Heavy Steering and Vibrations on Mini Roadster

I had a similar issue with my Mini. Noticed the steering getting heavy, and the wheel alignment felt off. Have you checked the steering column itself for any play? Also, these cars are sensitive to wheel alignment; even a slight misalignment can throw things off, triggering the automotive sensors.

Thanks for the quick reply! When you say "steering column", what exactly should I be looking for? And how would I diagnose a wheel alignment issue myself before taking it in for a proper wheel alignment?

By steering column, I mean checking for any unusual movement or looseness when you turn the wheel – things that shouldn't be there. Honestly, diagnosing alignment problems without specialized equipment is tough. If the steering feels off and you're getting vibrations, it's best to get it checked professionally. A faulty steering sensor can definitely cause those symptoms. I would suggest taking it to a workshop. They can read the automotive sensors and pinpoint the exact issue.

Alright, just wanted to give a quick update. Took the Mini Roadster to a local mechanic, and it turned out the steering angle sensor was indeed the culprit. They recalibrated/recoded it, and the power steering is back to normal. Steering wheel vibrations are gone too. Total cost was 195€. Thanks for the insight; it really helped point me in the right direction!