Oh I CALLED MINI roadside assistance. I have a reference number for my call. The fire dept called to have the car towed without asking me because it was a hazard in the parking lot. They called before they even put out the fire.

 

I agree with redduc....it is hard to find a make that has never had spontaneous fires such as this. It is certainly understandable to be spooked but don't give up on MINI if you enjoyed yours as much as it seems like you did. Hang in there.

 

SO SCARY!! I am glad you are alright, I get scared reading this and the other fire threads as I bring my two little dogs with me and leave them in the car (when the weather is appropriate, of course) during stops.

 

OMG!!

Carlisle, I am sooooo very sorry to hear this!

Here's hoping everything everything works out okay for you. I'm glad you weren't in the car or hurt. Material things can be replaced, but I know you're going to miss your Clark.

 

Ugh. Sorry to hear about the fire - that just really blows. Clark was a very good looking car.

With that said, I'm glad nobody got hurt when this happened. I hope your insurance company takes care of you so that you can order your next MINI right away and be motoring back down the road.

Oh...and regarding your newly discovered level of hell...it could be worse - you could have ended up with a GM, or even worse... a Chrysler rental car.

 

So sorry to hear. Like others have said, this seems to have been a freak accident, so I would discourage you from losing faith in MINI just yet. Best wishes in resolving this, and hugs are always available.

 

Once again-- so proud to be a part of a supportive community. I do believe in BMW/MINI and I hope I didn't make it seem that I wouldn't get another MCS! I can't fathom driving another car! I will keep you posted... MINI is interested in taking care of me which I am HUGELY thankful for, and they are going to examine the car as this is INDEED a warranty issue and probably shouldn't involve my insurance company.

My insurance company is prepared to pay as well-- and because I have enhanced benefits should I need to make a claim... FULL purchase price reimbursed.

I found a silver lining! Thanks again everyone! I really appreciate all the support and well wishes...

 

Sorry to hear about your loss. I know I'd be heartbroken. And as others have recommended, don't give up the ship.

Several have mentioned the well-worn 1st Gen spontaneous engine bay fires thread, but nearly all of those recorded instances were tied to malfunctions of the early design electro-hydraulic power steering pump assembly and it's associated wiring harness. MINI and the NHTSB even suggest this (while dodging acceptance of any responsibility or accountability) in the associated published report. Those 1st Gen experiences obviously have zero correlation to what happened with your MINI. A couple of the reports seem to be ABS related, but again these do not correlate to your incident.

Clearly a freak occurrence, and bad luck. With it all behind you, we hope to see you back in a MINI real soon.

 

 

I am sooooo sorry... It sucks to hear that people were laughing... how rude.. *BIG HUGS*

 

Many ((((((HUGS)))))). Mocha and I send our deepest sympathies to you and your recently departed Clark. Whatever your decision for the future, please know that you're still a part of our family and we all feel very badly for you.

On a bright note, maybe Clark new there was a problem and waited until you were safely in the store before he let the flames engulf him, proving once again our MINIs take incredible care of us.

(((((HUGS)))))))

 

I am so sorry for the loss of Clark. I am sure your next MINI will be fantastic! I love how MINI owners see the bright side ie.., Clark waiting until you were safely out to succumb to the fire or the low odds of having two cars that catch fire. And add me to the list of owners that understand the tears. I would have been in tears had it happened to me! There are no words for the idiots that would laugh at that situation.


Hope your transition to a new MINI goes smoothly, please keep us all informed.

 

So sorry to hear about this. *hugs*

 

I beleive this is the first instance Ive heard of the R56 and spontaneous fires. The 1G car, as Gil said, did have a history of those, but R56? Not 'til now.

Now U have me looking out the building at my car parked 7 floors below.

glad all is working out well.

 

Carlisle, so you don't have any pictures at all? Surely you can get some...

 

So sorry to hear about your MINI and what you are going thru...emotionally, shattering of confidence and having to seek other transportation till issue fully resolved. Good news, though, that your insurance company and also BMW/MINI making positive statements regarding their support. Of course, we will all be curious how this all plays out and getting you back in a happy situation.

I never had an experience like yours but did have an electrical issue in ...to tell you the truth it was so long ago...I think it was in an old Ford Fury when I was going to college. The positive things out of the experience was...it was a one time thing visiting a college buddy after classes to go play some basketball. Never been to his house before and it was not all that close to where I lived. When I went over to his house...I noticed he had a real pretty sister...okay...off to basketball. Only thing was, when I went to start the car after we were done playing, instead of the car starting, it made an elcectrical zapping noise and I smelled smoke. But did not catch on fire !

I wound up staying overnight at my friends house and the local gas station changed out the electrical harness. Car fixed...out some dough...but gained a girlfriend during the ordeal. Overall...not a bad experience !!

 

Wow man, deepest condolences... Caroline sends her sympathy too .

Have you heard anything from MINI about it yet? I'd be interested to hear what they have to say for themselves.

 

For legal reasons I had to remove some pictures. Apologies.

 

Those pics made me nauseous. I can only imagine how you feel. Glad you're safe.

 

heard about a recall with some newer Chevys re the heated window washer fluid elements and spontaneous fires, did your car have the cold weather package?

 

Yes. It had the heated nozels, and the heated glass windshield but I don't believe it is called the cold weather package in Canada... my memory isn't so great these days though... I can tell you the only two options I didn't get were Nav, and Park distance control.

 

Please read and/or post accordingly to this thread that follows spontaneous MINI fires: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...bay-fires.html. I do realize the thread is in the 1st-gen section, but that thread comprises both 1st and 2nd gen issues.

 

I did post in that thread and was told not to post there because it was only for 1st gen fires. I edited my post to this: and explained that my post was edited because it was unwanted.

 

Los bastardos!! (gee Gil, I think you couldve cut him a break here. A MINI that catches fire, no matter what gen, is a big thing.)