In the Mini, the turbocharger cooling pump only runs after the engine is shut down.
BMW is recalling almost 90,000 Mini models equipped with a turbocharged engine because the electric pump that cools the turbo after engine shutdown can fail and catch fire. Models built from 14 November 2006 through January of 2011 are covered by the Mini recall. Previously BMW had trouble with a similar pump used on V8 engines.
The root cause is a circuit board in the Pierburg-supplied pump that can overheat. At least four cases of a burned engine compartment have been reported, BMW said in the require safety defect filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It appears the recall was prompted by a NHTSA request for more information from BMW as part of a preliminary investigation last fall.
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge, as is required by NHTSA regulation. The safety recall is expected to begin during February 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.
Owners can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or http://www.safercar.gov.
