"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." click
here
to read cached version of the page and cached news on Yahoo
and from MINI2.com
BUT Sadly there is allegedly no mention of this recall
on the BMW Press Club MINI website ( from a search of all articles posted
with keyword "MINI" from 1998 to December 2001).. BUT there
is something about the recall of the Rover (REAL) Mini in October 2001
for wheel bearing problems AFAIK..... nice!
"The spark was produced on one car only during
testing at the Oxford plant, and was caused by a build up of static
electricity. When I asked if the ignited fumes could return into the
petrol pipe and ignite the fuel in the tank, Mr Houghton-Berry assured
me this was entirely not possible, there is no risk what so-ever of
exploding MINI's. The story of 'special paint' being used to discharge
the static is a complete fabrication, and simply not true. "
Latest news as it breaks (goes bang, or leaks.. or
falls off)
