5 replies to this topic

[ceelynn]

Hello there. I apologize for the silly question, but figured you guys would be able to help.

I'm after (or maybe was after) a Mini Convertible. I test drove a 2006 Cooper S yesterday and was turned off by how heavy the steering was. The guy at the dealership said its a "very Mini thing" to have heavy steering, but I'm wondering (maybe hoping) if its not so much a "Mini thing" as it is a Cooper S thing? Would a One or a regular Cooper have similar steering? Or would a newer Cooper S be a bit lighter?

TIA for your help.

[DaveVader]

Wrong forum.
Try mini2.com

[mk3 Cooper S]

Sounds like the steering pump is on the way out or the front tyres need some air in them!

[stevespi]

The steering pumps are a common problem to go on the new mini's. Also the Cooper S are heavier than say a one or a normal cooper.

[mab01uk]

The New MINI has heavier steering than most other modern hatchbacks, this is because it is aimed at the sporting driver part of the small car market where people like good handling and classic Mini go-kart steering feel/feedback. The Mk1 MINI One, Cooper and Cooper S all use the same Rover developed Electro-hydraulic power steering system (EHPS) but the wide range of tyre types and wheel sizes all have an effect and a Cooper S on 205 wide low profile 17" runflat tyres will have heavier steering than a basic MINI One on 15" normal 175 wide tyres.

The steering pumps sometimes fail but it is not a difficult or expensive job to replace DIY. More details here:
http://forum.minicoo...read.php?t=9626

The later Mk2 MINI's have fully electric power steering which you may prefer but remember the cabriolet/convertible models continued in Mk1 form for another year after the Mk2 hatchback was launched.

Edited by mab01uk, 15 April 2011 - 11:51 AM.

[ceelynn]

Thats excellent information. Thank you very much.