I have read about the power steering fan fuse blowing after it becomes stuck with a foreign object and causing the engine to overheat because it is on the same circuit as the radiator fan. So I called my closest Mini dealership (200 miles away) to have this issue addressed and hopefully fixed before my warranty expires in 3,000 miles . They said they couldn't do anything until the problem actually occurs. But I remember reading a few weeks ago on one of the Mini web sites, e.g., Northamericamotoring.com, MINI2.com, or Roadfly.org, that it would be fixed if the customer brought it to their attention and asked for it.

After doing multiple searches on each of these sites, I couldn't find the post where I read that. So I called 866-ask-mini. They basically said the same as the dealer--it couldn't be fixed unless the power steering blows the fuse, thus causing my car, a Sept. build 2002 MC, to overheat. I also asked them about the door locking in cold weather issue, with the same reply.

Which brings me to my question, is it true that the only way I can have these problems fixed is after I have experienced them?

 

I installed an aftermarket Power Steering Fan Shield and never have had that worry. It took about 3 minutes to install and cost less than $40.

 

There was a recall notice I thought? At least on my03S The two circuits had been split in design at the factory but they added a Diode or something to the Power stearing fan I will have to check my paper work. There are several issues with the 02 fans. Sorry I can't remember any more.
I will try and check later but it might take a few day's

RAT

 

Your PS fan can still fail with the recall fix, it just won't take the cooling fan down with it. The shield won't help much with the primary cause of PS fan failure, which is shorting when immersed in water. Watch those deep puddles!

 

ok.

I just took my 2003 MINI S to MINI of Dallas and they want to charge me $640 for the Steering fan/ fan bushings. Suggestions?

 

The ps cooling fan is about a $180 part...takes 15 minutes max to instal...the bushings they are talking about must be somewhere else...very common to have some of them wear on the car, and need replacent to matain safety and handling...that is why the pollyurathsne aftermarket ones are so popular...they typically have a longer life than the oem, and often improve handling.