Looks like the automotive group took a few pointers from the motorcycle guys

[Gizmo]

My apologies to my BMW riding brethern, but I couldn't resist! Here is what my GS riding buddy at work had to say: "seems the ***** got on glare ice and floored it…and didn’t let up….all the while reporters had their camera running, covering the inevitable traffic jam any time it snows in Atlanta. Apparently one of the rear tires heated enough to catch fire and the rest was history. According to my buddy who saw the video on the news, a reporter had to tell the driver his car was on fire.

Classic BMW driver…will probably sue BMW as he thought the SUV look would be all he needed to go anywhere, anytime. Now, if he was riding a BMW GS, he could."

 

[SacramentoMike]

I'd love to see the video from the news story. You couldn't link to it, could you?

At least where I grew up, folks were used to the snow and ice, and could usually drive in it pretty well. BOY, were they used to it. And not that many Californians or Georgians ever deliberately moved to Syracuse, so they didn't cause much of a problem in the winter, either.....

So is that a picture of Chagrin Falls, OH, in your avatar? ... :lol: .

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[El Toro Joe]

No beach in Chagrin Falls :blink:

 

[maddad]

I'd suspect the fire had nothing to do with a spinning tire getting hot enough on ice to catch on fire. Myth Busters tried this on a summer day on asphalt and although smoking, was no chance of fire. Until they added the fire starter that is.

Living in Canada, have had plenty of spinning tires on ice. I only wish they would get hot enough to melt the ice and then we'd be all set.

 

[SkooterG]

I'd suspect the fire had nothing to do with a spinning tire getting hot enough on ice to catch on fire. Myth Busters tried this on a summer day on asphalt and although smoking, was no chance of fire. Until they added the fire starter that is.

I am with maddat on this one. I did some Googling and found the video. As far as I am concerned it's unclear what actually started the fire, though it sure seems to originate more from the front of the car. I am guessing the exhaust manifold, or the Cat got real hot and started it.

 

[C&C]

With 'tongue in cheek' I speculate it was another rear gear failure that spontaneously ignited after the exploded pumpkin ruptured.

 

[Papa Georgio]

they sure do have some strange methods of de-icing down south

 

[chrisflock]

I'd suspect the fire had nothing to do with a spinning tire getting hot enough on ice to catch on fire. Myth Busters tried this on a summer day on asphalt and although smoking, was no chance of fire. Until they added the fire starter that is.

I am with maddat on this one. I did some Googling and found the video. As far as I am concerned it's unclear what actually started the fire, though it sure seems to originate more from the front of the car. I am guessing the exhaust manifold, or the Cat got real hot and started it.

I notice that in the video, right after the guy gets out of the smoking car (and the video then cuts to a new shot), when the fire actually starts, there's a small puddle of burning liquid under the car. My SWAG would be that a flammable liquid leak in the engine compartment caught fire. That flammable liquid could be oil or transmission fluid, but I doubt it (motor oil and ATF don't burn real vigorously, and there should be a LOT more smoke from either, plus a BMW is probably running synthetic anyway). Gasoline is a candidate.

And the fire is clearly in the front of the car, right in the 'engine bay region' not the back, where ye olde spinning tire is.

 

[dcarver]

Yep, typical Beemer mentality..

 

[madmike2]

Yep, typical Beemer mentality..

One wonders if he has the receipts...assuming all maintenance and warranty work were performed at an authorized dealership. :huh:

Of course, one also assumes the "abuse" by the driver, now being spread on YouTube would negate any chance he has to file a warranty claim since it's obviously NOT normal usage. Like those who would take their Camaro Z28 to the drag strip on SUnday and file warranty claims on Monday...except the dealers would have photos of their cars on the starting lines....whoops!

My momma says, "Stupid is as stupid does!"