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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
Hang in there everyone, I received my check yesterday!
Was that the first you have heard anything from them? Or did they previously send you any letters making you amend your claim, or other? Can I ask how much was check for? Thanks.
No. My claim was initially denied. They were not prompt in their response to my emails but they did respond.
Are you serious? I look every time I get my mail after originally being denied last December? This gives me a ray of hope. Congratulations. Jen C
Wow it’s good to hear that someone has heard something.I sent all of my paper wrk in on time. And I haven’t heard not one thing from any of the team that’s in charge. Its been over a yr since they reached a settlement.it should not take this long to contact us I feel like there dragging there feet and making millions mean while off of the intrest from 92 million. I don’t know but It shouldn’t take this long. They have enough funds to hire what ever help they need to get them checks moving out.
Glad to hear that I am not the only one who submitted everything on time and has not heard back at all. Still holding out hope that we get a reply one way or another.
Just letting off steam here…
Bought my certified pre-owned 2013 528xi in june 2018. purchased extended warranty..
my question is: wouldn’t a BMW authorized dealership do this very specific repair , removing a cheap plastic brittle guard BEFORE selling it to a consumer??
Unfortunately, not only did they sell me a ticking time bomb -but NEVER had the decency to send out an alert to have the replacement done. Forget about a RECALL, duh-but where is the moral obligation to maintain safety for the drivers??
after 3 visits to my foreign car specialist, all “drivetrain malfunction” related visits, my car just stopped-dead-no warning except 3 seconds of “drivetrain malfunction, oil pressure too low”. then-silence..
exploded cheap plastic guard destroyed my engine…..shame on BMW
my 7th BMW, was a loyal fan, now forced to rebuild my car because no one thought to inform us consumers at 50000 miles, or 70000, or , for me 100000-just outside the statute for the claim.. thanks
My 2013 x3 has the same drivetrain malfunction code and when I took to dealership to get fixed is when I was told about the class action lawsuit. Of course I was past the deadline to file a claim, dealership refused to touch my car afterwards I’ve been unable yo pass smog and can’t get current registration, then had my only key fob stolen , dealership refuses to allow me to order a new key fob due to not current registration. So my car just sits stuck in my drive way unable to start, can’t pass smog, can’t register, can’t file a claim or join lawsuit settlement. BMW SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!
Help really ? Did you call anyone specifically? I am thinking about filing a complaint with the state attorney general I filed 2 years ago! My bmw is sitting at randy wide Chevrolet in holly michigan ! They keep telling me it’s past the mileage what they do not understand that it was within mileage limits at the time of the timing chain failure. They are so nice but I can’t take paying for a car that I can’t drive this is basically consumer fraud . I am so so sad – no one will help!
Your complaint will do no good; my engine was out of nowhere seized; it’s only been serviced by BMW and was just in they said it was a new battery, replaced the battery and the engine seized not even out of the service center driveway. I’ve tried to get lawyers anyone, and no one will listen to that BMW-made crap. I have an X3, 2013 I purchased 1.5 years ago, with 70,000 miles on it. As i was pulling out the engine lost all power and thankfully I made it to a parking lot edge and not on the highway.
Hang in there those you have not received payment. I got my check today!!
What address are you guys getting emails from? I have not received an email nor have I received any letter of confirmation or anything. I can see in the comments some have contacted or been in some form of communication with SOMEONE – but who? I searched my email for Rust Consultants and it came up empty. I just sent an email to info@timingchainmodulesettlement.com – hopefully I can get some answers. Thanks! (All my documentation was sent before the deadline over a year ago)
From that exact email you have.
Very few Like me received an email and 3 from this forum received payment.
It’s on the thread. Keep reading until the end of thread.
Good luck to all of us dummies who purchased Big Money Wasted vehicle.
ANYONE? ANYONE Get any money from Rust Consulting yet?? This is beyond ridiculous.
On this forum looks like 3 to 4 ppl said they receive payment. The person on her Garcia has a whole lot of BS to say about the process. He may work for Rust Consulting. That’s my guess/opinion.
I have been waiting since January of 2021. All documents submitted on time and with all receipts.
Total BS. To those who received payment, lucky.
Terrible process and I hate BMW. Never again.
Verse said, “Garcia has a whole lot of BS to say about the process”.
Garcia replies back: The information was actually factual, and am not sure which part is considered “BS”.
Still waiting. They finally determined after an initial rejection that I qualify for payment.
They started sending out checks in late March/2022. At that time they also sent claim-rejection letters allowing for a written appeal request to be submitted back to them in Apr/2022. It is likely that all that is left for payments are a small number of claims still to be resolved along with the claims that were appealed in writing. The number of recent comments of people who have heard nothing is surprising.
Correction to my above comment: I said they are sending out “claim-rejection letters allowing for a written appeal”. What I should have said was that they are sending out “claim-DEFICIENCY letters allowing for a written CORRECTION”. This seemingly small wording update is important because there will be a separate “appeal process” that has yet to start which is different than the current “deficiency process” which is currently on going. Apologies for any confusion from my previous comment.
Thanks for the update. Any idea why some of us have submitted all our documentation, VIN, etc. and have had no reply, nothing?
They did the same thing to me. We not getting that money, what they did was make us join the lawsuit to receive all this money and basically kept it for themselves. We all was pose to get reimbursed. They played us. I reached out to my lawyer to sue them or my money. I provided proof and everything and they told me the time has passed. They played a very dirty game and i think we all need to come together and sue them for whats owed to us
Anything, anyone?
Nope. Nothing. Not a darn email or mail notification. Just sad. I was one of the first to submit back in 2021 January. Sickening. Rip off.
No one is getting nothing. We have to come together and fight these people for our money. They responded to me today and told me that i passed the deadline. After speaking to them last week asking me for a affidavit. I gave it to them and they reached back out to me today the scam lady name is gail. Dont believe anything they tell you its all lies. Nobody got nothing!!!! They kept every dime !!!
I have yet to receive even an acknowledgement of my claim. I sent the entire service history of my car well over a year ago. (100% of service was with a BMW dealer) Liz, with the plaintiff’s attorney, researched my VIN number and told me that had it. Very very annoying and frustrating for me.
I have also submitted my claim and all the required documents and have not received any payment, rejection or request for any further information. They have not responded to my email requests. Hopefully our claims are just delayed. Did you get in contact with them by email or phone?
They reached out to me. They playing games we are getting that money. We gonna have to come together and fight. We can’t walk away from this. They actually told me today that i passed the deadline after i sent my documents to them long before the deadline. They wait for weeks to respond just so you can run into the deadline. They played us, at first i was gonna walk away and let god handle it but i reached out to a lawyer and they told me i have a case and that class action lawsuits are scams. They will win the money and find you ineligible no matter how much proof you have. We have to fight back, we cant let them get away with this. You no how many people they done this too. This is how they make there money off of people like us. If you have a lawyer reach out to ur lawyer.
I have not received anything since Feb 2022 stating the process was in progress and a check or denial letter will be sent. Uggghhhhhh…. The irony of these people to leave many of us with just a hope and a prayer. Hopefully this week we will ALL receive a check in the email.
I just found out about this lawsuit TODAY! replaced oil pump last Summer😡
Does anyone know
Are there any loopholes /concessions for filing a claim after the deadline? This site says ” settlement closed” closed but still allows to click on “file a claim”?
Yes dont do it, dont do the claim with them its a scam. They won and kept the money. They denied everyone. I can email everything they said to me. Dont waste ur time. You will never see the money sue bmw on ur own with ur own lawyers
Lisa – It is not a scam, but there is no point submitting a late claim past the deadline.
If it is not a scam, why have there been hardly any payouts? Still waiting after 3rd notification that they will contact me within 45 to 60 days.
I have yet to receive even an acknowledgement of my claim. I sent the entire service history of my car well over a year ago. (100% of service was with a BMW dealer) Liz, with the plaintiff’s attorney, researched my VIN number and told me that had it. Very very annoying and frustrating for me.
They told me they weren’t sure where my vehicle had been serviced, and it’s only been with BMW 100% of the time. I am so over the bull with BMW NA, unfortunately, they will only listen if a death has occurred.
I have mail notification and received a letter from RUST. I hope it’s a check too!