I am a driving instructor and bought a new Cooper D in September 2008, the car had successfully completed 25K+ and has been serviced under a TLC package. Yesterday afternoon whist being driven at 50 down a dual carriageway the warning light 'Diesel particle filter malfunctioning' came on. Just a yellow light usually indicating that a problem has occurred that will need dealt with soon. The manual says - 'Continue your journey... use next opportunity to drive faster than 38mph for 5 mins.. ' the light went out after travelling about half a mile, but then we had to stop at traffic lights, at which point I noticed smoke coming from the back - I believed it was coming from the exhaust. I manoeuvred the car into a car park just off from the traffic lights and when we pulled up a passer-by point to flames coming from underneath the offside front of the car, within seconds the car was well alight and was destroyed within minutes.
I know there were problems with the power steering on the earlier Mini but thought that was sorted. I am particularly concerned that there could be a fault with this type of car which could result in a far worst outcome than mine. I dread to think what could have happened if we were not required to stop at the lights. Fortunately no-one was harmed.
Not sure if I will be buying another mini!
