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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
We got our check also It was less than I expected too we spent $9,000 and got $4,900 I have no idea what they figured because we had proof of everything including regular maintenance but just glad it is over to stressful for me.
I have a envelope in the mail today from Rust so fingers crossed it’s a check!!!
Keep us updated. Good luck!
I got mine today!!! Less than what I expected, lol… but at this point just glad it’s over. Mine was for $1,176. My repairs were over $5k, so Idk the formula they used. Either way- just glad its over. Good Luck all & hope yours all come soon!! :)
***Update I got my check!!!!***
It was for about half of what I paid in total but I am great full for anything. I never expected to see that money ever again! Good luck everyone else, it’s been a stressful year of waiting!!!!
I have a letter from Rust in mail but I’m away until Thursday. I hope it’s a check too!
Just received an email saying they anticipate our settlement checks will be mailed out at the end of March 2022. Fingers Crossed!
Thanks for the update.
I also got a response to my email stating the same. Said the end of March 2022… so fingers crossed & saying some prayers here!
Has anyone other than Frank received a payment? No offense Frank, you deserved your money. I do not understand the waiting game.
I contacted my attorney yesterday to see if it would b worth hiring him to send a letter.. He basically said they would respond the same way to him ..He did say that he knows these things take wayyy to long to process so if your address changes you have to notify them. The only thing he was shocked about is that people have stated they received a payment because usually they send them out all together around the same time. I am so discouraged and there’s nothing we can do.
I just rec’d an email this morning that stated: Your claim has been preliminarily approved for reimbursement. We currently anticipate finalizing reimbursement amounts within the next 30 days. At this time we do not have a date when payments will be issued.
Caught me off guard. Will update when I know more.
I got the same email response as well, on 1/26/22
It is odd that they are sending these in piece mail. There has been maybe 2 people on this entire forum that said they received payment, and one of those also said he had to resubmit docs also (like many of us). I don’t really understand the method of how they’re reviewing & sending out the claims. It’s been close to a full year since submitting the initial documentation. I understand it takes time, but at this point come on! On 1/26/22 I received an email stating: Your claim has been preliminarily approved for reimbursement. We currently anticipate finalizing reimbursement amounts within the next 30 days. At this time we do not have a date when payments will be issued. Exactly the same as another on this post.
Same here! I filled my paperwork out, submitted everything they’ve asked. More recently they asked me to send proof of the repair/purchase, so i sent my bank statement CERTIFIED! i now wait to see if they come up with another delay or resolve this matter. I think we all should flood the courts with letters, phone call & write letters to the judge. I’ve been at this for over 1 year now. What’s so damn hard!
Yes i am with you. I gave them proof of everything and they kept taking there time to respond to me just to tell me today i reachead the deadline smh. I will be contacting the court tomorrow me and my lawyer. My lawyer told me we pose to get everything that we paid. Every dime including labor fees. Gail and the rest of them are scammers. I am gonna print every email out and my proof of documents for fixing my engine twice but i reported 1 only. We gotta fight. They trying to keep all the money for there self
My 2013 X3 died three weeks ago for this reason. It has 93, 000 miles on it. I was not aware of this class action lawsuit until now. The dealer only told me when I took it for repair of the recall. I still owe the cost of the total repair to a finance company and am therefore upside down on the vehicle. can”t afford to have it repaired. It is sitting at the dealer. I took out another car loan because I needed to get to work. This is so unacceptable.
Hi this just happened to me as well. I was told about it after having my car checked out as well. I just purchased this model in September 2021. This settlement was closed in June. How is it fair when these cars are still being sold by dealers all across the U.S? if you have found any answers please reply to me. You’re right it is very unacceptable.
I’m currently in the same boat! I day we get together and file another class action lawsuit since this one closed but they still have the audacity to sell this make and model without a recall
I’m currently in the same boat! I say we get together and file another class action lawsuit since this one closed but they still have the audacity to sell this make and model without a recall
Yes i agree but we need to use our own lawyers. The lawyers that worked on this was kept all the money and send out Maybe five checks for less than what people paid. They scammed us. I am calling down to the courts tomorrow to file a complaint about gail and the layers that handled this lawsuit. We have to stick together and use our own lawyers
I sent in my claim regarding the timing chain along with copies of all receipts, cancelled check and invoices via certified mail to Gelis claims back in February of 2021. The mail was signed for but I have yet to receive anything let alone a check. I have sent several, and I mean several, emails checking on the status as the claims were to be awarded and the settlement is marked as closed status but get the same email response: your claim is being reviewed. I think this is a shame and want to know what attorney or firm walked away with all the award money and left us consumers that had to pay this exorbitant repair bill out of our pockets with nothing.
i am wondering the same. I filed early 2021 as well. Sent everything they asked and still nothing.
It is absolutely shameful. I filed a complaint with the BBB tonight against Rust Consulting. I suggest everyone do the same. What do we have to lose? I truly believe the tactic is to wear everyone down via non-response/updates and then by requesting or changing the criteria. They want us to give up.
I did a little research on this company. They’re a sham! although they were appointed by the courts they had alot of complaints. There’s definitely something shady going on. I wonder if they’re all in cohoots with one another. Can’t even find a name of a owner! I think someone is being shady. I will be writing my Congress person & whomever will take this matter up to see that someone is truly being shady. Somebody’s pockets got filled & they’re all in it together. They get these high profile cases then someone is seeing to it that Rust gets his share. Someone maybe getting kickbacks! Im no attorney but something fishy is definitely going on a it needs to brought to the attention of the court and judge if possible
Rust Consulting is a large and reputable settlement-administration company. They are not a “sham”. These type of half-cocked posts are not helpful to anyone.
I just received a letter. That states claims are still being processed. It was a totally different email then the one before. You will get a check if you never got a denial for more documentation … everyone who filed should have gotten this email.
My name is Regina. I just found out about this law suit as my X-3 died two weeks ago due to this very reason. My X-3 was a CPO that I purchased in December 2017. I was never informed of this law suit and I had a 100, 000 inspection in October 2021. Of course my vehicle has more than 100, 000 miles and I am in a battle with BMW now because a representative told me that I qualified for the one time benefit of having my car repaired. Now they are denying they told me that. I am not letting them off the hook.
You poor people, I feel for each one of you. I had my best results when I sent an email to the president and ceo of rust consulting. Please try the same. I don’t want to post their address, but you can Google them. Good luck
Thank you Frank! 3 emails in now to Rust with no response, I will do the same. Thanks for the tip!
Sent an email to the VP of rust and 24hrs later I had this response to an email I had sent them 2 months ago. After they wanted my maintenance history. My claim has been submitted For a year now.
**Thank you for your email. 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.
Given the circumstances, why wouldn’t you want to share their email address?
Why wouldn’t you take to time to look it up and write him instead of me?
Frank, now countless others will have to research what you could have easily supplied. Everyone is already in a pickle. You obviously aren’t obligated to make it easy for others, but help and info are what everyone here is looking for.
Upset BIG MONEY WASTED (BMW). I am truly upset as well. I have sent all documents some emails last year Feb 2021. I received the same email responses as everyone else. I am so mad. I have purchased 2 engines and both no good. It’s been my worst nightmare for years and now here we are getting ripped off from a luxury car dealer. What was I thinking. I should have never left Chrysler vehicle which I get a discount on. Fell for the okie doke and now I’m paying the painful price of a BMW. I will email the VP as well. Let’s get an attorney. File BBB complaints. Do whatever you can. This is draining my mental state as well. I hope and pray we get something back.
Hi ,
Am suffering the same faith, 2 Staff representative of BMW told Me that my 2012 528i X-Drive which Came to a Halt while on the Free Way due to Oil Pressure/ Engine Failure after Bailey 2 Months of Purchase from an Independent dealership.
Unknown to me Car was Previously registered in Canada and I was told it Qualified for the Repair Program while being Processed for Re-validation into the North American Data Base as per the Vin Number.
However, now that the validation has been completed after 10 Days of Processe Circle am now told that BMW Canadian Assembled Vehicles are excluded from this Class Action Suit and Repair Program.
Which was completely contrary from what I was told . Independent Dealership where I bought the car has declined to take back the Car and BMW dealership has refused responsibility with a Repair costs implications of about $19,000.
Any Advise Please.
Not me! I received a letter on 11/1 asking for additional information, information that I had already submitted in December of 2020. I don’t know about anyone else but I am hurting right now, I sure could use MY money.
Same here!! This is the worst process I’ve ever gone through. I can’t believe we’re approaching a full year with no resolution. 2 emails I’ve sent over the last 2 weeks- NO reply at all from them now. Like they’ve disappeared into thin air.
Has anyone else received ANYTHING from Rust? It’s now going to be Feb 2022 soon, and I haven’t received an email response back from them in months. Nothing in the mail… I guess this is just dead in the water :(
I, like most everyone else on this post, have not received 1 piece of correspondance. I emailed info@timingchainmodulesettlement.com several times.
I agree, i dont we getting that money honestly. They made us summit all this paperwork in a timely manner just to make us wait. After replacing my engine paid out of pocket 2 years ago my bmw is down again for another engine problem. The lawyer working on our case sucks too. They don’t reach out to nobody in no type of form way or fashion. They just tell you to check the website for updates. They so unprofessional they no better than bmw….i bet you the lawyers that’s working on this case gets most of the money. They gonna find a way to jam us all. We may get some money but not what we are really entitled to. This hole thing is wrong on some many different levels. We should get our own lawyer and come together and do it our self. Its enough of us to fight this to be honest.
At this point I’m in shock we’re coming into the New Year and we have no resolution. They are not responsive and I’ve gotten the same response about “45-60 days” on 3 separate occasions…. I really could have used that $ for the holidays…. And at this point I’m at a major loss & don’t know what to do. I wish they never reached out & advised there was a class action. Ignorance is bliss… and I would have been happier not knowing. It’s like they gave us a shred of hope just to pull it away…. Sick games
I’m all for this group hiring an attorney. Seems like they’re committing fraud!
Got my check today after 1 resubmission. Good luck others.
Please rephrase … I don’t follow.
Great news. Care to share the amount you received?
Oh my!!! Well I will hope we can all be so lucky!!! That would be an amazing start to the new year. Congrats
Hi Frank, we resubmitted back in 11/21. How long did it take you after your resubmission? Thanks:)
Approx 60 – 75 days