BMW is recalling 235,000 cars due an electrical fault which can cause vehicles to burst into flames. It has been reported that a problem with the computer circuit board controlling a turbocharger cooling system can fail, this would result in a smouldering water pump and in some cases a fire in the engine compartment. Nearly 30,000 cars in the UK are understood to be affected.
BMW is recalling 89,000 Mini Coopers in the United States. Cars being recalled include some model year 2007 through 2011 Mini Cooper S hatchbacks and convertibles; Mini Cooper Clubman S (the longer three-door Mini); and Mini Cooper Countryman S (the larger, four-door SUV Mini); as well as John Cooper Works high-performance versions of the Mini Cooper. Non-turbocharged Minis are not involved in the recall.
Owners will be issued with a recall notice in the next few weeks. A Mini spokesman insisted the cars remain safe to drive and said there was a ‘very low incidence’ of the fault. ‘In more extreme cases, it could create a heat build-up in the wiring and some smouldering,’ he said. ‘Potentially it could cause a fire. We are not aware of any accidents or injuries connected with this. ‘The important thing is that when people receive the letter, they simply go to their dealer and get a new water pump fitted if there is a problem.’