I've gone to the dealer and there saying on my 02 R53 S that
The fan is only a stage 2 fan,meaning it only comes on if the car over heats

turned out the power coupling had failed in some way and was disconnecting while I was driving.

The dealer made good and paid to have a new Steering Pump put in.
Made me happy anyway..till the next 40-50,000

 

I was contacted by NHTSA today they are looking for a mini with power steering out for testing / prefer central ohio
pm me for details if you have a car that is defective at this time

 

I am aware of at least one law office preparing a class action lawsuit against BMW for the powersteering issues. They contacted me from a post I had made on a thread at North American Motoring forum. They wanted my story on the problems I had and the cost of the replacement of my 2004 PSP with only 45k on it. Hope it triggers a recall I would like to recover the approx. $900.00 I spent replacing mine.

 

I just spent $900 on my replacement parts...
The NHTSA is looking into this as well and might impose a recall /safety advisory

 

.... but I haven't lost the ease of steering yet. Sorry if Im in the wrong forum, but I posted here earlier about my mini's PS starting to make noise and after about 2000 miles, its gotten alot louder. Anyone have an idea as to what's going to happen next? Fluid level is fine, no leaks, etc. Gys, Tom

 

Is it the cooling fan or the power steering pump itself ???

 

man check your car properly if its need fluid then provide otherwise visit workshop

 

Bombsickles....dumb question. Did you check the P S fluid level?
My email notifications are what bring me back hereby the way. The only concern I have with my mini is this obvious problem with their neglect to manufacture a decent power steering unit. Shame on them. It so happens that the loud whirring noise that my unit has been making, suddenly stopped. Wtf? I still have power steering, the fluid is circulating properly and I haven't any leaks. I'm glad that the sound is gone, but what in the hell is up ? I wish mini would just come forward about this and make good with their screw up. If Air could afford to replace the unit I would have a long time ago. Okay, I'm done venting. And I'm certain a complaint Colombia such as this isn't going to do any good. Ill just wait til I can afford to replace mine and hopefully ill. Get lucky and see a recall before I spend my $. Peace, fellow Cooper hounds.

 

I'm betting that your cooling fan FAILED thats why the noise went away. Unfortunately this can overheat the pump and burn it out

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'll have to look into it as soon as possible. The funny thing is that the noise was related to when I turn the steering wheel to the right and left. The frequency of the humming would change. It was has if you could hear the fluid racing in slowing down through the pump
and the lines!