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
This feels like some sort of punishment for buying a BMW. Just goes to show, all that glitters isn’t gold. Buying a BMW was one of the worst decisions I have ever made! I am sure there is a process, but you would have to be blind not to see the deception. People may soon grow tired of waiting for their money, but I doubt they will forget how this entire process made them feel. thank you, BMW!
I am with you. I will NEVER buy a BMW. This entire process is so deceptive and unfair to the consumer. I am in touch with an attorney. Our ability to file a case against Rust/BMW is dwindling down. We have to file a case against them soon….
So disappointing. I can’t believe we came this far, submitted all the documentation, and we’re now ending 2021 with no resolution. Its honestly criminal. I don’t know how they have no time limits to adhere to, etc.
What do we need to do to file against Rust/BMW?
I am still waiting to hear back from the law firm. I will call them on Monday.
I’m now looking to trade mine in- last correspondence I received the other day told me that the Car Fax service report along with my own oil change reports cannot be honored as “It can be altered “. Really??? I’m done. I’m never getting my reimbursement back
When did they send you this updated letter? I think you should appeal their decision and hire a lawyer if you have to.
That is RIDICULOUS!!! Anything can be altered… any piece of paper, receipt, etc. If that’s the game they’re going to play, then no one will get anything for sure. This is beyond insanity at this point. I still haven’t received anything- but I feel like all hope is lost at this point. Truly unbelievable. Why did they even send out the class action notice? I wish I never even knew about it to be honest. Getting hopes up for nothing to be shot down…. I’d rather have not known about it at all.
Nov 29 and I have heard nothing since I filed back in April. After spending 5k for engine replacement at BMW dealership the Transmission just failed last night stranding my son on his drive back to college.
The X3 in now inoperable. Never buying a BWM again.
I was just talking about this situation with someone and they advised me to have my attorney get involved. I really do think we should all get together and file a lawsuit against them.
I think we should file a lawsuit against both Rust Consulting and BMW. The lawyers for the plaintiffs in this matter aren’t any help either. I’m sure they’ve already been paid!
I feel the same way. Not sure where to go from here but there is NO WAY it takes this long to process claims. I was told on 3 separate occasions that it will take another 45-60 days at minimum… the last time being a week or so ago, time before that on Sept 15th. Honestly sick & tired of waiting on this $.
I am very disappointed. I resent all my forms since they denied my claim. They do not want to pay. We need to contact someone ASAP
What was the reason? Im sick to my stomach about this- what reason did they claim to deny? Im so fed up!
They said I didn’t prove enough oil changes. I sent all receipts, bank statements and everything they asked for since day one. Big Money Wasted is the new slogan!!
They are finding all kinds of reasons to deny payment and it’s not right. It’s been two months since they claimed my documents were forwarded for reprocessing. Why would it take two months to review a document? Also, do you all remember the exact wording regarding submitting receipts as proof of payment? I don’t recall them saying that you had to send in the actual credit card transaction receipt. The receipt that I sent in initially was from BMW which showed that payment was made and that is what I sent them. They denied my claiming saying that I didn’t show proof of the transaction. I really think that they use these types of tactics to deny claims and to prolong the process. If they were not clear with their instructions and we followed them accordingly then we really need to get an attorney. Do you guys know anyone who would take on this case? We need to get moving on this.
BMW Corporate AG office
PO Box 1227
Westwood, NJ 07675
LET’S FIND AN ATTORNEY AND LET’S SET UP A CONFERENCE CALL WITH ALL OF US ON IT TO SEE WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO FILE A CLASS ACTION CASE AGAINST RUST AND BMW. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF SEARCHING FOR AN ATTORNEY RIGHT NOW.
Exactly!! I had the same thing happen to me. And no, I do NOT recall seeing anything stating the actual ‘receipt’ had to be furnished. I sent the invoice showing paid by card that the shop had given me. I did (luckily) find the receipt attached to another copy of the invoice they had given me, and I resubmitted. Same as you, it was back in Sept that I received an email back to a previous request that I sent and they confirmed yes, they received and resubmitted my documentation. Again was told that would take 45-60 days. When I reached out again in November for a status- I was literally told the same thing again- that it was sent to BMW for approval- and could be a minimum of 45-60 days to review for approval. I am at a loss at this point. I can’t believe we’re sitting here December of 2021, and no payments, no answers… this is ridiculous. I don’t understand how it could possibly take months upon months to review this information. They were able to advise what was missing, so when it was sent back- what is the 45-60 days (that has now been WAY longer). I’m honestly so fed up & disappointed. I feel like reaching out to them is a waste of time since every time they finally respond they just say 45-60 days. This could go on forever. Are there no time limits these companies have to settle & pay out the claims??? Literally do not know what to do or who to turn to.
The first attorney referred me to another attorney but also mentioned this;
If you wish to pursue a potential claim, you should do so immediately by contacting another law firm. There are applicable statutes of limitations which may currently be running. You must commence a civil lawsuit before any applicable statutes of limitations expire or you will be forever barred from seeking relief. Accordingly, you should contact another attorney immediately if you decide to move forward with a lawsuit.
I AM WAITING FOR THE OTHER LAW FIRM TO CONTACT ME. I WILL KEEP IN TOUCH. IF YOU FIND ONE PLEASE LET US KNOW.
I JUST CONTACTED AN ATTORY OFFICE AND IS WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM THEM. I TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A CONFERENCE CALL WITH THEM AND ALL OF US TO DISCUSS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. I’LL KEEP YOU ALL POSTED.
It has been five months! SHAME ON YOU BMW!
And again today…. NO check!
So I reached out to them again because I wanted to confirm (via email) that they DID receive my additional info that I sent regarding the oil changes as well as the actual receipt (not just the invoice showing paid). On Tuesday- this is what they sent back:
Thank you for your email. We have received and reviewed your additional documentation. Your Claim has been preliminarily reviewed and forwarded to BMW for Final Validation. That process can take a minimum of 45-60 days, we appreciate your patience.
For general information about the Settlement, please visit the Settlement website, http://www.TimingChainModuleSettlement.com. You may also send questions to the Claims Administrator at: Gelis Claims Administrator – 7080, c/o Rust Consulting, PO Box 14, Minneapolis, MN 55440-0014.
Sincerely,
Gelis Claims Administrator
Keep in mind that the last email I received from them on 9/15/21 which also verified that they received my additional documentation told me that they were sent for re-processing & would take 45-60 days. That was 2 months ago- now I’m being told another 45-60 days from NOW??? I am beyond frustrated.
Oh no!! This is soooo wrong. They are playing games and I’m more pissed off than before.
Yep…. to my knowledge on this forum- only ONE individual has received a check so far. So unacceptable. If I get told 45-60 days one more time- I am going to LOSE IT
He not confirmed the amount received so I’m not sure anyone has received a check.
probably one of the claim processors posted that comment about receiving a check….
I did receive my check and I can tell you it was under $2000. I can also tell you my check number was one of the 1st 25 checks. Other than that, it’s my personal business. I wish you all the best!
I think it’s a shame that the dealership knew about the lawsuit but, didn’t say anything . My car have had all the problems that was talk about but, wasn’t put on my paperwork from BMW till after my miles when pass the time to fix. I never receive a letter or anything in mail about things that could have gotten repair.Well, I have driver BMW cars and trucks over 25 yrs. . I will never ever buy another one.
Yep!! the dealership NEVER told me about the lawsuit. I took my car in because the engine failed and after they told me that it would cost close to $20,000 for a new engine, I decided to google timing chain failure for my vehicle and found out about the class action lawsuit. I told the BMW technician that I believe that my car qualifies for this lawsuit and they told me that I was correct. I then asked what I needed to do regarding the lawsuit to ensure that I receive my money back for the engine and I was told that I didn’t need to do anything and that they would handle everything for me. I took this man’s word and waited a few weeks and decided that it would be best for me file the necessary settlement paperwork as a back up because I didn’t feel comfortable not doing anything and taking the BMW’s technician word that they would handle everything. THANK GOD I DID THAT BECAUSE BMW DIDN’T FILE ANYTHING ON MY BEHALF. I WOULD HAVE MISSED THE DEADLINE AND WOULD HAVE BEEN EXEMPT FROM RECEIVING ANY PAYMENT. I Still haven’t received reimbursement so I am hoping that I don’t get screwed regardless. THIS ENTIRE PROCESS IS DECEITFUL. THEY WERE NOT TOTALLY CLEAR IN THEIR DIRECTIONS IN EXACTLY WHAT TO SUBMIT AS FAR AS RECEIPTS ETC.. JUST PROLONG AND REJECTING PAYMENTS. IT’S NOT RIGHT.
I think it’s a shame that the dealership knew about the lawsuit but, didn’t say anything . My car have had all the problems that was talk about but, wasn’t put on my paperwork from BMW till after my miles when pass the time to fix. I never receive a letter or anything in mail about things that could have gotten repair.Well, I have driver BMW cars and trucks over 25 yrs. . I will never ever buy another one.
I got my claim denied bc my 2013 x3 timing belt broke 2 months past 8 years of my in service date, which is the date the previous owner purchased it. It was purchased in 2012. I only had 60,000 miles on it. I got screwd
Has anyone received a check or anything beyond a rejection?
On this forum it appears (from what I’ve seen) that only one person said they received a check so far. I check regularly on here as there seems to be more updates & info people post on here then what you can find anywhere else… including their website or emailing them even :(
Yes, I received my check last Friday and deposited my check. It did go through
you are the lucky one. lol! nobody else received a check. can you loan us some money… hahahaha! i’m jokinig so that i won’t cry. but seriously, i believe they are playing games with our money. maybe we should all pull together and file a lawsuit against them.
What was the amount you got?
I did receive my check, I will tell you it was under $2000, and I will tell you the check number from them was one of the first 25 checks. Other than that, it’s my personal business.
Received letter saying prove more oils changes. I have gave them all oil changes. Repairs. Bank statements. Proof of ownership. I am entitled to this money. Never again. BMW. Here comes the excuses not to pay folks. God has the last day. You better believe it.
I got the same BS excuse. So I sent them ALL the oil changes from day 1 and a copy of my registration as they said I didn’t prove I owned the car. Really ? I sent all of the documents via certified mail
Such crap. Submitted ALL documentation in April. Got a letter today saying they never got documentation saying what the mileage was on the vehicle. Really! The mileage was on 3 documents I submitted them. They are half ass looking at our claims in hopes to not pay us. They are saying I have until 11/25 to submit, which means no money probably until mid next year. Pathetic.
i’m pissed off too.
You’re right! I submitted ALL of my service records last December,I received a letter yesterday stating that I need to show proof of regular oil changes. They do not want to pay us,it’s so disgusting. The amount of money I have poured into this vehicle and they are playing games.
Did they ask for the records in the beginning when you filed your claim? If not I would be pissed off….. seem fishy to me.
WOW- this is REALLY getting upsetting. I haven’t gotten anything yet but I’m really nervous seeing everyone’s letters that they’re receiving. My invoice from the repairs show “Miles IN” right at the top of the first page- so I BETTER not hear that. I’m on pins & needles over here. Honestly expecting the worst at this point…. so so so disappointing considering all the $ we’ve all spent
We got the denial letter too, our x3 had 100,250 miles on it when it let loose. This is complete Bullshit..
BMW should be so ashamed of themselves. I promised to never buy a BMW again after this. The legal document states that I qualify clear as day. The time I have wasted trying to resolve this is mind blowing. Still I have not collected a cent.
I AM WITH YOU. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY ANOTHER BMW.
My 2013 x3 engine just expired and need new engine, dealer said it was the timing chain. Dealer said engine would cost 20 thousand to replace.. Not sure what to do with car. He said I could just junk car or they would give me 500 for it. Not sure if this falls under lawsuit. I will never buy another BMW.
Bmw partnered and covered 1/2 of engine replacement. Cost me $5000 after all said and done. Timing chain sprocket is plastic and breaks down into engine and ruins engine. I’m trying to get my $5k back through this lawsuit. But I don’t know what you do since you missed the lawsuit timeliness. Bmw should pay for replacement
You missed the deadline to participate in the lawsuit. I have a new engine and the check engine light is still coming on. Also, now the low coolant light continues to come on. I just added coolant approx. four months ago and now the light is back on. I am with you… I will NEVER buy another BMW… the worst car EVER! They are over priced and not reliable And we are having a hard time getting reimbursed for our expenses. Uuuggghhhh!!
I just went to my mailbox and received my check from, the claims administrator. Don’t give up folks, checks are in the mail!
WOW!!!! Pray for us. lol!
OH MY GOSH- well you’re the first one I’ve seen… WOW…. this is a little light shining at the end of a long tunnel. Congrats & hope we can all say the same soon!! Fingers crossed!!
Fingers crossed everyone. Prayers up. They owe all of us!!! About time. Good news.
Yes, my packet was complete first time through and I received 40% of my losses. But, I’m happy!
What was the amount received?
Wow. That is good news!!!! Finally someone finally got some monies back
That’s Awesome! Thanks for the UPDATE! Congratulation!
Where are you,what state?
I got a letter from them in the mail today notifying me that my claim is denied due to a missing receipt. As I stated before, I initially sent a copy of the receipt that BMW gave me when purchased the new engine. But I later found out that the BMW receipt only showed that I made the payment – it didn’t show how I made the payment — the method that I used so my claim was going to be denied. So I immediately contacted BMW and asked that they send me a copy of the actual transaction receipt which they did and I immediately sent it to the claim processing dept. A month later the claim processing department told me that they indeed received the receipt needed and that my claim would be re-processed so why am I receiving a denial letter when I already sent in the supporting receipt. I am so frustrated. I hope the rest of you receive your money soon.
I am going to be so pissed if this happens to me because I had the same situation & they wrote back they received everything. Haven’t heard yet either way…. Unreal . Is there a way to appeal since you sent it & they said they received it??
i sent another email to them asking if I need to resubmit since they already confirmed that they received the receipt a month ago. Just to be safe, I am going to mail a copy of the receipt as instructed in the letter they sent today. I will keep you posted.