Part arrives for faulty BMW after car catches fire, damages house

The owners of a BMW that caught fire and damaged a good part of a Scarborough home last month may have been surprised to find a letter from the company advising them to bring in the car for repairs.

The fire, which happened on the morning of Aug. 12, started in a BMW parked in the driveway of a house on Orton Park Road, near Scarborough Golf Club and Ellesmere. It spread to two other cars, the garage and house, causing significant damage. No one was injured in the fire.

Toronto Fire couldn’t determine what caused the fire because of the extent of damage.

The BMW was one of several models that were part of a recall late last year. The company said the engine’s PCV blow-by heater could overheat and short circuit, causing a fire.

However, the replacement parts were not available at the time.

BMW Canada said the problem would typically happen while the car is being driven, but it could also happen when the car is parked. As a result, the company advised owners to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings.

Shortly after the fire, it seems the company delivered a letter to the owners of the now-destroyed BMW suggesting they schedule an appointment for repairs as the parts were available. The letter was posted on a temporary fence surrounding the house, which had been clearly damaged by fire.

BMW Canada has not responded to a request for comment.