BMW has announced the recall of some 89,000 Cooper S and John Cooper Works models built for the 2007 – 2011 model year. The recall includes the turbocharged Clubman, Convertible and Countryman models as well, specifically:
– MINI Cooper S, model years 2007-11
– MINI Cooper S Clubman, model years 2008-11
– MINI Cooper S Convertible, model years 2009-11
– MINI Cooper S Countryman, model year 2011
– MINI Cooper John Cooper Works, model years 2009-11
– MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Clubman, model year 2009
– MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Convertible, model years 2010-11
At issue is a circuit board that runs an auxiliary water pump to cool the turbocharger. Under certain conditions, the circuit board can malfunction, leading to failure of the auxiliary water pump and potential overheating of the board and pump assembly. In a limited number of cases, this overheating resulted in an engine compartment fire. To date, BMW in unaware of any accidents or injuries relating to this condition.
MINI dealers will replace the auxiliary water pump assembly (which contains the potentially defective circuit board) when the recall begins next month. Owners of affected MINI vehicles with questions or concerns can reach BMW’s customer service at (866) 275-6464; alternatively, updates are also available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, reached at (888) 327-4236.