Power steering pump failure on 2003 Cooper

[rrmave]

Hi,

I have a 2003 Cooper. Yesterday, when I got back from the shops, I noticed a whining sound from the engine bay, near the Power Steering pump. A few hours later, the battery had been completely drained. Found this to be a very common problem with this gen minis. I have been quoted over £600 for the replacement and labour. Considering that I paid just over £2k for the car nearly 6 months ago, I am not sure whether I should get it fixed or scrap it. Have already spent £400 on the air conditioning, locks and coolant leak.

I was only planning to keep it for a year, so if i get the pump replaced and sell it, I doubt I would get more than £1400. The scrap value is about £300.

thoughts and suggestions appreciated.

Thanks.

[Herman Toothrot]

I possibly have the same problem as you, can you tell me if your battery light on the dash flickers? Does the power steering still work?

My cars pump has always been noisy but loads are apparently, however I had rapid over night battery drain but recharged it and it was fine for 3 weeks, my power steering works but I now have fluctuating voltage and a flickering battery light. Local garage says its not the power steering pump but can't tell me what it is, battery and alternator have been replaced (google suggests it maybe power steering pump) but I don't want to buy one if not and they are right, I found several providers of remanufactured ones for £150 - £250 BBA, eBay etc fitting doesn't look £300 hard, couple of hours at most.

[rrmave]

Hi Herman,

nope, the battery was completely flat when I checked. Tbh, if I can get the whole job done for £300, i would definitely keep the car.

[rrmave]

I can still hear the pump working after I turn the ignition off and it gradually drains the battery.

[Herman Toothrot]

BBA do an exchange unit for £180 inc postage which is what I think i'd go for if I determine a pump will cure my cars issues. ACS do one for £158 but you have to send yours to them 1st and they rebuild it.

[rrmave]

Thanks Herman.

Also does anyone know if the power steering pump is covered under AutoProtect Gold warranty? My car is still under warranty.

[Feirny]

Try BMW for warranty, they have been known to replace under warranty for the cost of a diagnostic session.

[Elliot2000]

Whatever u do, don't scrap it, I will give u more than 300£ for it

[CarsOrBikes]

Autoprotect.............nicknamed auto avoid, used to be warranty holdings I think, worst crowd on the planet..........ever haha

Just ring the claims lot, who knows, gold cover implies you get some cover at least. even if they contribute it helps eh?

[Zingari]

Get one from ECU testing Ltd @£159 exchange on eBay. Great service, lifetime guarantee (while you own the car) and free postage to return your old one. I paid c£90 to fit it rather than get my hands dirty

I had the 'trio' of faults on the early R50. Window regulator, PAS pump and finally the Midland gearbox gave up which was the final straw.

If you're on a Midland gearbox it's a timebomb and will fail usually without symptoms first!

[Herman Toothrot]

I ended up taking my car to BMW and today they told me they think my random electrical problems are due to the power steering pump and all I have to pay is fitting cost and BMW is paying for the pump. That's on my 2004 mini, I'm 3rd owner and it's on 80,000 miles.

[mark seeker]

I had mine replaced at my door (lifetime warranty) - from mobifit, was a great service.

[Catchme]

Could it be the power steering fan that is draining your battery. These sometimes have a habit of shorting and continue to run after the ignition is turned off, draining the battery.

If it is, I think you can get a replacement fan for £30-£40 and the installation is two nuts and the connector.