Two problems related to steering is tight have been reported for the 2004 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the 2004 Cooper S.
Power steering pump failed as I was exiting I-80 @ exit 56 returning home from work. As I started onto the exit ramp and began to curve to the right, the steering was very hard in the car which resulted in my having to force the wheel to the right. I also was braking at this point given the surprise of the tight wheel. I ended up on the shoulder of the ramp before gaining control of the car and reducing the speed. When I got to the top of the ramp and stopped, the pump began to work again. On 12/27 the pump failed again as I backed out of my garage. I pulled the car back into the garage and parked it until I can resolve this issue. I purchased the car used several months ago with 67k miles. I searched the forums to see if anyone else has had this issue and found many reports of pump/fan failures. This is a safety risk to anyone who owns one of these cars. I cannot imagine what would've happened had my wife been driving my car when the pump failed, it was all I could do to keep from wrecking into the median area.
My 2004 Mini Cooper S, of which I am the second owner has developed progressively worsening steering characteristics. Most times the steering is hard and typically its hardest at low speed. The steering under acceleration is notably of great concern as I have experienced erratic and unpredictable sudden pulls to the left and right without any driver input. The service history for this vehicle is consistent with the suggested service intervals. This is a major safety concern for me.