The steering gets harder and harder the farther you get from center. Adjusting position in a parking space is quite difficult. A wrestling match at best. When the engine cooling fan comes on the power steering fan also works. I looked under the car to see it. There seems to be "some" power steering, but not what you would expect. Like being able to turn lock to lock with the index finger as on my other car. My wife can't turn it. How does your's work? My MINI is 2004 with 1300 miles on it and just past break-in. I've never driven another MINI so I don't know what's normal here. It seems that this isn't right. I can't just drop by the dealer, because that is a 250 mile round trip for me. Arizona has only one dealer. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Jim

 

BMWs are known for their heavy steering. When BMW changed the steering of the 2001 3 series to finger-tip light, a lot of their customers complained, and they were forced to provide a retrofit kit.

I guess it all depends on what you are used to.... MINIs definitely have heavy steering.

 

Okay, I took it back out again and motored around. You're right. The steering is heavy, but not that bad. The worst is when you are trying to parallel park and not moving much. I guess maybe I'm being too critical. Now that the break-in period is completed it sure is fun.
Jim