I know this has been brought up before... DANGER!

[miniconcarne]

That was where the wire harness and conector flamed-up. However, I will look closer, see if there was an arc or short. Funny thing is, the fuse is still intact!?!? Thanks for pointing out your observation.
Bryan

[Gil-galad]

Originally Posted by miniconcarne

Mine had the built in cage also.

Better be careful...just because your PS fan has the cage/grill covering doesn't mean it is the latest and greatest replacement part. There was an intermediate redesign that had the cage but did not have the extra electronics. I discovered this on my '05 and posted pics here:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ml#post2702414

Also, if you give any credibility to the NHTSB report on this issue the root cause is purportedly moisture getting into the power cables for the EHPS pump itself and not the fan assembly. BMW has subsequently redesigned both components so it's still anyone's guess...

[miniconcarne]

That's what I ment, the fan that went fubar had the "grill". The new one I bought does indeed have the extra electronics. Hmmmm..

[-=gRay rAvEn=-]

I would think a suit against MINI and the actual designer and manufacturer should be in order at this point. Losses can be exhibited by their own repair records and subsequent modifications to former/original parts. Gross neglegence can therefore be easily established beyond a preponderance of the evidence as required in civil court.

And as far as I know, there isn't even a TSB for the updated fan w/shroud, harness or other preventative measures.

God forbid, but if a house catches fire from MINI parked in garage bay, and death and/or serious injury is the direct result, these threads will be invaluable to the survivors and their families......

Time for MINI to get off their Arse's and do somthing.......

My 2 cents.

[Bigshot]

There was a TSB for the first couple of years production to fix the harnesss so the rad fan and ps fan were NOT on the same circuit.

And what is the purpose of the electronics on the newer fans?

[Pbadore]

Miniconcarne reports that the fuse in his Mini Cooper was still intact
after his fire. I am not surprised that the fuse didn't blow. The rating on the PS pump power circuit fuse is 100 amps which seems very high to me. Mini
may have specified the fuse rating incorrectly. Maybe someone on this list with an electrical engineering degree or training could evaluate the circuit loads and see if a 100 amp fuse is too high. However, as I read DOT ODI (Office Of Defect Investigation) report it appears that the power steering pump fire cause is due to high resistance in the power and ground circuits. This high/excessive resistance causes over heating and melting of the wire harness and insulation.
I agree with many of the previous postings stating that Mini should have conducted a safety recall. In the meantime all the owners of the affected
cars should have the power and ground circuits cleaned and sealed against moisture intrusion.