Hello. It has been quite some time since I have last visited this web site. We have owned a 'o4 Mini Cooper since new which now has approximately 126.000 miles. This vehicle has been very reliable transportaion with expected items of brake and tire replacements. Over the past several months we are experiencing and issue causing a safety concern needing the advice of others.

We have been experiencing intermittant failure with the power steering system which has become more off than on. Postings I have read are stating this is becoming a problem across the world perhaps not being voiced by BMW.

I have been informed this can be due to a failure in a fan or the power steering pump itself. According to the dealership these items will be priced in the area of $750 and cannot be purchased as invidual units. In the recent weeks it was brought to my attention there has been a recall that perhaps points more to a electrical relay for instance.

I would appreciate any feedback that will help me. If there has been a recall would anyone have that reference number when I contact the dealer again. Thank you

 

Well, others need to correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you can order the parts themselves. The fan is part number 32416781742 and is around <$200. The pump itself is part number 32416778425 and runs <$750.

There are alternate part numbers for each too ... but this is the main part numbers.

 

No recall ...
The ps pump is the gen1 mini weak point...but to keep it in perspestive, 100k+ miles...it sure was not defective. You can get new oem pumps through 3rd parties for less...in 2005, the pump was modified to be a bit more quiet...pump is still $500+...plus install, and new fluid, and i bet the ps fan that cools the pump may be bad...so another $200....
Might save $200 by going to a non dealer....but dealers do give you a 2 year warrenty on parts (many fo).
Good luck, and while much has been commotion has been made about pump failures, considering most gen1 mini's are 5+ years old, with many going on 10+, and many cars having 100,000 miles, some 200,000+, i kinda doubt a recall will ever happen...
Keep your bill...if it does happen, you may get your $$ back...

 

PS
Waymotorworks.com, a sponsor has the pump, and the fan seperate...
never been told or heard they cannot be bought individually..kinda sounds odd...