BMW Mystery Fires: Parked cars burst into flames

[corp]

Hi all,

Have any of you seen this vid?

Imagine our BMW's are the next Kuga scandal.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lizzard]

I do think that it might be an electrical fault that might have causes these cars to catch fire. A car doesnt just catch fire out of the blue. Maybe these bmw had some tampering with their wiring done and cause them to catch fire. You have to remember that even after switching your bm off that it is still on for like 15min before it goes into sleep mode, after that it wakes up every hour for a system check but this only happens in a few miliseconds. This is the part most of us dont look at or even know of and then we tamper with the cars and dont expect this type of thing to happen. Any tampering on the car, if it is to add something like a JB4 (wiring etc) or installing your own radio or just do a retrofit you are exposing the car to these type of conditions. This stuff should be done by repeatable qualified installers like our Guru Gert raise: , did they explain why these bm's caught fire in the video or just speculated ...... will check the video tonight

The Ford had the problem, as explained that the engine overheats and causes the spontaneous fire that amuses us these days seeing a Kuga. This is a manufacturer fault. http://www.timeslive.co.za/consumer...-concedes-engine-overheating-a-possible-cause

 

[TurboLlew]

We sometimes forget that car fires happen often regardless. A specific model or range (not even brand) is what initiates a recall as well as how claims are handled by the manufacturer. At some point (just saw E90 and E46 in the pics) the onus on general maintenance falls to the owner. There are a lot of people at each manufacturer that co-operate with authorities and insurers on forensic investigations. I personally know one of the Renault tech experts that has to investigate and in some instances testify. The reason Ford got so much attention was that they went into ostrich mode.

I am also fairly sure that this vid was on Reddit a while ago and consensus was that it was just journalists looking hard to make a story out of a series of unconnected incidents (might have been a different one)

 

[corp]

There were a few models in the vid and according to the reporter only one vehicle fire was acknowledged by BMW that they are investigating the cause and that was 2 series.

It should be common sense (note I said "should be") that modifications should only be carried out by those knowledgeable to do so...and preferably qualified.

Widespread media attention likely is what Ford involved with the Kuga. Without it, I don't think they would have responded the same. It started negatively affecting their brand image and that in turn costs money.

Either way, I am not too fussed until there more reports become mainstream.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MikeR]

:skit: mmmm strange, they are all different models and years, it has to be electrical addons that are not standard.

 

[CK4LIFE]

So scary!

 

[Iceman12596]

only in murica !!!!

 

[msm]

Seems to be quite random across various years and models.

 

[Hummy]

I do think that it might be an electrical fault that might have causes these cars to catch fire. A car doesnt just catch fire out of the blue. Maybe these bmw had some tampering with their wiring done and cause them to catch fire. You have to remember that even after switching your bm off that it is still on for like 15min before it goes into sleep mode, after that it wakes up every hour for a system check but this only happens in a few miliseconds. This is the part most of us dont look at or even know of and then we tamper with the cars and dont expect this type of thing to happen. Any tampering on the car, if it is to add something like a JB4 (wiring etc) or installing your own radio or just do a retrofit you are exposing the car to these type of conditions. This stuff should be done by repeatable qualified installers like our Guru Gert raise: , did they explain why these bm's caught fire in the video or just speculated ...... will check the video tonight

The Ford had the problem, as explained that the engine overheats and causes the spontaneous fire that amuses us these days seeing a Kuga. This is a manufacturer fault. http://www.timeslive.co.za/consumer...-concedes-engine-overheating-a-possible-cause

Very interesting!! You learn something new everyday raise::clapper::ty:

 

[ChefDJ]

I'm willing to bed most of the older models that catch fire are due to cheap HID kits being fitted.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

I'm willing to bed most of the older models that catch fire are due to cheap HID kits being fitted.

Was there not a F30 here on the forum that started burning at a dealership, and insurance repudiated the claim due to the aftermarket bulbs in the fog lights?

 

[ChefDJ]

I don't recall but it's not surprising. I have read horror stories about cheap light kits and aftermarket bulbs. When I still had the 5er it had an HID kit in. I ripped it out right after reading those reports, and fitted bulbs from BMW which worked just as well as all the other Phillips bulbs etc.

I'd in any case rather have less than perfect night visibility than a potential mechanical bonfire.

 

[msm]

I'm willing to bed most of the older models that catch fire are due to cheap HID kits being fitted.

**** Mini rant and thread derail ****

I really hope that is the case and they start clamping down on poorly installed HID kits, especially in SA for all brands of cars. I'm frikken tired of inconsiderate @@sholes installing these kits without projectors and blinding oncoming traffic. I'm aware the projectors have nothing to do with the fires (as it's probably the ballasts or bulbs), but at least if there's some level of control, then these won't go in :cursin::cursin::cursin:

**** Mini rant over ****

 

[TurboLlew]

I'm willing to bed most of the older models that catch fire are due to cheap HID kits being fitted.

**** Mini rant and thread derail ****

I really hope that is the case and they start clamping down on poorly installed HID kits, especially in SA for all brands of cars. I'm frikken tired of inconsiderate @@sholes installing these kits without projectors and blinding oncoming traffic. I'm aware the projectors have nothing to do with the fires (as it's probably the ballasts or bulbs), but at least if there's some level of control, then these won't go in :cursin::cursin::cursin:

**** Mini rant over ****

I feel the same - No issue with a light upgrade, but for heaven's sake do it properly with a high quality kit with heat sinks and pay for proper projectors + align them when installing. This is especially annoying on SUVs/Bakkies when they are driving behind you

As with many mods people half a$$ it :hammerhead:

 

[TurboLlew]

I don't recall but it's not surprising. I have read horror stories about cheap light kits and aftermarket bulbs. When I still had the 5er it had an HID kit in. I ripped it out right after reading those reports, and fitted bulbs from BMW which worked just as well as all the other Phillips bulbs etc.

I'd in any case rather have less than perfect night visibility than a potential mechanical bonfire.

People who fit these mods should also buy a little fire extinguisher for such emergencies... and also for that racecar look :roflol:

 

[ChefDJ]

I have a mini fire extinguisher that used to be in the 5er.

Maybe I should go find myself a Kuga for cheap :thinking:

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

There is a "new" Kuga coming in July.
Not sure if it can save the car, Ford lost the public, due to their poor handlign of the situation.

I have a friend who has a diesel model, he has had it for 3 years and is quite happy with it. I doubt their petrol models will sell, regardless of the face lifted model coming in July.

 

[corp]

Just to add to this thread. Saw thing today. Kind of funny.

https://instagram.com/p/BVVjHfMnHc7/


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk