BMW’s Defect Water Pumps

By Andrea Plata

A water pump is a critical engine component that circulates water and coolant throughout the engine in order to prevent engine overheating.  For years, BMW owners have suffered through repeated failures of their vehicles’ water pumps resulting in costly repairs and resulting damage.  A water pump failure, if not promptly addressed, can lead to catastrophic engine failure.  

Recently, a class action lawsuit has been brought against BMW for defective water pumps. The lawsuit was initiated after consumer complaints of alleged defective water pumps in select BMW models. BMW has since worked out a settlement with consumers putting a halt to litigation. 

What is an Automobile Class Action Lawsuit? 

A class action lawsuit is a lawsuit brought by a group of plaintiffs who have suffered similar damages or injuries. Automobile class action lawsuits are typically brought when a group of plaintiffs is claiming that a specific auto part has either design or manufacturing defects. The term defect is used to describe a condition of a consumer product that does not meet a consumer’s reasonable expectation. 

Consumer Complaints 

Consumers brought the class action against BMW after experiencing issues with the car’s electric water pump. The complaint cites various issues with the water pumps including premature failure and needing frequent replacements. The water pumps allegedly cause the engines to leak coolant and overheat. These defects have cost consumers extra out-of-pocket costs for replacement pumps as they are not covered under BMW warranty. 

BMW has denied that the water pumps are defective and has refused to recognize a breach of warranty to cover the cost of replacement pumps. 

Defective Models 

The BMW class action covers certain models known to be affected by defective water pumps. The lawsuit settlement includes all current and former U.S. owners and lessees of the following BMW vehicles: 

  • 2008-2013 BMW 135i
  • 2007-2013 BMW 335i, 335i xDrive, 335is Convertible
  • 2008-2016 BMW 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Active Hybrid
  • 2012-2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive
  • 2010-2015 BMW 740i, 740Li
  • 2012-2015 BMW X1 3.0si
  • 2011-2017 BMW X3 xDrive
  • 2015-2018 BMW X4 xDrive, X4 M40i
  • 2007-2013 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive
  • 2008-2019 BMW X6 sDrive, X6 xDrive
  • 2009-2016 BMW Z4 sDrive

The BMW class action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey: Oliver, et al., v. BMW of North America, LLC.

If your BMW vehicle has suffered from repeated water pump failures or other concerns, we invite you to contact CCA today for a free consultation: (833) LEMON-FIRM. 

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.