BMW Power steering farce

[chezz]

After using a Mini Cooper S for over a year now, I became aware of some very frightening gliches with the power steering reacting very strangely - locking up at low speeds on mini roundabouts can be quite alarming when you have also got kids in the vehicle...you require the strength of a power lifter to haul the steering back...research shows that this problem is well known to BMW and all vehicles were recalled in the US up to 10 years 130,000 miles the 'bean counters' obviously did not consider the UK market to be of any importance...I contacted BMW Mini expressing my concerns over the possible consequeces of another event and I was informed that there was nothing on the database about this problem and all conversations avoid any of the 'problems' raised..even though it has been discussed on Watchdog! Has anyone else experienced similar issues?

[Error404]

Sounds like "pump catch" where the PAS pump can't supply enough fluid flow to keep up with the demand from the rack.

[chezz]

The pumps are Electric... other documented problems that are associated to these pumps, relate to them setting on fire and the pump continuously running...even after the ignition has been completely switched off.

[macspring]

Why aren't you using a B4 or a C4 ?

[sidrick]

Are you experiencing these problems? It's not overly clear from your post.

[chezz]

Yes, I am currently experiencing these Issues

[simon20vq]

My niece had a skoda and it had a control board of sorts (PCB forgotten name of part right now) at the base of the steering rack. It was exposed to crap from under the car. Over time water ingress gave the same symptoms as you have.

[John.]

My niece had a skoda and it had a control board of sorts (PCB forgotten name of part right now) at the base of the steering rack. It was exposed to crap from under the car. Over time water ingress gave the same symptoms as you have.

Steering Angle Sensor maybe? Not sure if the Mini will have this?....electric motor turning hydraulic pump?

[sidrick]

So i take it you're not driving it anymore?

[simon20vq]

That's it John!

[chezz]

That's precisely my point...hundreds of people are driving around with this problem BMW are fully aware of it and prefer to brush it under the carpet...if you can send me the £800 to repair it I would be extremely gratefull....leave the comedy to Franky Boyle ...

[sidrick]

Edit.