Electrical fire above pedals

[OjamesB]

Hello (help)

I’ve recently bought a ‘98 Z3m roadster and I’m still getting familiar with it. On my way home this evening could smell burning inside the cab (surely it’s not the zed, and it’s someone having a bonfire?). Luckily my sister was in the car and pointed out the fire at my feet. After an emergency stop, pulling off the trim cover piece around the pedals, and ruining a perfectly good fleece smothering the flames, I’ve identified this loose (and now charred) electrical connection. It’s RH above the pedals looking back at the drivers seat.
Does anybody know what this is or come across this problem before?
Lots of thanks in advance.

 

[OjamesB]

Just in case anyone comes across this, it was the brake light switch that caused the fire. Turns out I’ve got a fault where the brake lights are permanently on (loom of doom perhaps) which must’ve caused the switch to overheat and eventually ignite. Switch replaced, trim panels to source and further investigations to begin - one to look out for, a fire in the cab was not an enjoyable experience.

 

[AntStark]

Another potential fire hazard is the headlight switch rheostat disintegrating. Dubious looking white powder under the dash might not be what you think it is

 

[OjamesB]

Thanks for the heads up, I’m always weary of dubious looking white powder

 

[AntStark]

Always best to get your white powder from a trusted source I find….like the ‘main dealer’ …anyway for reference

Electrical Fire in the Zed

Afternoon chaps, On my drive home I noticed a strong electrical burning smell. Thinking it was another car i carried on. When i noticed smoke coming out the right hand vent I immediately began to panic! I got home without any further incident and took the vent and headlight switch out...

zroadster.org

 

[swamper]

Wow!
I’ve just replaced mine…we were running Scotland and it failed… no working brake lights and no auto roof

 

[OjamesB]

Not a good position to be in, but at least no fire