MINI recalls 3350 cars for repairs

BWM SA said on Monday that approximately 3350 customers in SA would be affected by MINI worldwide technical recall of MINI Cooper S and MINI John Cooper Works models.

BMW SA spokesperson Guy Kilfoil said MINI was conducting a worldwide technical recall of turbocharged MINI Cooper S (R55, R56, R57 and R60 body derivatives) and MINI John Cooper Works models (R55, R56, R57 body derivatives) built between March 2006 and October 2010 due to a potential fault with the additional water pump fitted in these models.

"Approximately 3350 local customers will be affected. These customers will be notified to arrange for the replacement of the additional water pump free of charge during January 2012. It is anticipated that it will take no longer than an hour to replace the affected part," he said in a statement.

Under high operating temperatures an electro-migration can occur at the circuit board installed in the additional water pump, leading to a failure of the additional water pump. The potential exists for this failure to manifest itself in an overheating of the circuit board, BMW SA explained.

"MINI has not received any reports, nor is aware of any accidents or injuries relating to this matter, and owners are still able to drive their vehicles. However, we recommend that owners of affected vehicles, who receive a letter asking them to have this service performed by their authorised MINI Dealer, do so as soon as possible," Kilfoil said.

Affected owners can contact their nearest MINI dealer or MINI Customer Care on 0800 696 464 to make the necessary arrangements for the replacement.