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For a long time, BMW seemed to have escaped the worst of the “Dieselgate” storm. However, recent court rulings and mandatory recalls have changed the landscape significantly. As we enter 2026, thousands of BMW owners in Germany are finally in a position to hold the manufacturer accountable. If you purchased a BMW diesel vehicle—whether new or used—here is everything you need to know about your rights and the path to compensation.
The Shift in 2026: Why Now?
The legal tide turned decisively when the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) lowered the hurdles for consumers. Previously, owners had to prove "intentional immoral harm"—a very difficult legal standard.
Today, the courts have ruled that simple negligence regarding "thermal windows" (software that reduces exhaust cleaning at certain temperatures) is enough to trigger a claim. With new major rulings expected in the summer of 2026, the window for action is open, but time is of the essence due to statutes of limitations.
What Can You Claim?
In 2026, there is one straightforward way to claim compensation:
The "Small" Damage Claim (Differential Damages): You keep your car and receive a one-time payment of 5% to 15% of the original purchase price. For a BMW X3 or 5 Series originally costing €50,000, this can mean a payout of €2,500 to €7,500.
Are you affected? Check now for free!
Which BMW Models are Affected?
Current developments suggest that nearly all BMW diesel vehicles with Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines are affected. The issue is no longer limited to just a few specific models or mandatory recalls.
Instead of asking you to search for complex engine codes yourself, we handle the verification for you. Once we receive your documents, we perform an immediate preliminary check. We will confirm exactly if your specific vehicle is eligible for compensation.
How the Process Works with Claimback
The prospect of fighting a giant like BMW can be intimidating. That is why we have streamlined the process into four simple steps:
1. Instant Eligibility Check: Use our online tool to enter your vehicle details. We instantly verify if your model is part of the affected fleet.
2. Document Upload: You provide the basics—the purchase contract or registration papers. No complicated legal forms are required from your side.
3. Expert Management: Our legal specialists and partner lawyers take over. We handle all communication with BMW and the courts.
4. Payout: Once the settlement or judgment is reached, you receive your compensation directly.
No Risk, All Reward
The biggest barrier for most Germans is the fear of legal costs. At claimback, we eliminate this barrier. We work on a success-fee basis: if we don’t win your case, you pay nothing. This means you can pursue justice against one of the world’s largest automakers with zero financial risk.
Don't let your claim expire. As corporate legal strategies evolve, 2026 is the year to secure the money you are rightfully owed for the loss in value and environmental impact of your vehicle.
Are you affected? Check now for free!