My 2004 BMW X5 burst into flames on Sunday 22nd September 2013 in the Lake District in the UK. We were stopped at lights, set off and noticed a burning smell, followed by black smoke coming out of the passenger air vents. Pulled over straight away, with more smoke coming out. Got wife, two small kids and two 4mth old puppies out of the car. Took out keys to switch off engine, but more and more smoke was filling the car. Opened the bonnet (hood) and saw no smoke at all...all was inside. Headlights came on, water squirted at high pressure from headlight and windscreen washers, wiper blades went at full speed and car alarm went off. Heard popping from inside the car - probably the airbags going off. Rang the Fire Brigade and, as luck would have it a police car saw the smoke and stopped. He immediately closed the road. I grabbed my wallet from the car having just got off the phone with the fire brigade - I couldn't see or breath in car due to the amount of black smoke. Saw flames from inside car and ran. Looked back to see the entire car engulfed in fire. It even exploded at one stage with sparks flying everywhere - likely the gear box going in the heat. Definitely electrical in origin. Just glad my wife, kids and dogs got out in time. I can't imagine how much damage it would have done to us or others if on the motorway (freeway).
Took loads of pics and video. Police were there even before the flames started so could see the state before and after. Also had other witnesses who stopped as the smoke was bad before the fire started.
Has anyone got anywhere with BMW? My car is with the insurance team of investigators but am covered for fire, although will likely only get a fraction of what I paid 5months ago.
Happy to be contacted at
[email protected].
Interested at what recourse there is against BMW?
Car is totalled. See the pics!
09-24-2013, 03:23 PM
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