I was driving around downtown looking at rental places and parked to see one, everything was fine. I paid the meter, went back into the car to put the sticker on, grabbed my jacket and went into the building. As I was waiting, someone said "oh that can't be good!"; when I turned around, I saw smoke coming out of my car, I went out to check it out and saw the hood bubbling. I immediately called 911 and got my stuff out of the car. The fire department arrived a few minutes later as the car slowly became engulfed in flames.

The car was a 2009 Cooper S, with 34K miles on the odometer, up to date maintenance and well taken care of since it was bought new.

I'm baffled as to how this could have happened. Now that I've done some research I see there's an investigation for 12 MINIs catching on fire which was reported today and a lawsuit for faulty steering pump which could cause a fire.

 

That sucks! Do you have a feel if it is a total?

 

Tough to see how that is not under warranty

 

I'm 99% sure it'll be totaled but I guess I'll have more information on Monday.

 

Sorry for your loss. flames just don't look good on BRG

 

oh no... sanother one gone... keep us posted

 

Damn x 10000. Keep us posted..

 

Glad you're safe. That pegs the "SUCKS" meter. Good luck with insurance/replacement. I think MINI may owe you a new one...if you want another one...

 

Yikes! Glad you're OK. I'm very sorry about the MINI. Keep us posted on what insurance says happened.

 

glad you are ok and sorry about the MINI

 

That could have happened in your garage at night, so it could have been worse.

 

wow good thing you just parked it! What if you were driving? Poor Mini... tough death

 

I thought they had solved this problem before the 2008 models came out. Doesn't make one feel too confident any longer. I have a 2008 Clubman with just 5300 miles on it and another MINI on the way. All my cars are garaged, but this makes me wonder.

I just received a recall notice on my 2010 Subaru Outback for possible fire starting in the windshield wiper motor. It advises you to not put the car in a garage or carport until replacement part is installed.

 

What does BRG mean?

 

BRG = British Racing Green
Thanks guys, I'll definitely keep you updated. I had the same thought about having just parked and not being on the highway or in the garage at home...

 

WOW

Glad you are OK !

 

I thought this fire thing was fixed in 2005 with the R53 models!?

wow.

 

Glad you're okay! What a crazy thing to happen. Let us know how it works out for you! Hopefully MINI and your insurance company get you whole again quickly.

 

+1 on keeping us updated. So sorry this happened.. glad you're safe!

 

Thanks guys, the Dealership's Service Manager called me earlier today to ask for a recollection of the event and said he would be talking to MINI USA and get the ball rolling, hopefully this won't be a legthy process.

 

Wow seeing that sucks as bad as the Ferrari 458 Italia car-B-que pictures! With the year and mialage, I hope MINI makes it right.

 

Did you see this on MotoringFile today?

http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/10/...es/#more-20626

 

That sucks man.. File a report with NHTSA

 

It seems to be going around.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/n...-engine-fires/

 

Goodness! I certainly hope the problem is resolved in the 2012's as I just ordered one on Saturday!

Glad you're ok and let us know what happens!