When you`re parked, try to turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and try to listen out for a banging or knocking noise coming from about the steering column (ignore the buzzing from the electrical power steering – this is very normal).

This noise indicates a problem with the column universal joint and there’s a fix available under warranty. But Out of warranty, though, then the labour-intensive nasty nature of the job means it’s quite expensive to have repaired. That’s why so many Mini owners choose to put up with it, as it isn’t dangerous generally and won’t get worse.