I have an 02 S that just flipped 200k. The right front wheel has a small bit of play in it if you grab the top and bottom and rock it. This play exists with the wheel off and grabbing the rotor, so it isn't a lug nut issue. I suspect the wheel bearing.

Anyway my dilema is the safety at this point. I happen to have an appointment Tuesday morning at Mini to go over it and evaluate what it needs at 200k. But I need to drive ~100 miles tomorrow on the highway, then ~40 miles (highway) to the dealer Tuesday morning. I'm wondering if it would be wise to wait until then to have it worked on, or have a local guy take a look at it tomorrow morning. I inspected the various suspension points and all looks well otherwise.

Thoughts? No legal liability attached

-Jim

 

Check your front control arm bushings. I've got a similar (if not identical) issue and that's my problem. If you haven't replaced them yet, you're due.

 

I just failed inspection 2 weeks ago for that same problem, but it was my tie rod end

 

So were any of these scenarios a critical safety issue for the next 200 miles?

-Jim

 

I changed mine out the next day, did not want to take the chance of getting stuck on the road

 

Swap 'em soon. I never stray more than 10 miles from home so I'm waiting a bit before doing it, but you should deffo swap them as soon as you can.