BMW Timing Chain Class Action Settlement

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

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

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

TimingChainModuleSettlement.com

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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