Hi,

My 05 Cooper was recently rear-ended by a hit-and-run driver. I'll try to be short and to the point:

1) Rear end impact while sitting in traffic, tearing up rear bumper and exhaust.

2) Engine still running, and all systems functional, pulled car off to side of road, shut off engine and removed key. Got out of car.

3) While talking to 911, noticed the following:

a) Thick white smoke from RH Front bonnet/wheel well area.
b) Tail lights blink on and off a few times.

4) By the time FD arrives, smoke has stopped. Opening bonnet reveals strong electrical smell, black soot covering engine.

5) At the body shop, the following is noted:
a) Battery is discharged.
b) PS is inoperative.
c) Terminal burnt off PS pump.
d) Alternator giving possible indications of failed diodes.

The insurance company claims the electrical fire could not possibly be related to the rear end impact and is a total coincidence. (Ridiculous position, I know!)

Has anyone had a similar experience or are there any MINI techs out there who could suggest a possible linkage or something to check?

BTW, according to MINI, my car was not affected by the service bulletin awhile back that covered PS pump failures.

Any input would be greatly appreciated here.

Thanks!

 

Your exhaust could have (most likely was) shoved forward in the incident and it has a direct line towards the PS pump. Who knows what happened from there...