BMW Engine Bursts Into Flames in Cobble Hill, Not The First This Week

COBBLE HILL — Late this afternoon, the engine of a BMW spontaneously burst into flames while the owners drove down Strong Place near Degraw Street. Fire Department of New York (FDNY) responders said this is a quite common occurrence with BMW’s and other European vehicles.

Daniel Lozza, a FDNY employee for nearly 14 years, said, “I don’t know the science behind it, but I’m guessing the engines just overheat. There’s a lot of plastic around these newer engines… and it’s off to the races after that.”

Lozza said this happens more often in the wealthier neighborhoods where residents can afford to buy more expensive cars. According to him, this is the second BMW to combust this week, with another having caught fire in Gowanus two days ago.

“BMWs are great cars, but coincidentally it’s been the European cars having a spontaneous event,” Lozza said.

The owners of the vehicle did not want to comment to the press, but did say the vehicle had been working normally when it caught fire with no warning.

We’ve reached out to BMW for comment and will update.