| power steering pump has stopped working. common fault on the older MINI. Depending on milage BMW often offered to halve the costs...eg they pay for part you pay for labour if the car was low milage. Not always but has happened.
YOu can drive the car but its very difficult. The faster the tyres rotate the easier it is to turn but even then its major muscle time and if its stopped or low speed it is almost impossible unless your reasonably strong.
Should not burn the engine out or anything...its an electrical part with its own fluid. However some failures are caused by shorts and the heat from the faulty pump has been known to melt wires and start fires in rare instances.
R
This is the most unprofessional bit of site management I have seen since I was banned from a certain other site...at least they had the excuse that they were enthusiasts who had strong views and not professionals paid to keep thier cool! | 
Help! Car won't turn! Safe to drive 
