[F82_SID]

Originally Posted by akotten

I experienced an engine fire this weekend during a driving school in Colorado. I had completed Saturday without issues, and then during the 3rd lap of the first session on Sunday it happened. I saw smoke between me and my instructor, and then fire coming out the side as I turned into a corner. Luckily, both of us got out immediately without any injuries and the corner workers put out the fire within a few minutes. Props to them for a fast response!

So here's what I "think" may have caused it. I'm almost certain it started with a ruptured methanol line, which started a small fire, which then burned through a fuel line, creating the fire I had to jump over to exit the car.

As of right now, all I know is that it burned through a fuel line, melted shut the brake booster hose, wrinkled one of the boost vent hoses, and melted all of the undertrays. The car is not driveable. Also, my methanol lines were seared shut, and one after the pump, had a 5mm hole that looked as if it burst after getting too warm. The main methanol feed line that runs across the valve cover appeared to be the main culprit, but for all I know, I had a fire that started elsewhere and got to the meth lines later.

So, with track season starting up, if any of you run methanol at the track I must advise the following:

- Inspect all lines before and after each session

- Run mixtures of 50/50 or less (This occurred on a 75/25 mix)

- Perhaps look into an alternative material for the methanol feed line


The worst part of this was that I was nearly 700 miles from home. Fortunately I had a friend along to give me a ride home, and a fellow BMW CCA member trailered my car to his house near Denver to await further inspection/repairs.

Hey man I was at the track and a couple cars behind you when this happened. I seen your car and I hope the damage isnt as bad as it looked since everything was covered with shit from the fire extinguisher. Is insurance taking care of this for you?

[akotten]

Just a quick small update. The repairs are going well and should hopefully be driving again early next week, then off to the body shop. Damage required an engine loom, fuel line, fuel tank vent line, clutch line, brake booster line, diverter hose, and a few other small things.

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by akotten

Just a quick small update. The repairs are going well and should hopefully be driving again early next week, then off to the body shop. Damage required an engine loom, fuel line, fuel tank vent line, clutch line, brake booster line, diverter hose, and a few other small things.

Who picked up the bill?

[cadeucsb]

Originally Posted by akotten

Just a quick small update. The repairs are going well and should hopefully be driving again early next week, then off to the body shop. Damage required an engine loom, fuel line, fuel tank vent line, clutch line, brake booster line, diverter hose, and a few other small things.

where did you end up having it fixed? (curious denver resident for future needs)

[akotten]

Originally Posted by benzy89

Who picked up the bill?

Luckily, insurance is taking care of me.

Originally Posted by cadeucsb

where did you end up having it fixed? (curious denver resident for future needs)

Autosport Werks is doing the mechanical portion and SVE Autobody is doing the body work. It has some hail damage from the week prior to this incident, sooo its going to take 2-3 weeks just for the body work. Everyone I spoke to at the track highly recommended these two and so far I couldn't agree more. They are in the same building too, which is really convienent for me. I'll be sure to post up some pics once she is finally done!

[jpsimon]

How'd the conversation with insurance go? curious how it was handled? did they second guess you or just say "fire? ok we'll fix it"