The contact owns a 2018 BMW R 1200 GS. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the RPM's decreased and the motorcycle lost motive power. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with corrosion on the Dynamic Motor Engine (DME) connector pins. The contact was informed that the DME connector pins needed to be cleaned. The motorcycle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,500.
The worst 2018 BMW R1200 GS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Steering1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Steering1
Recalls 1
Equipment
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V481000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 BMW R1200 GS 43
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Driveshaft Maintenance Schedule Change
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Since October 2023, a new maintenance schedule is valid for all K5x models
- Multiple factors may
- BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the...
- Stress corrosion cracks may occur on the studs of certain milled footrests from the BMW Motorrad special...
- Vehicle battery not charged despite the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket...
- The bike does not shut down with a short press of the keyless ride button
- Service distance cannot be set in miles in ISTA for TFT-type instrument clusters
- During operation of the rear wheel foot brake lever, the rider feels a soft pressure point or perceptibly...
What 2018 BMW R1200 GS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle reported engine fault and cut engine power while on freeway (commonly known as "limp mode"). It was extremely dangerous trying to find somewhere to pull over with very little engine power. It has happened several times now. Vehicle is now longer safe for freeway use. It also happened once mid corner which upsets the chassis and is quite dangerous on a motorcycle. Dealer performed a software update and cleared codes on 10/29/2020 which clearly did not fix anything. No warning is given. Power is just suddenly removed.
Without warning the motorcycle steering went into what is commonly know as "death wobble" or "tank slapping" with the steering uncontrollable rapidly moving right to left and immediately crashing causing severe injuries to driver.
This is in reference to ticket # 11363230. Related to this same vehicle. I went for a ride today and the same thing happened, with the engine suddenly shutting almost completely down. Luckily, it was on a deserted country road and not in rush hour traffic. I am attaching a pdf of the obd scan I took upon returning home today. Also, please note that this defect is showing up on a number of these bikes--there is a thread discussing the issue at: https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?98612-2018-r1200rt-with-intermittent-check-engine-light&p=1223053#post1223053
Compare the 2018 BMW R1200 GS
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Questions about the 2018 BMW R1200 GS
Is the 2018 BMW R1200 GS reliable?
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2018 BMW R1200 GS, fewer than a typical R1200 GS model year.
What is the 2018 BMW R1200 GS year score?
The 2018 BMW R1200 GS scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW R1200 GS: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 BMW R1200 GS?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (1).
How many recalls does the 2018 BMW R1200 GS have?
1 recall, covering equipment.
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