FIRST INDICATION OF THE FINAL DRIVE FAILING WAS A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE REAR WHEN RUNNING OVER EXPANSION JOINTS AT HIGHWAY SPEED ,5/25/12 @ 15,784 MILES. THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL OIL LEAK. THE DEALER MADE REPAIR AT MY EXPENSE. SECOND FAILURE ON DAY TRIP 9/24/15 @ 26,687 NOTICED CLUNKING RIDING ON ROUGH PAVEMENT COMING FROM REAR OF BIKE,SPEED APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. AGAIN NO OIL LEAK AND WHEEL RIM AGAI…
2008 BMW K 1200 GT powertrain problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
MY BMW MOTORCYCLE HAS, ACCORDING TO THE DEALER (CROSS COUNTRY BMWIN METUCHEN NJ) , SUSTAINED A FAILURE REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF THE FINAL DRIVE, AN $1800 PART. THE BIKE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY AN AUTHORIZED BMW DEALER ACCORDING TO THE FACTORY SCHEDULE AND HAS NOT BEEN RIDDEN OFF-ROAD OR IN AN AGGRESSIVE MANNER. 37,500 MILES SEEMS LIKE A VERY PREMATURE MILEAGE READING FOR THE BIKE TO SUSTAIN THIS TY…
DURING ANNUAL INSPECTION DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN REAR WHEEL, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF FINAL DRIVE BEARINGS. UPON ATTEMPTED REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF THE CROWN BEARINGS DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE AXLE IS WORN ENOUGH THAT THE BEARINGS FALL OFF THE AXLE. DEALER ADVISES THE BEARINGS SHOULD BE A PRESS FIT. DEALER ADVISES REPLACEMENT OF FINAL DRIVE ASSEMBLY IS REQUIRED WITH COST O…
ON MY WAY HOME AFTER A 250 MILE RIDE, ABOUT 5 MILES FROM HOME WHEN I WOULD RIDE OVER A ROAD SEAM THE BIKE WOULD HESITATE. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I PUT THE BIKE ON CENTER STAND AND SHOOK REAR WHEEL AT FROM THE 3 TO 9 O'CLOCK POSITIONS, THERE WAS AT LEAST 3/8" OF AN INCH PLAY SIDE TO SIDE AND 6AND 12 O'CLOCK. THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL OIL LEAKING FROM FINAL DRIVE. I CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE SERVICE.BR…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 BMW K 1200 GT?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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