MINI to pay out on $30m timing chain lawsuit

CarComplaints.com is reporting that a $30m lawsuit against BMW Group has been approved over MINI timing chains and tensioner failures.

Plaintiffs Joshua Skeen and Laurie Freeman claim there is an inherent design flaw in the timing chain and tensioner, allowing the pistons and valves to connect with too much force - which results in engine failure, and thousands in repairs costs.

The pair claim the timing chains should last at least 10 years or 120,000 miles, but there is evidence of these problems appearing whilst still under warranty, only to occur again after repair.

The lawsuit covers only U.S. owners with the following N14 engines:

• 2007-2009 MINI Cooper Hardtop
• 2008-2009 MINI Cooper Clubman
• 2009-2010 MINI Cooper S Convertible
  

Members of the class-action lawsuit will recieve up to $4,500 and MINI will extend the warranty for timing chain issues to 7 years/100,000 miles.

Other MINI owners can also receive compensation for timing chain repairs already done, with a refund of upto $850 available.

There will apparently be a dedicated website set up by BMW for owners affected by timing chain issues, but details of the site are not yet available.

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