Hi.

I drive a 2007 mini cooper S with 27K miles.

My power steering died on me suddenly the other day stranding me about 2 hours from my home. There was no warning signs for this. Luckily my car is still under warranty but I was bombarded by the dealer's service person with a great suspicions as to whether I misused the car (hit a pothole or a curve) or if the car had been in an accident. I was quite upset at his attitude which prompted my search for this problem on-line.

I found that this was not uncommon problem with generatoin 1 minis.
I am wondering if there's been any head way into making this known to higher ups in the motoring world. I think the European group has made formal complaints to Mini so that they will reimburse or pay for repairs for this common problem even after warranty. (not sure whether they were successful)

Please check out these websites:
Read this thread: http://newmini.wordpress.com/2009/02...ering-failure/

http://www.mini2.com/forum/first-gen...te-yes-no.html


If there is a known defect of this measure I think BMW/Mini should make their customers know.

 

the first gen cars had the VERY problematic and buggy electrohydraulic steering system.

The links you provided cover cars with that system only, not yours...

the sec gen cars, like yrs and mine, are all electric steering, a much more dependable system. did U search this forum for any problems and fixes?

BTW the dealer replaced the PS rack on my 2005 S twice, and the PS pump three times. I hated that system. So did my dealer.

 

The power steering in the 1st and 2nd gen are completely different. Power steering failures on the 2nd gen are slim to none considering the only components are a electronically servo gear.

 

I have had two instances that when I started my mini, the power steering did not work. I shut the engine off, let it sit for a minute or two and restarted, power steering was OK. I called the dealer after the second time, but the SA didn't want me to bring it in if it was working. It's been at least six months since it happened last, everything has been fine.

 

The power steering went out today with my wife driving. Not good. Ours is a 2002 with a hydroelectric pump setup.

 

be prepared to pay the Piper.

 

Guess I can join the club. On the way home tonight, I lost my power steering and got a warning light.

I'm too tired to mess with it tonight, I'll check it out in the morning.

Mark

 

Mark, think yours may have something to do with the recent disassembly and reassembly of your car? If not, that's just about the worst kind if luck you can have.

 

well, Mark, not to hijack the thread, but the diagnosed cause of my Prince engine throwing oil right out the area where all the tensioner work was done over the last year was a slightly melted (and warped) valve cover. I shitte you not.

So here's my question: do U ever get the even so much as remote feeling that these cars are not worth the hassle anymore?

Oh and I dont want to even mention I'm getting my 3rd hood scoop--this one is CF, and the dealer says it wont melt. We'll see

l do believe when my car has to be towed to the dealer, much like yours with the steering issue (servo?), that might be it once and for all. good luck.

 

The NHTSA is investigating the R53s for steering failure but ours is not the same system... Just has the same problems, it fails...

 

Absolutely... I think it has something to do with us messing with the car, I highly doubt the steering went to crap coincidently after we dissassembled everything.

I called a tech friend at a dealership and he told me to check the electrical connection because they're a bit of a PIA to snap in all the way.

I did indeed push it down a bit but the problem returned within minutes.

I took the connector apart and swear I saw water in there... since I had pressure washed everything, I probably got water in there. I cleaned it out and drove it for an hour and everything returned to normal. I drove the car all day yesterday with no issues... we'll see if it stays that way.



No, I still think the car is worth the hassle... any new car will have it's issues. It seems the mini has more than it's fair share but the extra satisfaction I get from this car far outweighs any issues I have with it.

My suggestion is to bite the bullet and just buy an M7 scoop. I completely understand YOU shouldn't have to do this but it's a simple and quick fix. I did and my problems went away.

As I mentioned on mine, you may want to reach down and check the connectors (accessible from the top of the engine)

Just a suggestion.

Mark