Hi all
The other day the timing chain snapped on my 2012 320d with the N47 engine. Extensive and major engine damage. The car was purchased from new at a BMW dealer, I'm the only owner, full and regular service history at BMW. Only 114,000km. Last service at 100,000km about a year ago. No warning of it snapping. I didn't really know about this issue previously, as I assumed diesel car were pretty bullet proof and would run forever.
At first the BMW dealer basically said "tough luck". Then I went away and thought about it, and researched the problem. I complained to my BMW dealer, as the timing chain is fundamentally a flawed design, and I was never once warned about it, or advised to replace it before it breaks.
Anyway, the dealer and BMW NZ estimate it will cost $18,000 to repair. They are willing to contribute $6,000, which means I need to pay $12,000. The car is only worth maybe $17,000 second hand, in good condition.
I am thinking about escalating this further. Do you all think the dealer and BMW should contribute more? Pay the full cost? Disputes tribunal and civil court action are possibilites.
BMW in Ireland settled multiple cases in 2018 over this problem when multiple owners took them to court.
Your opinions would be appreciated.
Many thanks
(P.S. I won't even go into the very poor communication and customer service at my dealer.... )
