BMW dealer delivered my new to me used car ( 325ci ) with power steering fluid in the reservoir instead of the required ATF. It is clear, no gunk, do you folks think I may have shortened pump life or damage because of this? The steering does feel very light compared to the 2005 I traded in, hmm, just noticed this a few days after delivery while checking the fluids.
2006 3 series BMW ps fluid
- Thread starter vintagegz
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I would go to the dealership and demand a full flush of the system. This way will get the right fluid in there, and you will have written documentation proving that they delivered a car with the wrong fluid in the PS system. This way if there are any long term problems, you have a very good chance of having them fix it. The good thing is that it was a BMW dealership that you bought it from. They should know better.
Kestas
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How specific is the requirement in the manual?... just ATF?
I use generic power steering fluid in all the cars I own, including my 95 E320 Mercedes. Power steering fluid is like ATF but without the additives. The additives are there for transmission applications. I believe ATF is specified mainly because it's readily available on most dealer shelves.
I use generic power steering fluid in all the cars I own, including my 95 E320 Mercedes. Power steering fluid is like ATF but without the additives. The additives are there for transmission applications. I believe ATF is specified mainly because it's readily available on most dealer shelves.
Dexron III is the requirement. What is the consensus about damage being caused by ps fluid, any, none?
Kestas
Staff member
I've used it in three cars, each with 30K to 60K service with PS fluid - no problems. I haven't heard of anyone switching the PS fluid and having problems, except for Honda owners. They have their own fluid.
The Dexron III transmission fluid that is factory fill in Toyota P/S systems is clear. Perhaps BMW's fluid is similar?
I doubt there is a problem.
A call to the dealer may net you a flush with ATF for free, so it's worth it.
A call to the dealer may net you a flush with ATF for free, so it's worth it.
It could be SynPower PSF, which is not that great anyway. Regular PSF is total garbage, yes it could damage the system. What belongs in there anyway, Pentosin?
Without getting into a whole diatribe, I'd say flush it out to Synth ATF, like ATF+4. ATF+4 is speced for PSF in Chryslers, and oddly, now it appears MB has gone from Pentosin to a red fluid that is about $5/q. I think it's ATF+4, but it does not matter, Pentosin is thin and kills the PS system on its' own. Document the problem with the Dealer, accept their offer to flush it out, but I'd re-do with ATF and put a Magnefine filter on one hose.
Without getting into a whole diatribe, I'd say flush it out to Synth ATF, like ATF+4. ATF+4 is speced for PSF in Chryslers, and oddly, now it appears MB has gone from Pentosin to a red fluid that is about $5/q. I think it's ATF+4, but it does not matter, Pentosin is thin and kills the PS system on its' own. Document the problem with the Dealer, accept their offer to flush it out, but I'd re-do with ATF and put a Magnefine filter on one hose.
Originally Posted By: vintagegz
BMW dealer delivered my new to me used car ( 325ci ) with power steering fluid in the reservoir instead of the required ATF. It is clear, no gunk, do you folks think I may have shortened pump life or damage because of this? The steering does feel very light compared to the 2005 I traded in, hmm, just noticed this a few days after delivery while checking the fluids.
How are you so certain what it is? Also, most responses seem to be along the "dealer mistake" line of reasoning, but I'm not sure if you're making an accusation or simple observation.
While I don't have intimate full-lineup knowledge, I didn't think they used PSF for ANYTHING. Why would they even have it on the shelf to put it in by mistake? Furthermore, the PSF isn't on any maintenance schedule mentioned anywhere. They wouldn't simply change it out for any reason (unless it was drained during a repair procedure) and they certainly wouldn't do it for no extra charge during a used car delivery prep. They don't change the actual ATF (or MTF) in the transmission during the lifetime of the car unless you pester them and pay for it - they certainly aren't fussy about the PS system.
Perhaps the previous owner did this, or it's actually a fluid which came from the factory but isn't red like ATF. I've found the dealer ATFs to be very pale - not a bright cherry red like typical ATF. I believe Pentosin is often used.
BMW dealer delivered my new to me used car ( 325ci ) with power steering fluid in the reservoir instead of the required ATF. It is clear, no gunk, do you folks think I may have shortened pump life or damage because of this? The steering does feel very light compared to the 2005 I traded in, hmm, just noticed this a few days after delivery while checking the fluids.
How are you so certain what it is? Also, most responses seem to be along the "dealer mistake" line of reasoning, but I'm not sure if you're making an accusation or simple observation.
While I don't have intimate full-lineup knowledge, I didn't think they used PSF for ANYTHING. Why would they even have it on the shelf to put it in by mistake? Furthermore, the PSF isn't on any maintenance schedule mentioned anywhere. They wouldn't simply change it out for any reason (unless it was drained during a repair procedure) and they certainly wouldn't do it for no extra charge during a used car delivery prep. They don't change the actual ATF (or MTF) in the transmission during the lifetime of the car unless you pester them and pay for it - they certainly aren't fussy about the PS system.
Perhaps the previous owner did this, or it's actually a fluid which came from the factory but isn't red like ATF. I've found the dealer ATFs to be very pale - not a bright cherry red like typical ATF. I believe Pentosin is often used.
Originally Posted By: unDummy
PSF or ATF depends on the year.
Thread starter stated it required ATF.
I know he states it REQUIRES ATF. How does he know that it has PSF in it instead? Smell? Taste? The fact that it's clear?
Which years require PSF? His 2006 requires ATF, my dad's 2002 requires ATF, my 1998 requires ATF. In BMW forums I participate in no one has ever indicated that their year/model takes PSF.
PSF or ATF depends on the year.
Thread starter stated it required ATF.
I know he states it REQUIRES ATF. How does he know that it has PSF in it instead? Smell? Taste? The fact that it's clear?
Which years require PSF? His 2006 requires ATF, my dad's 2002 requires ATF, my 1998 requires ATF. In BMW forums I participate in no one has ever indicated that their year/model takes PSF.
it was clear and smelled like psf, i drained and refilled with atf on saturday, nice and red like it is supposed to be, thanks for all the help
FYI - New BMW's are coming from the factory with Pentosin CHF11S in the PS system. The caps have been relabeled accordingly. I am curious if one could replace the ATF with CHF11S. I suspect its possible if the system is flushed well enough but I am not positive that all of the seals are compatible.
My 2002 330ci came with bright red atf in the PS system. It says ATF oil only.
Originally Posted By: MCompact
Every BMW PS reservoir cap that I've seen states "ATF OIL ONLY".
I've seen a few that calls for CHF 11S or 7.1 only.
Every BMW PS reservoir cap that I've seen states "ATF OIL ONLY".
I've seen a few that calls for CHF 11S or 7.1 only.
ATF has a slight seal swelling bias. That's partly why it helps so much in old CHF (PAO) systems.
To the OP, if you put DexIII in there, I'd re-do with a synth ATF, like Dex VI or ATF+4. Consider a filter too.....
To the OP, if you put DexIII in there, I'd re-do with a synth ATF, like Dex VI or ATF+4. Consider a filter too.....
Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
ATF has a slight seal swelling bias. That's partly why it helps so much in old CHF (PAO) systems.
To the OP, if you put DexIII in there, I'd re-do with a synth ATF, like Dex VI or ATF+4. Consider a filter too.....
BMW PS systems have either a removable filter element or a reservoir with an integrated filter. I believe the integrated filters were introduced in the E36 3 Series.
ATF has a slight seal swelling bias. That's partly why it helps so much in old CHF (PAO) systems.
To the OP, if you put DexIII in there, I'd re-do with a synth ATF, like Dex VI or ATF+4. Consider a filter too.....
BMW PS systems have either a removable filter element or a reservoir with an integrated filter. I believe the integrated filters were introduced in the E36 3 Series.
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