Hi all! I own 2016 Mini Cooper S F55 model(auto) with Hankook Ventus v2 concept 2 tires(about half way worn) and <22K on the vehicle. I recently visited MINI dealership in fixing an issue "possibly" with control arms. Dealer gave me same model car, but it was 2019 model with Pirelli Cinturato P7 run flat tires and car had only 2500K on it. When I drove off the dealership, I noticed that steering wheel of this loaner car was not as stiff as my car. So when I put my car in MID mode(default) and the loaner was in sport, the steering wheels had similar stiffness. When I put my car in sport, then it becomes much stiffer.

So I wanted to ask few questions and compare to see if this is normal or I should contact the dealer. When I was there, I asked the tech guy and he told me that there is no adjustment and the steering is electronic.

1) Can anyone with cars that are 2015 and up reply with comments about the stiffness of the steering wheel?
2) Could the tires contribute to the stiffness of the steering? For example P7s that loaner car had were Grand Touring and tires on my car seem to be High Performance tires + they have 50% less tread than P7s on the loaner.
3) Also if there are any recommendations on how to check the power steering for any signs/symptoms

 

Tires and alignment can have an effect on steering feel and feedback...

 

When dealer replaced control arms, they had to do an alignment - nothing changed on the steering part. I have to wait couple of years to get new tires, but by that time, my car won't have the warranty in case there is an issue with steering.

 

You also have no clue the suspension condition or alignment of the loaner car... The loaner car had different tires with fewer miles, too.

 

The loaner car was practically new as it was 2019 with only 2500 miles on it. While talking to the tech about the steering he also added it is possible that in newer models the manufacturer tweaked few thing with the steering. If the stiffness of the steering on my car is due to the tires, then I am ok, because I can replace them. I just don't want it to be a hardware issue... That is why comparison between 2016 and 2019 MINI Cooper S models would be helpful