I've got a manual 2002 Cooper S with roughly 80,000 mi., navi system, heated seats, panoramic roof, etc. Recently my power steering has been going out, and after a quick restart of the car, the power comes back.
My battery died the other day, and after a quick jump (and a new battery as per a local auto suply check) I've noticed a "whine" that comes from somewhere under ther hood. It almost sounds like the power steering pump when the car is on, however quieter. I left the car so it could "whine" assuming it was an internal fan cooling something down. However after about 45 min, I came back it is was still running, not that quite hot here in Wisconsin! So now I have to disconnect my battery terminal everytime I leave my car for the fear of my battery dying again.
Is my power steering pump going? A sensor? Anyone with any kind of information/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Even with the problem I love my car!
(p.s. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place, I'm new to the whole discussion board forum)

 

If its still whining after almost an hour and the PS seems to be going, it sounds the fan for the pump could be getting ready to give up the ghost. Its not common but it definitely has happened and been discussed here before.