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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
Yes I paid over 7500.00 in the last couple years fixing the timing chain issues at Chapman BMW in AZ and it still leaks oil and smokes sometimes. It’s embarrassing and hopefully I’ll be reimbursed for most of it. I have a 2013 328i xdrive. Don’t deal with Chapman BMW. I actually think I’m a better mechanic than their mechanics. What a joke.
I have had the same problem with my 2012 528i, last week my car stopped and the message “Drivetrain Malfunction, had the car towed to the dealership, the service mgr called and said there was lead in the engine oil and it would cost $10,000 for a refurbish engine or $17,000 a a new engine. My car has 102,000 miles and it’s not covered under warranty. Back in January, I was driving and a message “engine oil level low” had an oil change three days prior and also received same message in March. I was looking to buy a used BMW but after reading these comments I don’t think so. Can’t be a part of class action suit ??
I have a 2013 528I ( Drive train ) went out and couldn’t get it repair due to lost of employment. I’m patiently waiting on the out come!!
I have a 2014 BMW 528i. Received letter and my model is on list of effected cars. No problems and I have 71k miles. Hope we hear something soon on out come. Will BMW replace effected parts if not currently having issues?
Thank you
On march 13 while I was driving on NJ Route 18 north My car started giving a message saying ”Engine Oil pressure Low” and within 2 -3 minutes Car completely stopped. I had to tow the car to Open Road Edison BMW and they are now asking for $17000 to replace the engine.
My car has only 62000 miles in it. Can you please add my case in your class action too?
Why do they keep pushing back the deadline date??
I would like to know myself! I have made numerous calls to the attorneys and settlement administrators office. My 528i engine locked up at 72,000 miles…. was replaced with a used one with 25,000 miles on it…. only lasted 7,000 miles, at which time they replaced with a new engine! They need to stop extending deadlines and pay the claims! I will never buy another BMW!
Why were the X1 28i ex drive vehicles excluded? They have the N20 engine.
Does the upgrade timing chain module really work that was installed after Feb. 2015?
My 2014 BMW 528i just experienced this issue for the very first time on March 7th. Tried to pass a car. Engine cut power and drivetrain and violent shaking. malfunction warning and check engine light came on. My car has 88,000 miles. I pulled over and turned the car off for 5 minutes or so. Check engine light went off. 2 days later entered the highway and almost immediately as I accelerated happened again followed by very apparent shaking. I wrote to the class action law firm last night and will call today to see what I need to do to make sure I’m covered. Either that or sell it immediately. Any suggestions?
I am not clear, are they reimburse the future cost of repairs as an estimate by a BMW dealer or do they need an actual receipt of service?
Also the printed copy sent to us mentioned the repairs MUST be done by a BMW dealer to be eligible, however the settlement site says that repairs by a third party is qualified for a 40% (or something like that) as well. Which one is it?
My vehicle is a 428i 2016 with 51,000 miles and the timing chain recently went out. I got a quote on how much it will cost to repair it and it goes from 4,000-7,500. Is there any information on my 2016 models possibly being included in the settlement?