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This settlement is closed!
Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!
UPDATE 4: According to the settlement website, the claim deadline for the BMW timing chain settlement has been extended and will remain open until at least June 30, 2021.
UPDATE 3: According to the settlement website, the claim deadline for the BMW timing chain settlement has been extended and will remain open until at least May 30, 2021.
UPDATE 2: On March 15, 2021, an appeal to the BMW Timing Chain settlement was filed. Claims will not be paid until all appeals are exhausted. We appreciate your ongoing patience. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
UPDATE: The BMW Timing Chain Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on February 16, 2021. Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page. NOTE: Claims will not be paid until after the claim deadline passes. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
BMW has agreed to resolve claims that its timing chain components are defective, causing engine damage and other issues. The settlement provides reimbursement for various BMW vehicle repairs linked to this issue.
The BMW timing chain settlement benefits former U.S. owners and lessees of the following vehicle models: 2012 to 2015 X1 SAV; 2013 to 2015 X3 SAV; 2015 X4 SAV; 2012 to 2015 Z4; 2014 to 2015 228i Coupe, Convertible; 2012 to 2015 320i Sedan; 2012 to 2015 328i Sedan, Sports Wagon, Gran Turismo; 2014 to 2015 428i Coupe, Convertible, Gran Coupe; and 2012 to 2015 528i Sedan.
The settlement website notes model years are not fully indicative of eligibility for the settlement. Eligibility also depends on production ranges.
Plaintiffs filed their BMW timing chain class action lawsuit in 2017, claiming N20 and N26 engines in certain BMW vehicles were prone to defects. The defects are allegedly linked to the engines’ timing chains. As a result of the defects, BMW engines reportedly sustain damage and can even be destroyed — leading to costly repairs.
The first defect affectsthe primary, or timing, chain, which coordinates the crankshaft, camshafts and cylinder valves. The plaintiffs say the polycarbonate guide assembly for the timing chain can become brittle and break apart, creating debris that can get lodged in the crankshaft drive sprockets.
The second defect involves the secondary chain, connecting crankshaft to the the oil pump and balance shaft assembly. Allegedly, the materials used in this assembly can’t handle high-resistance wear, leading the chain to prematurely become elongated, slip, and cause damage to the chain sprocket.
In 2018, a federal judge trimmed some of the claims in the BMW timing chain class action lawsuit but allowed others to move forward.
BMW has not admitted any wrongdoing but has agreed to resolve the claims against it in a class action settlement deal.
There are several forms of relief available under the BMW timing chain settlement, including a reimbursement program and a prospective repair program. These programs provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred for the repair or replacement of one failed timing chain module, oil pump drive chain module and engine.
The reimbursement program provides between 40% and 100% reimbursement for vehicle repairs depending on the mileage of the vehicle at the time of service. The prospective repairs program provides reimbursement for future repairs. Some of these claims will be covered under vehicles’ existing warranties, while other consumers will be reimbursed for between 40% and 75% of the total repair costs.
In order to benefit from the settlement, Class Members must file a valid claim form by March 18, 2021. Class Members are required to provide information about their vehicle including model, model year and VIN number. Claim forms can be printed, filled out and mailed to the settlement administrator.
Class Members have until Jan. 19, 2021, to object to or exclude themselves from the BMW timing chain class action settlement. The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for Feb. 16, 2021.
Who’s Eligible
Former U.S. owners and lessees of the following vehicles:
- 2012 to 2015 X1 SAV
- 2013 to 2015 X3 SAV
- 2015 X4 SAV
- 2012 to 2015 Z4
- 2014 to 2015 228i Coupe, Convertible
- 2012 to 2015 320i Sedan
- 2012 to 2015 328i Sedan, Sports Wagon, Gran Turismo
- 2014 to 2015 428i Coupe, Convertible, Gran Coupe
- 2012 to 2015 528i Sedan
The settlement website notes that model years are not fully indicative of eligibility for the settlement. Eligibility also depends on production ranges.
Potential Award
A reimbursement program and a prospective repair program which provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred for the repair or replacement of one failed timing chain module, oil pump drive chain module and engine.
The reimbursement program provides between 40% and 100% reimbursement for vehicle repairs depending on the mileage of the vehicle at the time of service. There is no cap for repairs reimbursement if the repairs were done at a BMW center. However, repairs done at an independent service center are capped at $3,000 for timing chain modules and oil pump drive chain modules and at $7,500 for engines.
The prospective repairs program provides reimbursement for future repairs. Some of these claims will be covered under vehicles’ existing warranties while others will be reimbursed for between 40% and 75% of the total repair costs. Vehicles must be taken to a BMW center to be eligible for this relief.
Engines are only eligible for reimbursement if they were damaged due to a failure of the timing chain or oil pump drive chain modules. Vehicles which have over 100,000 miles or have been in service for over eight years are not eligible for relief from the settlement.
Proof of Purchase
Vehicle model, model year and VIN number.
Claim Form
NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.
Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.
Claim Form Deadline
6/30/2021 UPDATED
Case Name
Gelis, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, et al., Case No. 2:17-cv-07386, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Final Hearing
2/16/2021
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Gelis Claims Administrator
c/o Rust Consulting – 7080
PO Box 14
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0014
(866) 411-6985
Class Counsel
Gary S. Graifman
KANTROWITZ GOLDHAMER & GRAIFMAN PC
Bruce H. Nagel
Randee M. Matloff
NAGEL RICE LLP
Thomas P. Sobran
THOMAS P. SOBRAN PC
Defense Counsel
Christopher J. Dalton
Argia J. DiMarco
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
362 thoughts onBMW Timing Chain Class Action Settlement
Hello! I was unaware of this class action suit. I have. 2012 X1 SAV had inspected at Sharp BMW and they gave me the go ahead to buy it with their recommended repairs that totaled over 5,000. Bought the car in March 2022, 55,000 miles, put 5,000 into it through BMW. Picked the car up from BMW, died on the way home. They had a couple different senecios but wanted 1,100 to drop the engine. Long story short, did not drive the car more than 2,000 miles. Parked at BMW more than my driveway. It returned to my driveway in May of 22 and that were it has been sitting since. It’s January 2024. You can’t imagine the turmoil I endured. Lost my job, had to buy another car for some sort of transportation, that cost 5,000 and last for 4 months. I was without transportation for almost a year. I’m a retired school teacher that has fallen into a huge mental health crisis not to mention my ability to take care of myself. I will end with, I paid for that car for almost two years. I had to keep full coverage insurance on it because of the loan. I cash out a retirement account so I could take the 550.00 a month I paid for a car that didn’t last 2,000 and I did all repairs through BMW! And boy, former teacher documents everything. I’m finally feeling like I able to deal with this situation. Can you please help? 6168899675
I just spoke to the attorney and she was really pleasant she said to call her office or send a letter and that the contact number can be shared with the forum ,
RANDEE M. MATLOFF
973-618-0400 (Ext. 119)
973-618-9194 (fax)
103 Eisenhower Parkway, Roseland, NJ 07068
I bought a 2014 X1 in 2019 from a local small dealer and was never told about this lawsuit until today. After the engine failed on the highway this weekend and the dealer I called service adviser told me that they will not touch that engine and it is basically scrap metal now. I am in Virginia, what are my options?
Me, too
Did anyone get a notice asking if to confirm their provided documents? This was Fall 2022, but since then nothing.
Did anyone get a notice asking if to confirm their provided documents? This was Fall 2022 but since then nothing.
Here we are 11-9-22 picked up(nah towed) my 2013 528i from BMW service. Timing chain guide and tension bolt needs repair quoted $8600 from the dealer and 19000 for engine replacement! This is a joke! Only had 86000 miles and I’m just catching wind of this lawsuit. Seemingly, no one has any good resolve. So, much for luxury! I hope all works out for the best that got claims in on time.
I submitted all necessary paperwork within the allotted time and I was notified that I qualified for the reimbursement back in 2021. To this day I have not heard anything else from them neither have I received a check. I agree with the others it was a scam to get all of us to join the lawsuit so they could get the money and keep it for themselves!!!! I will never buy another BMW.
How did you receive the qualification notification?
I have been waiting two years. Was told funds will
E relaxed and never heard back. The lawyers got paid a huge lump sum. Rust got paid a huge lump sum, and we got dumped on with lies and false promises. I will never ever buy Big Money Wasted vehicle. So sad I got robbed from a dealership. And there all living their best life and we are out of money and a vehicle. I hate BMW for the rest of my life.
I honestly think you got to be aggressive with BMW and push for it. My husband had his done and he pushed so hard that was 5 months ago plot twist I drove his car boom I could not stop the breaks it had a recall on the break pump I hit 3 ppl
Basically I car got repaired he had a new engine 100 miles on it but the breaks had a recall then bmw got total $4000.00 down the drain.
After 2 years they denied my claim after I sent all the paperwork in twice. They are not going to pay and lied that I waited 12000 miles for an oil change. I am looking for a attorney. I’m have all the paperwork and mint one was over the limit. Honestly if you received payment LUCKY other than that don’t wait anymore. I waited for a nothing. After all
That I did and paid for on this trash ass vehicle.
They will not lie and hold payment.
When was the denial received? Recently? Still waiting here.
That’s is the exact same thing they told me 12000 miles. BS…. I turned everything and there is no 12000 miles between oil changes. WTF… is going on.
I received the exact email. I am sooooo not happy. Wasted my time and money. Never should have trusted Big Money Wasted lemon!!!! Never again.
Was the rejection email just received? Fall of 2022? I have not received any response yet.
I bought 2013 x3 bmw months ago.it stopped on highway.i almost got killed.engine gone.was it illegal to sell car to me if in lawsuit.please help.
My 2012 BMW 328 I had an engine problem this month of September do I still Qualify for a reimbursement I have a receipt from my Mechanic
Hello, My situation is that I had my BMW X1 at the dealership a total of five times in 2021 and not one tech advised/mentioned the lawsuit and that the problems I was experiencing was related to this lawsuit. Instead they quoted me all kinds of other repairs in this timeframe (thousands of dollars) which did not fully address the problem. I took my car in recently and now they are saying that I need a new engine because they see glitter debris in engine oil. Mind you I have a oil change package I purchased and all maintenance has been done on time. I would like to know if anyone else is outside the timeline and hiring a lawyer. I feel like they knew and did not address it until after I was outside the timeframe for filing a claim.
exactly! I can’t believe i was sold a 2013 car as certified pre-owned in 2018 and the dealership NEVER replaced that plastic guide that destroys the engine when it fragments apart.. They sold me the car and allowed me to drive for another 45000 miles, never once notifying me that there was a potentially dangerous ticking timebomb needing to be replaced. I understand statistically there may not be 100000 drivers effected by the part failing, and BMW has not “recalled” our cars. But the decent approach would have been to send a notice allowing service BEFORE the part explodes!! Hoping for a recall, then I may qualify for reimbursement..
I also brought a certified 2013 in 2017 and never was told or recieved anything about this problem until now. There are so many of us that can still be in danger of losing their lives if the belt snap while driving on the highway.
Hi Tina,
My dealership recommended I pay $5,800 for a new timing chain on 3/24/21 but didn’t tell me about the law suit. I am only now finding out about the lawsuit and that my car qualifies for a replacement. However, the dealership and BMW North America are saying I missed the deadline, and they cannot do anything.
I have my service records in writing and am going to speak with the GM on Monday.
Hello Tina,
I’m in the same situation. It’s been 8 weeks with out a car, our X1 stopped suddenly doing 100km, during peak hour. Do you know if the class action customers had their vehicles fixed? I’m skeptical of the same problem happening with a replacement motor.