BMW, one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, has been caught up in a diesel emissions scandal. The German car giant is now facing accusations that many of its diesel cars were fitted with software that misled official tests designed to measure harmful emissions. This revelation has left many BMW owners wondering whether they are entitled to compensation. Let’s delve deeper into the story.
The Dieselgate Scandal
The roots of BMW’s involvement in the diesel emissions scandal can be traced back to the Volkswagen (VW) emissions scandal, which uncovered that VW had been using software to cheat emissions tests. This led to a widespread investigation of the emissions testing procedures of other car manufacturers, including BMW. In 2017, BMW was accused of using an illegal emissions control device in its diesel cars, which led to a spike in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
The automaker denied any wrongdoing and refuted the claims. In response to the allegations, Germany’s transportation authority, the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), was directed to conduct a thorough investigation. BMW had to recall 11,700 of its diesel cars in the UK in 2018 that had “wrong” emissions software. The software was installed on diesel models of the BMW 5 and 7 series. Multiple law firms in the UK are now on the move to file BMW emission claims and are looking for affected car owners to join them.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
It is estimated that more than a million drivers in the UK could be owed compensation for the BMW diesel scandal. The affected vehicles include those produced between 2007 and 2018. Furthermore, the emissions manipulation may have significantly impacted the resale value of affected vehicles. These cars have become significantly less desirable in the used car market as a direct consequence of the widespread negative attention their diesel technology has received. The substantial decline in market value has led to serious financial repercussions for numerous owners.
If you are affected by the scandal, you may be entitled to compensation for the financial losses incurred by the affected vehicles. This compensation may include the cost of repairs, depreciation in the value of the car, and other damages. However, you will need to provide proof of ownership to qualify for the compensation.
How Much Is the Expected Compensation?
Each affected UK BMW driver could potentially claim an impressive £12,000 in compensation and the collective wave could cost BMW billions in paybacks.
However, currently, no compensation packages have been announced or agreed upon. Affected BMW owners in the UK have been urged to join a group legal action against the company to seek compensation. There have also been calls for the UK government to launch an investigation, similar to those in Germany, to hold car manufacturers accountable for the alleged emissions cheating.
How to Claim Compensation?
The process of claiming compensation for the BMW diesel scandal is relatively straightforward. The first step is to obtain evidence that your vehicle is one of those affected by the scandal. You can do this by checking it against the list of affected vehicles at https://www.claimexperts.co.uk.
Choosing a reputable law firm that specializes in the field should be considered. These firms employ teams of experienced lawyers who are skilled at negotiating settlements on behalf of their clients. In most cases, these firms will work on a “no win, no fee” basis, meaning that they only receive payment if the client is successful in obtaining compensation.
The process of obtaining compensation can take some time, and it is essential to remain patient throughout. Companies such as BMW are not obliged to offer compensation, meaning that they may be required to negotiate with the manufacturer’s legal representatives before reaching a settlement. It is imperative to remain realistic throughout this process, as claiming unrealistic amounts or setting unrealistic objectives can harm the overall outcome of the case.
Conclusion
The allegations of emissions cheating against BMW have come as a shock to many car owners who believed they were doing their part in reducing air pollution by investing in a diesel engine vehicle. The damage to the company’s reputation has been considerable, and the liability for compensation is still unclear. However, it is good news for affected BMW owners that a group of legal action is underway and that they could receive compensation, which could go a long way in recouping their losses. It’s yet to be seen how this case will eventually play out.
The fallout from the BMW diesel emissions scandal has prompted questions about the future of diesel cars. While diesel cars are more fuel-efficient than gasoline cars, they also produce higher emissions levels. Manufacturers are investing in electric and hybrid vehicles as a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to diesel cars. Still, one thing is certain—car manufacturers will be under strict scrutiny in the future regarding emissions, and the expectations for them to act in an environmentally responsible way will continue to increase.
