Recall of 3350 SA Minis

More than 3000 Mini Cooper S cars purchased in South Africa are being recalled as part of a global recall because of a faulty water pump.

BMW yesterday recalled around 235000 Minis worldwide due to a fault in the electric water pump that cools the turbo charger, which could in some cases be a fire risk. The recall affects vehicles built between March 2006 and January 2011.

The pumps are to be replaced free of charge.

BMW SA spokesman Guy Kilfoil said that there had been "four incidents relating to the failure of the additional water pump in South Africa" but added that there were, "no accidents, injuries or deaths worldwide".

"Under high operating temperatures" the circuit board in the extra water pump could overheat and begin to smoulder, he said. "When smouldering does occur, the possibility of a fire may not be completely excluded."

About 3350 South African MINI owners must take their cars to their dealer for a replacement part. The fitting should take one hour.

While owners are still able to drive their vehicles, Kilfoil recommended that if they received a letter asking them to have the service performed, they should do so as soon as possible.

• Cars affected: 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.
• Contact your nearest Mini dealer or Mini Customer Care on 0800-696-464.