mph in crowded traffic.
The fuel gauge ceased working and registers empty all the time. The "low fuel" light is illuminated despite having gone only 50 miles since filling the tank. Visual examination confirms the tank is approx. 3/4 full. From a very brief investigation, I discovered this has been a common issue with the r1200r for several years. I am reporting in hopes that pressure can be brought for real fix by bmw instead of simply replacing faulty fuel strips with more faulty fuel strips. Some owners report having the strips replaced 4-5 times within a 3 year period. The mode of failure can be intermittent operation, constant "full" reading, or a constant "empty" reading. Since I live in the arizona desert, I frequently can be many miles from any assistance, and not having accurate knowledge of my fuel situation could be extremely dangerous.
Purchased a brand new 2013 bmw r1200r motorcycle and within 10 miles of riding away from dealer low fuel warning comes on and fuel gauges no longer working. Stopped at nearest gas station and checked gas tank to find full tank of gas as dealer stated. Called dealer and was told to continue to ride motorcycle for 50 miles and computer should re-set. Continued to ride for 50 miles and no resolution. Contacted dealer again and I was told I need to come in for service to replace fuel sensor strip. On a brand new motorcycle I feel this is unacceptable. Upon researching the problem I learned and the dealer confirmed this has been an on going issue with bmw motorcycles for years. Very disappointing to learn after spending $17,000 on a brand new motorcycle. Bmw has not resolved the issue other than inconveniencing people to return for service. If the bike is no longer under warranty its a costly fix. More than just inconvenience, this is also a safety issue because the rider can unknowingly run out of gas if the gauges aren't working properly which can put a rider in harms way. I've also learned that bmw had the same issue with the 2010-2011 5-series cars and had a safety recall put into effect to resolve issue. Why are the motorcycles not being handled in the same fashion? It's just as much of a safety issue if not more considering the physical exposure on a motorcycle. It's unacceptable to purchase a brand new bmw motorcycle and be faced with a malfunction issue that has been going on for years. Bmw should not be allowed to sell equipment that they are well aware of is faulty. Something needs to be done, there are literally thousands of motorcycle owners with the same problem. This needs to be investigated immediately.
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
Questions about the 2013 BMW R 1200 R fuel gauge
Is wrong fuel gauge reading a common problem on the 2013 BMW R 1200 R?
6 of 12 owner complaints about the 2013 BMW R 1200 R (50%) mention wrong fuel gauge reading. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 BMW R 1200 R?
There is 1 recall and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2013 BMW R 1200 R?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history