**BMW Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Defective Antenna**
BMW is currently embroiled in a class action lawsuit alleging that certain models are equipped with a faulty shark fin antenna that allows water to seep in, causing significant damage to the vehicle’s electronics. The lawsuit claims that BMW has been aware of this issue but has failed to address it adequately, leaving owners to foot the bill for costly repairs.
**Details of the Lawsuit**
The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, targets a range of BMW vehicles, including the 2017-2023 BMW 330i, 340i, M440i, M550i, 750i, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 models. It alleges that water infiltration due to the defective antenna leads to corrosion of interior electrical components and water damage to the vehicle’s interior.
**Concealment Allegations**
In addition to the defect claims, the lawsuit accuses BMW of trying to conceal the problem from consumers. It asserts that BMW has long been aware of the issue but has failed to take appropriate action. The lawsuit also points to various online posts and complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as evidence of the widespread nature of the problem.
**Case Study: Tim Craft**
The lawsuit includes a case study involving California resident Tim Craft, who purchased a certified pre-owned 2019 X5 xDrive 40i. After experiencing malfunctions following heavy rain, Craft was informed that water had infiltrated the telematics control module due to the faulty antenna. Despite BMW’s refusal to cover the repair costs under warranty, Craft had to pay $2,500 for the necessary repairs.
**Seeking Damages**
Lawyers representing Craft and other affected owners are seeking more than $5 million in damages from BMW. The lawsuit alleges violations of consumer protection laws, false advertising, breach of warranty, and fraud among other claims. A jury trial has been requested to address these issues.
**Conclusion**
The class action lawsuit against BMW highlights the importance of addressing defects promptly and transparently. Owners should be aware of their rights and options when faced with similar issues to ensure fair treatment and compensation for damages incurred.
