Looks like this recall was a little late for my 2011 X3 3.0D. Anyone get held up heading south of Manukau on SH1/Waikato Expressway yesterday around 9am? That was my smouldering wreck parked up on the left. Heading away on a golf weekend Friday morning, just me and golf clubs on board, had crested Bombay Hills when the engine stuttered a couple of times, then lost power. Msg on display said "transmission in neutral" which struck me as odd so pulled off inside lane to a flush painted median where there is an on ramp. Bit of smoke drifting out from passenger side of bonnet. 08:30 Rang 111 as I didn't like where I had to stop immediately beside highway. 10 mins on the phone trying to explain where I was. More smoke, so evacuated cabin and began unloading the golf gear from rear cargo space. Flames and dripping burning melt from front LHS of engine bay by 08:45. A couple of guys with small aerosol extinguishers had a go but not effective. 08:55 fire service finally arrive after attending the wrong vehicle further north. My X3 fully alight and took FS another 15 mins to get control.
So how does a well-maintained, fully-serviced, mechanical warrantied, lightly-loaded, sedately-driven BMW do this? Felt lucky it was diesel so no major explosions, just tyres and air bag adding some pop to the pyrotechnics. No-one damaged, just a burnt hole in the road, delayed motorists,and cancelled golf trip.
