Saturday, March 13, 2010 was the day that changed my life. If you depend on your car to get to work, take a child to daycare, buy groceries for your family, or run essential errands you will understand how devastating it is to suddenly lose your car. I know that car crashes happen everyday, and I am thankful that I was not involved in a crash–but the result was the same. I was left without a car.
It was a normal Saturday afternoon, except for the ominous cloudy gray sky. Despite the weather, people still wanted to see apartments. Our office was busy. During the workday, I drove over to one of our sister properties at least 3 times. At the close of business, I closed the office and went home. My husband and I planned to go to the movies–it was date night.
When I walked in the door, my mother-in-law was already cuddling with her grandson. He was squirming, no doubt from the hunger pangs. Before leaving for the movies, I thought I would quickly prepare some baby food for him. While I was in the kitchen, there was a knock on the door.
The voice from the other side of the partially cracked door asked, “do you own the black BMW outside?”
I thought, “yes, why?” My husband was already putting on his shoes when I realized that our neighbor answered, “I think your car is on fire.”
The rest of the evening is a blur. I remember Tony forcing the driver’s side car door open. I remember seeing smoke billow out of the car. I remember the sinking feeling in my stomach when I saw the flames reaching out from under the glove compartment. I remember Tony yelling, “get me the fire extinguisher.” I thought, “wow, do I have to break the glass? I’ve never needed to access a fire extinguisher! Will sirens go off?” It felt like it took forever for the fire department to arrive; my mother-in-law called 911. In retrospect, it must have taken at least 5 minutes for Engine #14 to arrive. Tony had already put the fire out.
I remember thinking, “I bet my car is totaled. What in the world am I going to do? I can’t afford another car right now. My car is almost paid off. DAMMIT!!!!“
BMW Electrical Fires
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On 03/20/2012 i was at sleep when my brother wake me up screaming ur car is on fire .. This was crazy experience i tought i was dreaming the entire thing .. My 2001 BMW 325i cought fire on its own hard to bealive it but its TRUE it sure did under dash on passinger side while being parked in front of house .. BMW refuse to addmit this was factory issue .. I really love my car but this could kill me if i was in the car or anyone of my family including my 2 kids ..