Getting bmw mini to replace steering pump - steering died whilst I was driving it!

Definitely can't drive that car without power steering - mine failed twice (2002 Mini, since sold but both were replaced under warranty). I'd approach the dealer stating that this is a known fault and then writing to BMW Great Britain at their head office if you have no joy.

Mine is also a 2002, frustrating that it is out of warranty now. I will approach the dealer on Tuesday (don't think they will be open on bank holiday Monday). My mum has a mini, my MIL has a mini and so does my SIL and this has never happened to theirs but only a matter of time now I think!

Thanks for the advice, interesting to hear from another person who has had the same experience!

We were going to sell it next month, this is such a bad time for it to occur

How awful, hope you manage to get it sorted. i would def try and take it further

I can't believe they're not recalling it for something like that that's a known safety issue.

Not a mini but the power steering failed on our Renault Megane and it was bloody hellish to even get the car out of the drive never mind anything else - regardless of what VOSA say IMO in most modern cars with power steering it's too heavy to drive safely if it fails.

I'd definitely have a go. Has the car got a full main dealer service history? I know that this is something that might make manufacturers more inclined to deal with an out of warranty claim than otherwise. But even if it doesn't I wouldn't let it put you off.

By having researched it you're already in a stronger position when you go to the dealers.

I would just say that it's a known fault and a safety issue, and that if they don't resolve it you will be taking it further. I don't think there's any point going in aggressively as from what I understand in the OP you haven't even asked them yet.

Thanks everyone for your responses ?

Roobarb - yup full service history and my mum bought the tlc pack so it has had it's tender loving care during it's services as well (whatever that means, I found the stamp sheet tucked in with the other booklets in the folder that came with the car) Full service history is with mini dealers as well.

RA - you're right, I haven't asked them yet - I tried calling the number watchdog gave (according to watchdog it is 24 hr) but it is mon-fri 9-5 and so I'll have to wait until Tues, I might take the car and leave it at the dealership on tues as well in the hope they will order the parts in quickly. I intend to be very nice but firm (And will try not to cry as I always seem to end up crying in these situations!)

Small update:

Rang Mini this morning and told them I had a problem, they told me to take the car to a BMW/Mini dealership and book it in, the dealer will then need to contact them for a goodwill payment if they deem it appropriate...

Took the mini to BMW, apparently it will cost 136 pounds for a diagnostic test to discover what is wrong with the car. I made it clear to them that I wanted them to contact mini regarding a goodwill payment. The woman I spoke to at reception could not have been less helpful. When I mentioned wanting some further work done to the car whilst it was there she told me to write it on the bottom of the list, didn't go through it with me, didn't discuss it with me! Such a contrast to the last time I was there needing something done.

I desperately hope that Mini will agree to pay for the new steering pump and the labour and that the dealer puts a good case to them for me, I suppose if the request is rejected I can call mini and have another word with them myself. This can't be acceptable!

This happened to our mini (also a 2002) recently but it was covered by a 10 year warranty so no charge. They said it would have cost hundreds had it not been under warranty. It is totally unacceptable for them not to foot the bill for a known fault but I don't think there's much you can do if they say no.

Lizzy - I just can't believe that they said to me on the phone earlier that it was extremely unusual and hence they weren't recalling the cars when I've had it happen, you have had it happen and Baron had it happen twice - all to 2002 cars!

It is going to cost somewhere between 400-800 pounds if I can't get Mini to make a contribution [:'(]