Leaving from work around 5:00 pm (car had been in the parking lot since 7:20 am), I drove for a mile or less when at a red light the car by my side told me about smoke coming from the under the hood. I drove to the closet parking lot, opened the hood (there was a lot of smoke) and I could see 2 wires red hot. I went to try to get a fire extinguisher and luckily and ambulance on duty (could not help me because he had a patient) gave me a small bottle of water. When I returned to the car with the water there were flames about 10" tall on a small area, already touching the pipes the come out of the turbo (pipes that bring air into turbo and out to the intercooler) and with the 500ml bottle of water I was able to put it off. Daler (MINIof sterling) repaired the vehicle for free (car is under warranty). Dealer found that the auxiliary water pump shorted, and this must have cause the wires to overheat. Dealer replaced auxiliary water pump and wires and parts that burned. I spoke with the dealer and then with MINIusa, both refused to change engineering to prevent a future fire in case auxiliary water pump has a short-circuit again. Updated 1/27/2012

- Reston, VA, USA