Ignition lights on without ignition

[berthablue]

Opened the door with the remote key this morning to find the ignition lights all on without the key in. Engine cranks but will not start. Strong smell of something hot on drivers side in engine bay. Had to disconect battery to put out ignition lights and stop the burning smell (remote key operation does not work now with battery connected)

[mab01uk]

Probably your steering pump has gone lucky it did'nt catch fire like some have if battery is left connected. Did you hear the pump running when you left the car?
Lots of info on this in the steering pump thread above.

[berthablue]

Yeah your are perfectly correct. Just got underneath and found a whole lot of melted plastic and terminals laying on top of the pump. Yes something would have caught fire if I hadn't disconnected the battery. Looks like a new one is required so more work for me (I don't use BMW as I am a pensioner and can't afford them). Thanks again.
PS My other car is a classic mini that is 23 years old and has no problems.

[mab01uk]

I have a classic Mini too..............here is a link on how to replace the PS pump:-
Power Steering Pump replacement - Forums

[berthablue]

Got a brand new pump and fluid from GSF auto factor for £300. Have had to buy the two plugs (with leads) from BMW as there was litterly nothing left (£25). Took about an hour to take out very straight forward.
P.S. If you were at MINIunited at silverstone you would have seen me as my classic won the trophy for "The Most Mind Blowing Classic Mini"