Just a question - Is the electric power steering supposed to be that noisy? Mine sounds almost like a conventional worn, but normal Ford unit. It really whines!

It works great, so I don't really mind. I live 200 miles from the dealer, so I don't want to take it in til oil change time. I didn't notice the sound on the demo drive, but I never put the windows down, and mine is not really noticable from the driver's seat with the roof and top closed.

 

Abner,
This is discussed here MINI Repair Bulletin
Looks like the problem is being adressed by MINI. Lets hope.
SW

 

This is normal functional noise and is a characteristic of all MINI's.
It is NOT a problem that needs addressing.
There may be exeptions but individual cases rather than large recall numbers.