If you live in the 'salt belt', you might have this problem once the car gets up in years/miles. In fact, the problem is so common that exact replacement parts are no longer available. Mini stated " we don't know when, if ever, there will be replacement parts".

The steering will become so tight that the steering will not return to neutral. I've heard of people running their cars into curbs & ditches because of this. Do not confuse this with the power steering going out. When the pump goes out, it is extremely difficult to steer ( been there ....... done that )

There are two solutions. Have a steering assembly from a 'right hand' drive vehicle installed. ( this is what the dealer will do ) That solution also requires the dealer to re-program the 'steering angle sensor'. ( a side note for DYI folks. ) The second solution is to find a used part in nice condition ( from a source out of the 'salt belt states' ) I opted to go the DYI route with 'right hand' drive parts. I do caution one going that route. The install went without a hitch. However, when I took it to the dealer for re-programing, they tampered with one part resulting in faults that would not clear up. I ended up paying for parts I didn't need. A very expensive lesson.

I now suggest finding the correct used part. It's not that bad to replace and will require no dealer involvement.