right?
Might have been something with the fuel rail, thats what causes most BMW fire's but their very rare like MINI's.
From the pics it looks like a leaky fuel rail. Which infact runs under the supercharger.

 

So sorry...it'd be really interesting to know the cause.

 

Thirdrail... Nope! USAA rarely gives anyone trouble, but the investigation is not over yet it's day one. BTW I'm already approved to buy another car.

 

Norm03... Yep I've already sent the info on Donna/Mike's Mini to my ins. co. The ABS area is where I first saw flames

 

Dr Diff, I was about 8 miles from home and I had just left there. Yes I'm home. I owe less that what the car is worth so that's good. I bought it for 23k in 03 and unless usaa bank was mistaken it's still worth about 20k.

 

Thanks for the posts on that info Norm03s. I need to check my fuse for the 40 amp. I really don't want my MINI going up in flames!

 

HOLY CRAP!!!

I'm SO glad you are ok! but terribly sorry for your loss.

But, as I think everyone else agrees, MINIs are replaceable - you are not.

Glad you're still with us!

 

Sorry to hear about the car.... I dont believe in coincidences... I would bet cold hard cash that the fire was a result of newly added parts/recent work done.

 

Hmm, it makes me wonder. So you want to upgrade a little?

 

Man, this is so scary. I'm thinking of getting a Mini next month. Is this something I should consider happening one day to my Mini? Is this an MCS problem or does it also happen to the MC? I'm not planning to add any modifications to my Mini, would that help?

 

Oh My God! Another one........ I got your PM - replied.... I just don't even have words for you...I know exactly how you are feeling at this point. It's very sad - but I'm glad to see that you got out of the car safely..

When ours burned, I spent MONTHS researching trying to find any others in the US but no luck. I did find one in the UK that burned...

USAA is AWESOME - I know they will take good care of you as they did us. I can tell you that to this date, USAA HAS NOT settled with BMW yet in our case - and maybe - with 3 of us now known with burned MINIs (all with USAA), it will be enough to push things along...who knows...BMW is obviously a HUGE company and it's tough to fight the Big Boys as we personally have found out.

Chin up...as hard as it is right now.....keep us posted please on how things progress.

Donna

 

Glad you weren't hurt and it's good you got to get your MINI to the Dragon before it expired.

 

Minian, I'm very sorry about your car. Glad you are OK.

I needed a fire extinguisher for road racing, and went with this mounting bracket:

http://www.northstarmotorsports.com/...productID/2097

It's a little expensive, but works very well. Attaches to the front of the passenger seat and moves with the seat.

For the extinguisher, I just bought a small A-B-C at a local hardware store.

Here's a pic:

 

Scotteast, Krut, Moraine, Shankrabbit -Thanks you for your concern.
Donna/Mike- I will post progression & Thanks
Jato- Since I have to replace the car I might as well make improvements
CamelPilot- You may be right, but proving it would be very hard.

 

Everyone,
I don't wish anything to happen to any of your cars, but just in case it does please have "renters insurance" added to your policy. It is not an exspensive addition, at least not w/USAA. Unlike many of you the Mini was my only form of transportation. I'm glad I'm fully covered, but I overlooked what would have helped out a great deal. Don't get caught w/o it.

 

I seem to recall something about the DSC box burning up... maybe this could have been the root of your blaze? Ugh, ugly yet dramatic photo.

As for fire extinguishers, Kidde A-B-C extinguishers will do just fine. I used to have two mounted on my Wrangler. Just make sure they are easily reached in an emergency. Also it's smart to have an ABC underneath your kitchen sink at home... fires on the stove DO occur.

The firefighter in me is passing this along. :-)

 

The cause of ours was determined to be the fuse in the ABS - amps too high.. - they were changed out sometime in late 04' or early 05' models. No Recall or Bulletin was ever posted that I could find. - Just FYI....

Donna

 

Do you know what the amps should be? I wouldn't mind checking mine and make sure they are correct.

Minian, glad you got out ok, sorry about your loss, keep us posted.

Nik

 

Minian:
Sorry about the car but am very glad you got out safely. That is one scary looking photo.

 

20 amp vs. 30 amp if my memory serves me correctly.

Donna

 

Oh, jeeze, not another one!

So sorry to hear about your car's demise. If I had wanted a car that is prone to catch fire I would drive a Pinto.

Not too long ago I heard a buzzing racket coming from the cowl area and freaked out. Come to find out it was a bumblebee that got trapped inside the cowl vent (the foam was falling out) and was trying to get out.

I carry a small halon fire extinguisher in the back seat side pocket. I carved up some foam to act as a holder for it. I feel I have to disconnect the battery when I leave the car! :impatient

 

My condolences. What a painful image to bear. The MINI can be replaced, but you can't. Glad to hear you're OK.

 

I think if my Mini caught on fire, I wouldn't be much interested in saving it except for the mods... Mmmm, Wet Okole's that reek of smoke. So sad.

My condolences.

 

I'm USAA as well, and it's nice to hear those of you that have needed it, have received the support from them that you required. Here's a question: how would renter's insurance have helped you minian? I have it as well, but I'm not clear on the connection...

I also use a Kiddie ABC... well, I USED one. I need to get another one shortly for the MCS.

 

I'm thinking he meant the "rental car reimbursement" portion of the policy which a lot of people don't opt for.

Donna