May 9, 2026 - A federal court has granted preliminary approval to a class action settlement over BMW shark fin antennas, paving the way for reimbursements to customers who covered repair costs.

The lawsuit contends that these antennas on select BMW vehicles lack proper sealing to the roof, potentially allowing water to seep in and damage interior electronics.

The lead plaintiff drives a 2019 X5 xDrive 40i where sealant issues caused the shark fin antenna to fail. He reported multiple vehicle systems malfunctioning, with a dealership pinpointing water intrusion into the telematics control module.

Dealership estimated $2,500 to replace the antenna and telematics unit. The owner chose $92 in targeted fixes instead, then spent $405 filing the class action suit demanding over $5 million.

This nationwide settlement offers reimbursements to current or former BMW owners and lessees who paid out-of-pocket for qualifying shark fin antenna repairs without prior compensation.

BMW agreed to settle to avoid prolonged litigation expenses, while firmly denying any vehicle or antenna defects.

The initial complaint targeted various models from 2017 through 2023. The approved settlement narrows to 2019-2020 BMWs produced from November 1, 2018, to March 31, 2020:

2019-2020 BMW X3
2019-2020 BMW X4
2019-2020 BMW X5
2019-2020 BMW X6
2019-2020 BMW X7

BMW previously extended the shark fin antenna warranty to 10 years or 120,000 miles, effective regardless of final settlement approval.

BMW Shark Fin Settlement Benefits - Reimbursement Details

Eligible customers can seek full reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs tied to shark fin antenna and telematics issues, provided BMW, dealers, insurers, or extended warranties have not already covered them.

Claims must be submitted if final approval comes through, with eligibility capped at vehicles under 10 years old or 120,000 miles at repair time.

Per settlement terms, reimbursements require submission of these documents, drawn directly from the agreement:

Proof the work occurred at an authorized BMW dealer (e.g., BMW Center) or independent shop; and
Class Vehicle’s model, year, and VIN; and
Owner/lessee identity; and
Evidence of under 10 years and 120,000 miles at repair, such as mileage on repair order or pre/post service records; and
Repair costs, separating parts and labor; and
Payment proof (e.g., credit card receipt, statement, canceled check); and
Repair description; and
Parts details and numbers; and
Repair date.

BMW covers 100% of costs with no limit for dealer repairs. Non-dealer work caps at $2,000 per claim.

BMW dealers will also offer complimentary shark fin sealing for 60 days post-final approval.

The settlement awards $5,000 to the lead plaintiff and $800,000 in fees to plaintiffs' counsel.

Final approval awaits a hearing before Judge William J. Martini on July 28, 2026.

Affected BMW owners can call 833-447-8559 for settlement inquiries.

Filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey: Tim Craft v. BMW of North America, LLC, et al.

Plaintiff represented by Sauder Schelkopf LLC.