CarComplaints.com Notes: Power steering problems are a major issue with the 2005 Mini Cooper, with hundreds of owners reporting complaints to the NHTSA about their power steering suddenly failing while driving.
Some power steering failures have caused crashes & injuries. Average mileage at failure is well under 100,000 miles & the repair cost is over $1,000. Not good.
Apparently there is a design flaw in ALL Minis. If you have a moon/sunroof, there are drains around them for the water that can collect. Unfortunately, the FLAW is that the drains clog (and no, you can't see them/clean them out occasionally). AND THEN, the water flows through the car to the passenger side under the seat, conveniently enough, ALL THE ELECTRICAL controls are also found there. Water and electricity don't mix. The BCM (Body Control Module) is what controls all that. That fried with all the water. When I pulled up the carpet (after reading numerous examples of this on websites), I could literally WRING the water out of the insulation found there. The BMW dealership found 126 connections that had been affected. Our insurance agency (SHOUT OUT TO PROGRESSIVE - they are the GREATEST!) totaled the car. I loved that car, but would NEVER buy another, because in spite of 3 mechanics at different places telling me this is COMMON in Mini's, BMW doesn't admit to it.
So another shout out here - we found out about EASTSIDE AUTOs in St. Paul Park, MN and are buying a very nice car from them after enduring the slimy salespeople at regular dealerships.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Apparently there is a design flaw in ALL Minis. If you have a moon/sunroof, there are drains around them for the water that can collect. Unfortunately, the FLAW is that the drains clog (and no, you can't see them/clean them out occasionally). AND THEN, the water flows through the car to the passenger side under the seat, conveniently enough, ALL THE ELECTRICAL controls are also found there. Water and electricity don't mix. The BCM (Body Control Module) is what controls all that. That fried with all the water. When I pulled up the carpet (after reading numerous examples of this on websites), I could literally WRING the water out of the insulation found there. The BMW dealership found 126 connections that had been affected. Our insurance agency (SHOUT OUT TO PROGRESSIVE - they are the GREATEST!) totaled the car. I loved that car, but would NEVER buy another, because in spite of 3 mechanics at different places telling me this is COMMON in Mini's, BMW doesn't admit to it.
So another shout out here - we found out about EASTSIDE AUTOs in St. Paul Park, MN and are buying a very nice car from them after enduring the slimy salespeople at regular dealerships.
- Elaine W., Saint Paul, MN, US