Vik888

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-495679?hpt=Sbin

looks like a white S-Class.

Anyone know the story?

220S

Probably self-ignited from the record breaking heat......

Vik888

220S .. yup yup .. 106F today in Irvine. So glad I'm not further inland!

PHDZINE

...115F here in Pomona!!!

K-A

Damn, I wonder what caused it.

Seems like the driver got out okay though at least.

chokaay

As I was driving home, I saw an old 190E beginning to catch on fire in the middle of the street. White smoke was coming from its right-rear wheel well and you can see embers and ignited material falling down onto the pavement.

I guess that makes at least 2 MB's that burned up yesterday...

220S

fwiw, the W124s had an issue with the wiring harness (over time.) Insulation rotted away and sometimes fires could happen (a similar issue with certain older Porsches.) If you own an older German car, it's always a good idea to check (and replace) the wiring.

Vik888

"Corporate accounts payable, Nina speaking. Just a moment."

gaazmon

ya it was ridiculous out here in ontario. it was 105 at night

hyperion667

!!!!

Polar Bear

A nice 70º here in NC today - Autumn is finally here. But it was the hottest Summer on record this year. And last Winter brought record snowfall. I wonder what is in store this Winter...

03RSTT

Hard to say what started the fire from the limited evidence. The fire is coming from under the car just ahead of the rear wheels. That is where the gas tank is located. The fire is also going under the hood. I dont really see a cabin or trunk fire.

Gas comes to mind.

The E55 group (yes me) have been having this gas leak debate for some time. If there is a real problem be on the lookout.

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...all-bombs.html

03RSTT

Ouch

Another late model S class MB fire on the side of the freeway. A problem maybe?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5GlSRZJ4G8

K-A

WTF. It's an "S-Class" (technically) like the last one too.

gaazmon

wait a minute, wasn't there a problem with the W215 CLs that would cause the car to catch fire on it's own? I mean S/CL are the same car pretty much too. This is pretty scary.

220S

fwiw, the 2000-2004 CLs had an issue with the high pressure ABC hydraulic lines. They could rupture and fluid could spill onto the cat and/or engine and start a fire. There was a NHTSA recall for that. It also happened with the S Class cars with ABC suspension.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/pr...rintVersion=NO

Not sure what year that S Class in the video is, but it's possible it was an ABC problem. The fire is definitely up front by the engine and not near the gas tank. ABC pipes can burst.....

K-A

Now I'm really glad I got rid of my old S500 with ABC suspension.