Power Steering, Electro-Mechanical: Notes

Until now, the MINI had electrohydraulic power steering. The new MINI (R5x) uses a purely electromechanical power steering (EPS: Electronic Power Steering) system.

The electromechanical power steering (EPS) differs from conventional hydraulic steering in that it has steering servo. The EPS supports the driver with an electric motor instead of a hydraulic drive. The servomotor is only active when the steering is used. This means that the servomotor consumes no power during straight-ahead driving.

Electromechanical power steering offers the following advantages:

• Fuel economy up to 0.2 l/100 km and thus reduction in the CO 2 emissions
• integrated, driving-speed-dependent steering servo (Servotronic)
• Switchable steering force (SPORT button)
• active steering wheel return

On the R56, the EPS is arranged down at the steering shaft. This means that the transfer channel for the force initiated is very short.