Motorists’ action against BMW over engine design adjourned

The first set of civil actions against BMW over a serious design fault in a range of their cars has been adjourned.

BMW Automotive (Ireland) Ltd has been ordered to hand over evidence by Dublin District Court in July after an action was brought by three motorists.

John McConville from Canal View, Clones Road, Monaghan town, Co Monaghan was among the group of motorists who initiated civil proceedings against the motor firm for €8,700 in damages.

The problem affected the timing chains on BMW models with N47 engines, Judge John Brennan heard.

Mr McConville’s action, along with another plaintiff’s, was listed again on Tuesday, when Judge Brennan adjourned the case until October 30th, when it will be listed for mention.

Motorway breakdown

In 2011 Mr McConville bought a 2008 BMW X5-series for €42,000. He claims significant damage was caused to his car when travelling on a busy motorway from Limerick to Dublin, when the vehicle suddenly lost power. He had to take emergency measures and pull over and wait on the hard shoulder for a tow truck for over an hour in darkness, he claims.

He claimed there was a defective engine design that prevented inspection and maintenance of the timing chain, and that his car needed extensive repairs.

It was among the first batch of up to 50 similar cases being prepared by solicitor Dermot McNamara for other motorists affected by the timing chain problems in BMWs with N47 engines, the court had heard.

Judge Brennan had ordered BMW to provide evidence about their cars with N47 engines sold in Ireland, as well as repairs carried out, between 2008 and 2014.

While he said this was not a template for the order he would make in the ensuing actions, it was the “gist” of the disclosure order he would be making in the other actions to come.

One of the three cases was withdrawn on Tuesday.