Fuel strip sensor failure. The fuel strip sensor that sends fuel level information to the motorcycle dash has failed. This is a known issue by BMW. When the strip fails, it no longer sends accurate fuel level information and the fuel indicator on the dash is no longer reliable. In my case, the fuel level reads full permanently even though fuel has been completely depleted. BMW's remedy is/was to replace the faulty fuel strip with another of the same faulty design rendering a situation where the rider can never rely on the fuel gauge. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the issue which results in unsafe riding conditions when the engine suddenly dies unexpectedly from lack of fuel.
2008 BMW R1200 GS: wrong fuel gauge reading
6 of the 32 complaints about the 2008 BMW R1200 GS describe wrong fuel gauge reading.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 19%
- typical mileage
- 7,757
- recalls
- 3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
Wrong fuel gauge reading by model year
- 20121
- 20111
- 20101
- 20099
- 20086
- 20072
- 20052
What owners say
While travelling at the speed limit on the left lane in busy traffic, the motorcycle quit as if I had shut off the key. I had to maneuver through 4 lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. I believe that the fuel level indicator shut the bike off even though there was fuel in the tank. Once stopped, the bike started again and ran normally. I believe that the fuel level indicator can interrupt engine operation when it gets to a point of zero range, even though the bike has adequate fuel in the tank. I have asked bmw to verify this and they will not. Owners should be advised that this can happen as I narrowly avoided a serious accident. If it cannot happen, then I need to look what did happen. Bmw recommends that I talk to the dealer, but he has already told me that he cannot answer the question. They have also offered to send a rep to look at the bike, but as customers, we need to know if this can happen and be warned about it so we know what to do. The dealer did replace the fuel strip and since then the fuel strip has been replaced two more times, and is now inoperable. Bmw needs to answer my question because if the fuel strip can interrupt engine operation bmw owners need to know. Without knowing this, it is a serious safety issue which easily could have resulted in a fatality which probably would have been attributed to operator error.
Running out of gas due to faulty fuel strip sensor which prevents determining fuel level in gas tank. Danger is being rear ended by on coming vehicles. This is the 7th bmw fuel sensor strip that has failed for my wife and I in the years from 2005 to 2014. There have been 2 on two 2005 k1200ses, 1 on a 2006 k1200s, 3 on two 2008 k1200ses, and 1 on a 2008 r1200gs fuel level strips that have failed.
Engine stopped at highway speed. Fuel gauge not working. Dropped bike.
Fuel gauge sensor strip, fuel gauge does not work or works intermittently, is a well know problem with post 2005 bmw motorcycles. This is a major safety feature, could possibly run out of gas in heavy traffic and cause an accident or run out of gas in the middle of no where. Bmw needs to recall all bikes with this fuel strip as a preventative measure to ensure the public is out of harms way!!!
2008 bmw gs motorcycle ran out gas while at a stop light. Gas gage showed a range of 50 miles left in the tank before empty. This has been repaired twice because of the fuel strip in the tank fails to read the fuel level. I have been lucky, and have not had this happen while in motion on the freeway or highway putting me in danger from other vehicles due to sudden loss of fuel to the engine.
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
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2008 r1200 gs motorcycles manufactured between august 2006 and january 2008. The sealing of the fuel pump control unit housing might be insufficient and water could intrude into the control unit housing creating a humid atmosphere. Under such conditions, the fuel pump could corrode and then fail.
- Risk
- Failure of the fuel pump will cause inadequate fuel to reach the engine and cause the engine to stop running. A loss of engine power without warning could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners and replace the fuel pump control unit free of charge. The safety recall began on november 9, 2009. Owners may contact bmw at 1‑800‑831‑1117.
Recall number 09V319000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2008 BMW R1200 GS fuel gauge
Is wrong fuel gauge reading a common problem on the 2008 BMW R1200 GS?
6 of 32 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW R1200 GS (19%) mention wrong fuel gauge reading. The model year with the most reports is 2009.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 BMW R1200 GS?
There are 3 recalls and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2008 BMW R1200 GS
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