3 months ago steering became difficult. Did some research and found the 'recall' on the power steering pump. After being forced to take it to a MINI dealer 200 miles away, it was repaired. But then I noticed the steering had become imprecise, and uncontrollable on bends and corners; the steering wheel does not even return to center, it just stays locked. Clearly a major safety issue.

Obviously the failure of the power steering pump has worn out the steering knuckle (verified by my mechanic). For three months my mechanic has not been able to get a replacement part because it is "on back order". 3 months for a major safety component!? Please. After two weeks of Mini/BMW avoiding my communications, it appears the part is being deleted and will be re-issued under a new number. Meanwhile they want me to make another 200-mile round trip to MA to have the dealership look at the car (and tell me what my mechanic and my local BMW dealer already knows), then to tell me to wait forever for this replacement part, while I am supposed to walk!

If you are experiencing the same issue, please file complaints with the DOT and your Attorney General's Office, as I have, and get the Feds to come down on MINI/BMW for this extraordinary arrogance. And feel free to copy this article and make it go viral.

 

Sometimes the "free" repair will cost more (time, gas, aggravation) than just fixing it.....
The steering wheel shaft has been in short supply for about 3-4 months...used ones were keeping folks on the road for a bit....