I just had to add one. I own a 2004 MCS and the ABS unit fired while I was parked. Thank god all it did was blow the fuses to the ABS system. I'm scared, but tomorrow it goes into see what the damage will cost. The car has 33K on the odometer.

 

Not another one...my heart is sinking...please keep us posted on what is found out....sounds like you are one of the lucky ones and your MINI was not turned into ashes...

Donna

 

Any reports anywhere about late '05 Builds? Other than the cooling fans, were anything else upgraded?

 

Well the good news, I took i by the BMW dealer here in Germany and it turned out to be blown fuses and a shorted wire at the ABS unit. SO now all is well.

 

There are more and more fires being reported. I sure hope the NHTSA does something about this since BMW/MINI isn't! I know they are investigating, but I wonder how long it will take?

Pyroman and sj, have each of you filed a report with the NHTSA? You should. Here's a link http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/.

 

I've just added four more to the list, from the last few pages in the thread.

SCoop

 

I filled out the complaint, I guess we will have to see if anything comes of it.

 

I filed a complaint here in Canada. Stated that even in the USA is having a current investigation into the situation. So we'll see where this goes.

 

I have an '07 MCS. I read the thread about the Cooper on fire which led me here. About two months ago I took my R56 in to ask about a strange noise and feeling in the steering well. All they did was tighten the steering wheel and blow me off. The noise and feeling happened again last weekend; this time someone (who is much smarter than I about cars) was with me and said, "Wow, that doesn't sound good. It sounds like something with your power steering."

After reading about all those fires related to power steering, I am concerned. Should I take it in again? I don't know how to describe what is happening, but it definitely happens when I turn a slow turn, like in a parking lot. There is a definite grinding noise.

Any suggestions?
Thanks.

 

picasso,

k-huevo posted in this thread (page 9, post 213) that they've changed the design and added more circuitry in later models. You probably don't have to worry about your power steering causing a fire. Get it checked out though - it sounds like you've got something going on.

 

I posted about changes for the fan, my motor whines a lot and so do other early builds, but it doesn’t grind; grinding noise is something to be concerned about.

 

I have an 02 MCS and after reading this thread am scared that I will have the same problem. Is there anything that can be done as a preventative? Will the updated ducting work or is updated fan on (pg.9) compatable with an earlier year build date?

 

I finally heard back from Mini Corporate today. They have been promising me an answer on whether or not they were going to compensate me for the damages done to my car. The engine damage totaled $3500. They still have not given me a final answer, but it sounds like they will give me something. He said at least half reimbursement. Stay tuned.

 

Thank you for the update. Please continue to update us and let us know what the final outcome is.

Donna

 

just an update with mine, I just replaced my power steering pump after a week of just replacing the powersteering fan.

Transport Canada Investigators came by yesterday and documented the car, with photos, repair history, event history and lots of questions.

From here it will go to Ottawa for the engineers to pick it apart, and to get all of my money back.

 

I just saw this one..
It says it was added 3 days ago, so i guess its a new case?

Edit: i dotn know how to make work the you tube thing.. so heres the link http://youtube.com/watch?v=TrToLxfKZCQ

 

Okay. Wow. Just to be on the safe side...

When I turn, the noise of my power steering increases. Not horribly loud, nor annoying. Just a small whine.

Just wanna make sure this is normal.

 

Yes, that is normal. In an '03 the power steering is quite loud. They improved the design in later cars and they are not nearly as loud. The R56's are a purely electric design and do not have the whining pump sound.

 

Phew. Well I happen to enjoy the sound of it. It accompanies my SC quite well.

 

It's one of my favorite MINI noises! And yes, to confirm, it's normal.

 

One of mine, too. Gives it that "RC" feel.

 

Ran across this video.A fire extingusher would probably have proved handy in this case
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JARsD2Cvdik

 

Wow. Just wow. 60% of me is ready to unload my '05 MCS after reading this thread. I mean, you're going to see 2005-2006 MINI's on this list as they reach higher miles like the 02-04s.

It may be time to walk back to the world of reliable Japanese autos. Wow, this thread disheartening. Astonishing no recalls have been issued.

 

Doesn't worry me. I've got 78,000 miles on my 2005. I accidentally broke the clamp that holds the lead to the battery. The good thing is that I can remove power to the battery simply by pulling the plug up and over the battery post.

I've also got a Halon fire extinguisher under the passenger seat just in case.

 

4/18/08 my 2004 mini had an engine fire. 65K - It had recently been driven and was parked in the driveway. I looked and saw smoke coming from the hood. We rolled it away from the house and other cars, then call the fire dept. The Mini dealer in RI said, at first, it was a power steering line leak. The fluid ignited when it hit the hot exhaust. After futher work he said it was failure of the fan and power steering pump which caused the electrical harness to burn. Then start on fire. $2,600. later (no help from the insurance company so far) It is fixed. I just found your posting today and will pick up the car tonight. I can't wait to see what they have to say.
I will also contact the NHTSA