The BMW Mini in all it’s ranges is a beautiful car but unfortunately, it too has it’s flaws. The EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) system also know as EHPAS (Electro-Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering) system is a major flaw in it’s design and almost all units are guaranteed to fail within 70k miles from new.
Why Do They Fail?
Believed to be a manufacturing defect, almost all of the electric mini power steering pumps will fail at some point or another unless they have been previously repaired by a qualified company that can meet & exceed the OE standards and rectify the common problems as we do to ensure they are future proof. The original units first fitted in 2001 to the BMW Mini’s were having the problem of not turning off with the engine. They were receiving a constant live which would drain the battery power and eventually burn out the motor in the electric steering pump. BMW did go on to try correct this issue & unfortunately, came to a bigger issue where they found that some of the newer models of the electric steering pump were in fact catching fire under the bonnet.. damaging the wiring harness at the same time. As you can imagine, an electrical fire under the bonnet of a petrol car can be VERY dangerous.
What Are The Common Symptoms?
Should I Replace Or Repair?
If you’re replacing it, make sure it’s being replaced with one that’s previously been repaired & modified to rectify all manufacturing defects. If you’re looking to buy a new unit or even a second hand unit from a parts shop or breakers yard then expect it to fail in the future, none are future proof unless they are modified to meet & exceed OE specification and currently that is the ONLY way to safeguard the future of the unit. In fact, we’re so confident that we offer a full no quibble 2 years warranty where as a new part will come with only 6months to 1year warranty and second hand parts with only up to 90 days warranty.
Our parts will meet & exceed the OE specification, work exactly as it should and rest assured it will never fail again. All our mini electric steering pumps are tested off the shelf and come with a complete 2 years warranty.
What Options Do I Have With Sinspeed?
That’s right, this problem is so common that we always try to carry them in stock on the shelf ready for same day dispatch.
Can I Remove & Fit This Part Myself?
You will have to have some mechanical experience but it’s not the hardest of jobs to remove and fit a BMW Mini electric power steering pump. If you’re not confident in doing so, then we do offer a full supply & fit service at our workshop and a free collect & return service of your vehicle (dependant on your location).
For more information, give us a call today on 0203 815 9441.
Ajaz is a seasoned automotive electronics engineer with deep expertise in remanufacturing vehicle electronics. He has developed skills in all areas of the automotive field, from rebuilding hydraulic steering components, and mechanical gearboxes and reworking intricate vehicle electronics. Ajaz also acquired Bodyteq, a London-based vehicle bodyshop where he has developed extensive knowledge in automotive refinishing.
Alongside his automotive career, Ajaz has built a career in the IT industry, gaining accredited certification as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Cloud Architect, and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) specialist.
