E36 Fanatic
03-15-2002, 10:41 AM
Hey guys, I found this on the interweb...
This information was acquired from http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/business/newsid_1523000/1523086.stm
"All new Minis are being recalled to BMW's Oxford factory because of a design fault that could cause an explosion when the cars are being filled with fuel.
Static electricity could cause a small spark when a petrol pump nozzle is inserted which could in turn ignite fuel vapour in a flash fire.
The problem was discovered when testers found special paint used to earth the fuel filler neck was wearing off too quickly.
Mini engineers at the plant in Cowley will fix the 500 models already delivered to customers and modify the others which are yet to be sent out to dealers.
BMW officials said there had been no explosions or injuries at any time during the launch process and that the risk was very small.
However, the company said it was aware of two cases where a build-up of static electricity had caused a localised fire.
The recall is estimated to cost the German car maker about £320,000 ($463,000). "
This information was acquired from http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/business/newsid_1523000/1523086.stm
"All new Minis are being recalled to BMW's Oxford factory because of a design fault that could cause an explosion when the cars are being filled with fuel.
Static electricity could cause a small spark when a petrol pump nozzle is inserted which could in turn ignite fuel vapour in a flash fire.
The problem was discovered when testers found special paint used to earth the fuel filler neck was wearing off too quickly.
Mini engineers at the plant in Cowley will fix the 500 models already delivered to customers and modify the others which are yet to be sent out to dealers.
BMW officials said there had been no explosions or injuries at any time during the launch process and that the risk was very small.
However, the company said it was aware of two cases where a build-up of static electricity had caused a localised fire.
The recall is estimated to cost the German car maker about £320,000 ($463,000). "