BMW N20/N26 Timing and Oil Pump Drive Chain Diagnosis and Repair Class Action Settlement

What's New

• Updated situation to include total loss, salvage, and used parts.
• Procedure updated with descriptions of applicable 7-pin measuring cables.
• Parts updated to include kit contents.

Model Information

This settlement applies to certain US-specification BMW vehicles sold or leased in the United States and Puerto Rico. The following models and production dates are included:

Note: The Model information above is for informational purposes only; it is not the only deciding factor.

Settlement Overview

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered into a nationwide settlement with plaintiffs in the class action: Gelis, et al. v. Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft and BMW of North America, LLC. This settlement is effective on and after June 30, 2021.

This bulletin is a notice of a Class Action Settlement Repair Benefit, not a Recall or Service Action.

Eligible Class Vehicles: Applies to Class Members who are current owners/lessees of Class Vehicles that have not opted out of the Settlement.

Eligibility Verification: Confirm vehicle eligibility via DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry. Check for the specific VIN comment related to the Timing Chain and Oil Pump Drive Chain Module Settlement.

Service Benefit Limitations: The service benefit is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions as the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Coverage is void if the vehicle has been declared a total loss, sold for salvage, has an altered VIN, or if used/salvaged parts were used.

Engine Serial Number Verification: Always verify the correct engine serial number by entering the VIN into AIR and comparing it to the serial number in "Vehicles Details". If the engine serial number does not match, create a TSARA TeileClearing Hotline case.

Non-Eligible Class Vehicles: Class Members who have opted out of the Settlement are excluded and not eligible for any benefits.

Class Allegations

The lawsuit alleged that the timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules in certain 2012-2015 BMW Class Vehicles were defective, potentially leading to sudden engine failure and loss of power. BMW denied any wrongdoing.

Settlement Class Vehicles (Beyond 7/70*)

US-specification BMW vehicles purchased or leased, registered, and operated in the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Settlement Class Members (Who did not opt-out)

Persons or entities who currently own or lease, or formerly owned or leased, a Settlement Class Vehicle distributed for sale or lease in the United States and registered and operated in the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Class Action Service Benefit/Repair Program (Available as of June 30, 2021)

Limitation: For eligible Class Vehicles beyond 7/70, only one Prospective Repair Program repair per VIN is permitted (Diagnosis or Diagnosis/Repair). Recovery under the Prospective Repair Program does not affect eligibility for the Reimbursement Program.

Repair Coverage Details

Coverage is determined by the vehicle's original in-service date:

• Up to one year after the Effective Date (June 30, 2021 to June 29, 2022): Eligible for full or partial coverage if the vehicle has 100,000 miles or less and is taken to an authorized BMW Center. Coverage is scaled to vehicle mileage.
• One year after the Effective Date (On or after June 30, 2022): Eligible for full or partial coverage if the vehicle has less than 8 years or 100,000 miles in service (whichever comes first) and the repair is performed at an authorized BMW Center. Coverage is scaled to vehicle age and mileage.

Note: For eligible vehicles not exceeding the previous timing chain/oil pump drive chain module 7/70 extended limited warranty coverage, refer to SI B11 03 17.

Inquiries and Updates

The Claims Administrator will address questions related to the Reimbursement Benefit. Updates will be posted on the settlement website: www.TimingChainModuleSettlement.com.

Procedure

1. Perform a DCSnet Warranty Vehicle Inquiry and review the Repair History (Claims) section.
2. For eligible Class Vehicles beyond the 7/70 limited warranty extension, only one Prospective Repair Program repair per VIN is permitted (Diagnosis or Diagnosis/Repair).
3. Checking the chain modules for wear:
   • Connect the vehicle to ISTA and perform a vehicle test.
   • Navigate through ISTA menus: "Vehicle management" > "Troubleshooting" > "Function structure" > "Powertrain" > "Engine electronics, quality control valve (MSV)".
   • Select "Valve gear" > "Start search".
   • From available test plans, select "VANOS solenoid valve, exhaust" or "Exhaust Camshaft Sensor".
   • Select "Continue" > "VANOS Solenoid Valve" > "Display" > "Continue test module" > "Next".
   • Select "Timing chain test” and follow the steps. If prompted, answer "Solenoid valves ok?" with "Yes".
   • The test plan will indicate if the timing chain is stretched or not.
4. Evaluating the drive chain for the oil pump:
   • Go to the IMIB Next screen and open the "IMIB MA" application.
   • After IMIB MA opens, return to ISTA to continue diagnosis.
   • Navigate through ISTA menus: "Service functions" > "Powertrain" > "Engine electronics MEVD" > "Evaluating the drive chain for the oil pump".
   • Follow the test plan steps carefully.
5. Tool Setup and Installation:
   • Measuring adaptor special tool P/N 2405341 (1): Includes measuring adaptor tip (2), sensor cable (3), adjustable joint (4), frequency sensor (5), and 7-pin IMIB cable connection (6).
   • Frequency sensor mounting bolt and spacer sleeve special tool P/N 5A1FAD0: Includes mounting bolt (1) and spacer sleeve (2).
   • Refer to SI 04 02 21 for additional information on this tool.
   • Tool setup: Remove the measuring adaptor tip (4). Install the spacer sleeve and mounting bolt (3) through the frequency sensor (2). Remove the acoustic engine cover. Locate the empty M8 threaded hole (1) in the cylinder head adjacent to the oil filter housing.
   • Install the frequency sensor with the mounting bolt into the M8 hole (1).
   • Route the wire between the oil filter housing and intake manifold (2) to avoid damage.
   • IMPORTANT: Torque the mounting bolt to 21.5 Nm (3).
   • Connect the 7-pin AUX measuring cable to the end of the measuring adaptor tool (4).
   • The 7-pin AUX measuring cable part number is 81 31 2 468 790.
   • 7-pin AUX measuring cable overview:
     • BMW Part Number: 81 31 2 468 790 (Yellow and Green cable ends).
     • No BMW Part Number (Yellow and Brown cable ends).
   • Connect the IMIB 100 AMP clamp (1) to the red/green wire of ignition coil #1 (2). Part Numbers: 81 31 2 468 784 or 81 31 2 344 255.
   • IMIB and vehicle overview: Frequency sensor installed (1), 100 AMP clamp installed (2), IMIB Next with tablet (3), IMIB Next connected to network via LAN (4).
   • Connect the frequency sensor 7-pin AUX cable to port 2 on the IMIB next (1).
   • Connect the 100 AMP clamp 7-pin cable to port 3 on the IMIB next (2).
6. Test Plan Conclusion: The test plan will conclude with "The oil pump chain is OK" or "The oil pump chain is not OK".
7. If the oil pump chain is OK: Take no further action.
8. If the oil pump chain is NOT OK: Proceed to step 6.
9. If results are inconclusive or engine is inoperable: Create a TSARA Hotline case with "N2X Chain Issues" in the subject line. Provide detailed descriptions, pictures, or videos.
10. Step 6: Replace timing/oil pump chains module: Follow Premium Repair Instruction 11 31 054. This instruction avoids wastegate actuator and turbocharger removal. Change the engine oil and filter.

Oil Pump Chain Module Overview

Replace item #1 in the illustration. Item #1 includes the gears, chain, and tensioning device. Bolts are reusable. Parts are found in the new parts kit P/N 11 31 5 A19 AA2.

Timing Chain Module Overview

Replace components #1 - #5: Timing chain, chain tensioner and guide rail, slide rail, sprocket, chain tensioner with seal. These parts are found in the new parts kit P/N 11 31 5 A19 AA2.

Important Repair Instruction Information

When high-pressure line connections (1) are released, the line (2) must be replaced. Refer to Repair Instruction 13 53 180 for details. Refer to ETK using the VIN for the proper part number.

Parts Information

Refer to the weekly Parts Matrix for ordering information. P/N 11 31 5 A19 AA2 is a kit part number consisting of many parts.

The Kit includes (Do not order these parts separately): Chain drive for oil pump, Timing chain.

Bulk Materials - Sublet

Refer to SI B11 01 21 for engine oil (0W-30) and antifreeze information.

*Replacing drained quantity with a 50/50 antifreeze/water solution.

Warranty Information

For eligible vehicles that have not exceeded the previous engine timing chain/oil pump drive chain module 7/70 extended limited warranty coverage, refer to SI B11 03 17.

For eligible vehicles beyond the 7/70 extension, qualifying N20 and N26 vehicles' timing chain module, oil pump drive chain module, or consequential engine replacement repairs are covered under the terms of the applicable CPO coverage.

Eligible Class Vehicles (Beyond 7 year/70,000 Mile Extended Limited Warranty and/or without or have expired CPO coverage):

Class Members' vehicles' timing chain and oil pump drive chain modules (N20, N26) and the engine (if damaged due to a failure of the timing/oil pump drive chain module) have component-specific coverage as described below.

This applies to eligible US-specification BMW Class Vehicles registered, operated, and having their covered repair performed by an authorized BMW center in the United States (including Puerto Rico).

Limitation

For eligible Class Vehicles beyond 7/70, only one Prospective Repair Program repair per VIN is permitted (Diagnosis or Diagnosis/Repair). Recovery under the Prospective Repair Program does not affect the Class Member's eligibility to recover under the Reimbursement Program.

Diagnosis and repair procedures are subject to vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusion criteria.

Non-Qualifying Repairs

Repairs performed on ineligible vehicles, eligible vehicles operated and repaired outside the United States and Puerto Rico, or diagnosis and repair of other unrelated issues. This exclusion also applies to repairs using non-genuine BMW parts or used BMW passenger car or light truck parts.

Qualifying Repairs Claim Submissions

Claim applicable work with the Defect Code(s) and labor operations provided.

Diagnosis (100 Percent, one-time): Timing chain and oil pump drive chain module diagnosis is covered at 100 percent, one time only, within the coverage limits.

Repair Required after Diagnosis (Matrix applies, also one-time):

One year after the Effective Date of the Settlement (On or after June 30, 2022):

Reimbursement Details

Reimbursement is via normal claim entry. Plus work is for vehicles already in the workshop for another repair. Main work is for the issue and repair covered under this bulletin.

Only one Main labor operation can be claimed per workshop repair visit.

Defect Code: 1131900300 (Diagnosis)

Results of the Test Plan are Inconclusive, or the Engine is Inoperable:

Repair is Necessary:

Qualifying Repairs - Claim Submission (Labor/Parts/Sublet at the Matrix's Reimbursement Percentage that applies):

Defect Code: 1131900400 (Repair)

Sublet - Bulk Materials (RO and Claim Comments Required):

Sublet reimbursement calculation for claiming applicable repair-related bulk materials is at the dealer net price amount for quantities used plus center's handling. BMW Antifreeze/Coolant: Claim the corresponding sublet dollar amount for the quantity needed to replace what was drained with a 50/50 coolant/water solution.

Alternate Transportation Procedure

If a vehicle covered by this Class Action requires a timing chain/oil pump chain replacement, BMW NA will cover the cost of up to 3 days car rental. Schedule repairs early in the week. BMW NA will not pay for weekend car rental days. Car rentals for diagnosis-only cases are not reimbursed. Prior AAM Field Authorization (FAS) is not required.

BMW will reimburse for rental vehicles:

• Up to $44.00 per day, plus market surcharge (if applicable), CDW protection, and taxes.

Invoice allowable rental car expenses (excluding fuel) as a separate line item on the repair order.

Rental Vehicle Invoice - Required Information for Claim Submission:

• Brand of rental vehicle in use
• Rental period
• Market surcharge (If applicable)
• CDW* (Collision Damage Waiver)
• Taxes

BMW will only reimburse the cost of the applicable Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)* protection that the rental vehicle agreement “signee” accepted.

Warranty Information: Reimbursement for eligible Engine Timing/Oil Pump Chain Repair related car rental (up to 3 days) is via DCSnet normal claim entry.

• Defect Code: 85800209NA
• Sublet Code 3: Reimbursement for alternate transportation through preferred third-party rental car providers.

Questions Regarding This Bulletin

• Technical inquiries: Submit feedback at the top of this bulletin.
• Warranty inquiries: Contact the Warranty department via Live Chat in the Warranty Documentation Portal or through IDS by selecting Coverage, Policy, Coding Questions and Mileage Corrections.
• Parts inquiries: Submit an IDS ticket to the Parts Department.

Supporting Materials

• B110221 N20_N26 TC Gelis v BMW_CF Notice.pdf
• B110221 Timing Chain Class Action_Rental.pdf