Does your wheel wiggle when you are parked?

Mine seems to have 1/2-3/4" of play, when parked, and when driving.

Is there anything you can... tighten?

Or is this just the softer suspension bushings we were posting about last night?

 

Sounds a little loose--have you asked your dealer? If mine moved this much, it would probably lock (if parked!), and require the car to be started with the key to unlock.

 

what sort of wiggle are you having ? a bit of free play turning left & right, or does it feel like a loose bushing ? or is it possible your tilt/slide positioning lock isn't secure ?

 

I'm speaking of free play in the wheel, turning left and right.

 

It just feels really dead when it's on-center. It feels fine in a corner.

But when the wheel is centered, turning it a half inch or so in either direction does nothing, even in sport mode.

And, when you hold the wheel still, you feel like you have to "catch" the car occasionally, as it wanders a few inches off center.

 

Mine does not do this.

Doesn't do this either.

If you have a hunch something is wrong on a new car, I'd have it checked out. If there is no problem, at least you'll know. When at the dealership, drive another MINI and see if it feels differently.

 

That does not sound right to me. My steering is like a hair trigger. I even "think" about turning the wheel and the car is already doing it. seriously, I don't think yours sounds right. Get it checked.

 

Have you checked the tire pressure? I know they come with TPMS now but it might be worth checking. Also I'm not sure if the tires are directional but make sure they are mounted correctly.

 

You shouldn't have any play at all. Make an appointment, and don't let the dealer tell you it's normal, it ain't. Do a search on steering, I remember at least one thread that mentioned steering abnormalities, His dealer/service department gave him excuses, so off to the East bay ( CA. ) dealer/service department he went. They diagnosed quickly, and replaced something major in the steering mechanism.

Bill in P.G.