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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
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361 thoughts onBMW Timing Chain Class Action Settlement
Hello,
I have a BWM X1 2015 and I’m having issue with my timing chain. How long does it for an update?
I mailed all the info needed to possibly receive a refund for my engine. Its been almost two months, I haven’t heard anything from Gelis Claims Adm. I just want to know did they recv the info I mailed in.
There’s no way to check. You would think they would let you know if they received the claim and if it was complete
Email:
Info@timingchainmodulesettlement.com
I mailed all the info needed to possibly receive a refund for my engine. Its been almost two months, I haven’t heard anything from Gelis Claims Adm. I just want to know did they recv the info I mailed in.
Email:
Info@timingchainmodulesettlement.com
I have a 2013 328i xdrive with 79000 miles and the timing chain guide need replacement. BMW dealer charged $4700 to fix .
Am I covered in the lawsuit with the timing chain problem?
I have the same question – 2013 X3 328I with 64,000. Diagnosed today with needing a replacement of the timing chain guides and timing chain. Curious if this lawsuit applies
Same here
My 2016 bmw 528i engine went out do to timing chain failure is there anyway my car is covered
Depends if the car is under warranty. Save your receipts and file with the National Hwy Association to get them to do a recall and your car will be covered. There are others out there like me and you. I just paid out 13,000.00 for a new engine and turbo. OR get rid of the car!
I have the Claim Form completed but when my engine failed it had 107,605 miles on it. Should I send in the form anyway or am I out of luck?
Paul, I am in the same situation, as I am sure there are others. This is not our fault and they won’t help because of the mileage, mine has 110,000 miles. There needs to be a complaint filed to turn this into a recall to the National Hwy Association to make this happen. BMW got slick and we need to pull together to make this happen. My repairs cost me 13,000.00! new Engine and new Turbo.
Yes, my engine in my 2012 528i failed due to this same issue and I had to replace the turbo as well. Exactly $13,009 – mine, however only had less than 80k miles on it at the time. I am in the process of gathering all the required documents. I travel quite a bit and I have not yet been able to locate a few of my service receipts from 5 years ago as I cannot remember what state I was in at the time. I have also moved and misplaced the older records.
Depends if the car is under warranty. Save your receipts and file with the National Hwy Association to get them to do a recall and your car will be covered. IF they agree. There are others out there like me and you. I just paid out 13,000.00 for a new engine and turbo. OR get rid of the car!
I sold my BMW with a blown engine from a bad timing chain. I have no repair receipts because the repair shop purchased the car with a blown engine. Can I recover the loss in value i received?
I had the same issue my bmw had less than 70k miles 2013 and engine blew due to it I had to turn in my car then to bsnk because it was worth less than what I owed and to replace engine was too costly
i took my 2013 X3 in many times for “drive train malfunction” – they did test and could not find the source. then in 2018, with 85,000 miles on the car, my engine blew in a very dangerous location on a highway with no warming. I got $3-000 trade-in for my car, which should have been $10,000-$12,000…the offered me the option to buy a new engine for $6000 and I declined.
Depends, file with the National Hwy Association to get them to do a recall, and your car will be covered. There are others out there like me and you. I just paid out 13,000.00 for a new engine and turbo. You may get something to recover your loss.
I have this same issue sold my vehicle because it needed a new engine! I took a loss and I had paid the vehicle off and owned it! Heart breaking I loved that car!
I recently got the valve cover gasket fixed which was causing a oil leak and was told that my timing chain is going bad. I have not gotten it fixed yet bc it’s about $2500 If this lawsuit is won will this turn into a recall for those that have not gotten the timing chains fixed yet?
I had the same issue with my BMW 528. Does this mean we do not qualify for this settlement because it is only the valve cover gasket?
Same issue
I received a BMW settlement letter but so far I haven’t noticed any issue. in my car. The letter also says that in order to have the right in future, to participating in any BMW settlement I have to exclude myself from the present claim. How can I do that? To whom I have to write to and where?
I have not had a problem yet but how do I register for a future claim within the specified time frame.
Get on it now! or get rid of the car, BMW will not own the issue if you are over the warranty limit! I just spent 13,000.00 on a new engine and turbo! out of pocket. It will fail the part is defective.!
Is the BMW Valvetronic component included in this? Are the timing chain module and/or the oil pump drive chain module a part of the Valvetronic system? My Valvetronic system is failing and giving me drivetrain malfunction errors and the dealer says it has to be replaced. I’m wondering if this would be included in this class action. Many thanks for your help.
I have this same question. I had to have the valvetronic motor replaced.