2005 BMW R1200 GS transmission problems

Filed Oct 10, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 62,000 miles · CA

Upon replacing rear tire at the bmw dealership, noticed a cracked rear wheel flange. These cracks appeared on 4 of 5 attachment points where the flange bolts onto the rear drive. This is a part that holds the wheel to the motorcycle. Spoke to bmw na and they do recognize the problem as inherent defect, and have not recalled despite having redesigned the replacement part several times over the last few years (implied admission by bmw of the inherent defect due to redesign). This is safety issue related to an inherent defect of safety critical part - the rear wheel flange. Failure of this part while the vehicle is being operated may cause loss of rear brake function, loss of steering ability, sudden seizure of rear wheel, and/or possible loss of rear wheel. This may lead to serious injury and even death.

Filed Jun 4, 2014 · Brakes, Transmission · 32,390 miles · MA

I was replacing my rear brake rotor. The rotor is bolted to a piece called a flange (part number 33117722831) using 5 bolts. I found that each of the 5 bolt holes in the flange are cracked. If this part were to come apart while riding I think it would cause the rear wheel to lock up and skid or possibly worse. The flange (part number 33117722831) is also part of the power train and rear wheel drive system (also known as the final drive system) for the bmw r1200gs motorcycle. The bmw must know that this is a dangerous problem because they have redesigned the part. Searching the internet for "bmw r1200gs flange crack" returns many pages of information on this problem. Here is a good summary: http://www.mts1200.info/motorcycleinfo/indexe65d.html?fa=contentgeneric.nkyqiukevryeuzut&pageid=360814.

Filed Jun 27, 2013 · Brakes, Transmission · 42,398 miles · UT

Rear wheel/brake disk drive flange has multiple cracks, could have caused rear wheel or brake rotor to separate from motorcycle. Bmw knows this is a safety issue, the replacement part bmw # 33117722831 has been completely redesigned and made from steel now, this item needs to be recalled, it could easily cause loss of control and death.

Filed Apr 2, 2013 · Transmission · 68,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw r1200gs motorcycle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for unrelated maintenance when they noticed that the rear wheel final drive was severely worn. The part was ordered and the vehicle was later repaired. The rear brake pads were replaced during the repair due to an excessive oil leak from the rear wheel. The drive shaft was also damaged and would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000. Updated 06/10/13 *bf the consumer stated the final drive seal blew while driving. The rear tire was covered in oil. In addition, the rear brake pad had to be replace due to oil damage. While repairing the final drive. The mechanic found the drive shaft was notchy and needed to be replaced.

Filed Sep 27, 2012 · Transmission · 10,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw r1200 gs motorcycle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection where they detected that the drive-line seal was leaking internally. The contact referenced a concurrent investigation under the federal safety agency campaign id number: dp12001 (power train:drive line:differential unit) that could have been related to the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. Updated 10/24/12*lj updated 10/25/12

Filed Aug 27, 2012 · Transmission · 16,701 miles · SD

Final drive unit failed and locked up the rear wheel

Filed Feb 13, 2012 · Transmission · 5,300 miles · IL

Rear wheel moved side to side (bearing about to fail). Second r1200gs I owned with same safety failure, replaced and sold motorcycle at severe loss as two r1200gs rear drive failures on two low mileage r1200gs. Loss of thousands upon thousands of dollars.

Filed Feb 13, 2012 · Transmission · 6,000 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

Rear drive failure while riding two up, oil soaked rear wheel, wheel wobble. Between wobble and oil control lost (and slow speed at that point).

Filed Feb 11, 2012 · Transmission · 83,772 miles · GA

Final drive and driveshaft failed.

Filed Feb 5, 2012 · Transmission · 55,474 miles · VA

Final drive on the motorcycle failed. This is a typical failure for many bmw motorcycles. There was minor leakage/seepage of final drive oil before and during the failure. No crash resulted.