Vehicle has 6000 miles on it. Previous owner had a receipt from the dealer showing the fuel level sensor had been replaced under warranty. Fuel indicator shows 1/4 tank of fuel, and engine computer shows 92 miles range. Vehicle stalled at an intersection, out of fuel. I was able to push the motorcycle out of traffic, but it could have been a dangerous situation.
2008 BMW R1200 RT: wrong fuel gauge reading
6 of the 32 complaints about the 2008 BMW R1200 RT describe wrong fuel gauge reading.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 19%
- typical mileage
- 8,350
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
Wrong fuel gauge reading by model year
What owners say
The fuel gauge showed 1/4 tank of fuel, but the motorcycle had actually run out of fuel on a very busy section of interstate 95 in delaware just before the I 95 / I 295-I 495 split. I was in the far left hand travel lane and was able to immediately pull off onto a widened lefthand section of breakdown lane that was LED into the immediately adjacent delaware dot salt/sand barn. The sudden deceleration was completely unexpected, and I was almost rear-ended by another motorist just as I was moving into the breakdown lane, in spite of pulling in the clutch to coast so as not to continue with the strong engine breaking that resulted. Had to call aaa services to get fuel enough to get to a refueling station. Fuel tank sensor was ultimately replaced by local bmw motorcycle dealer a month and a half ago, but failed again last week!!! This sensor has been a problem for bmw, and continues to be, as several of my friends have had theirs replaced several times each. If I were to run out of gas on a dangerous highway, or in a remote location - in either extreme cold or hot, without a way to contact help, it could prove to be dangerous. The sudden deceleration alone almost caused me to be rear-ended, which could have been deadly.
Fuel gauge failed, warning light constantly on. Bike could run out of fuel in traffic with no warning causing dangerous situation.
Fuel gauge failed, again, causing potential stalling in traffic creating dangerous situation.
Motorcycle gas gauge showed half full when it stopped running, had to cross two lanes of traffic during rush hour to get to the shoulder of the road. Bike was out of gas....this has happen 5 times now ( running out of gas ).. One day someone is going to be killed because bmw will not step up and recall the fuel strip causing the problem..
Bike died entering intersection. Only spacing averted accident. Bought used less than one week ago. Fuel gauge showed just under 1/2 tank and 120 miles to empty. Gas tank was empty without warning. Gas gauge strips in tank fail - bmw has known about this safety issue for years, are you? And, if "german engineering" is more than marketing, why haven't they fixed it?
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
Questions about the 2008 BMW R1200 RT fuel gauge
Is wrong fuel gauge reading a common problem on the 2008 BMW R1200 RT?
6 of 32 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW R1200 RT (19%) mention wrong fuel gauge reading. The model year with the most reports is 2007.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 BMW R1200 RT?
There are 2 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 RT
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2008 BMW R1200 RT?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history