Mini Coopers to be recalled over electrical fault

NEARLY 30,000 Mini Coopers are to be recalled in Britain after makers detected an electrical fault which could lead the cars to catch fire.

German car maker BMW said the recall concerns 235,000 vehicles worldwide. It was unclear last night if any of the affected vehicles had been sold in Ireland.

Safety checks revealed a problem which can cause the water pump to fail, potentially causing the car to overheat.

Manufacturers are investigating one case in Britain where a fire is being linked to the water pump, a spokesman said.

The recall relates to two models — the Mini Cooper S and the Mini John Cooper Works.

Around 29,800 cars in Britain could be affected by the problem, the company said.

Owners will be issued with a recall notice in the next few weeks.

But a spokesman insisted the vehicles remain safe to drive and there is a “very low incidence” of the fault.

“In more extreme cases, it could create a heat build-up in the wiring and some smouldering,” he said.

“Potentially it could cause a fire.

“We are not aware of any accidents or injuries connected with this.

“The important thing is that when people receive the letter, they simply go to their dealer and get a new water pump fitted if there is a problem.”

Now more than 50 years old, the Mini — in its various forms — has been one of the most successful and loved cars of all time.

Launched in 1959, it was dubbed the “classless car” with its drivers ranging from factory workers to film stars. The make, which was born at a plant in Oxford, was re-launched by car giant BMW in 2001.

A review on motoring programme Top Gear’s website described the Mini John Cooper Works as the “ultimate Mini with pretty close to ultimate performance”.

Promoted as the “big bad bruiser” of the Mini fleet, it has a top speed of 148m/h.

The Mini Cooper S, which has a top speed of 142m/h, came up trumps in 2006 when it was voted “the most fun car we’ve driven this year,” by Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson and his team.