Power Steering Fluid Change

[BrokenVert]

Alright, so apparently my car is calling for a powersteering fluid change at 70K miles.

According to BMW I cant just change a filter and the fluid and be done with it. you have to replace the entire power steering reservoirs at a cost of about $250.

Can anyone confirm?

[SkinnyVT]

I'd have to look at my car but I suspect this is the case. For many years BMW has integrated the filter into the reservoir, but it shouldn't cost more than $30 for that part. It also isn't critical to change the filter when flushing the fluid, my e30 has 180kmi on the original one, just flushed the fluid. The power steering fluid (ATF) isn't under the same abuse that engine, tranny or diff oil is under.

[Lexington]

Also, different fluid required for the 135i vs the E30. Don't think you can use ATF in the 135 power steering units.

[SkinnyVT]

Originally Posted by Lexington

Also, different fluid required for the 135i vs the E30. Don't think you can use ATF in the 135 power steering units.

you are probably right, goes along with the special coolant and oil

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by SkinnyVT

I'd have to look at my car but I suspect this is the case. For many years BMW has integrated the filter into the reservoir, .

This is what I was told.

I wouldnt know, the 1er is my first BMW, I was a Ford guy until this, and on those the filter is separate.

[Lexington]

Originally Posted by SkinnyVT

you are probably right, goes along with the special coolant and oil

I think almost all newer BMWs require special hydraulic oil in the power steering systems.

[danielbeast]

The power steering reservoir looks similar to my 528e and the filter is built into that one.

[Cuz5150]

"Pentosin CHF 11S is a special proprietary synthetic mineral high performance VW power steering fluid. This power steering fluid is designed for extended mileage interval changes. This fluid is unique in its ability to maintain consistent viscosity in extreme operating temperatures from -40°C to over 130°C."

Lets start of with this is the same fluid that goes in to the VAG products. Audi/VW/Scoda/Bentley.

This fluid is stupid expensive. Get yourself a qt/liter. Grab a cheap siphon tool and remove fluid thats in the reservoir. Fill with clean fluid. Start engine let it idle for 3 minutes. Shut engine off, empty the reservoir.....etc. repeat until you ran a liter of fresh fluid through the system. Turn steering wheel lock to lock if you want.
This is a good practice to be done once a year. Yes! annually. Why? this mineral is piss water thin. It breaks down very quickly, the pump will give off fine small metal flakes that run through the system causing all kinds of damage to the seals/rack system. Trust me on this im a former VW/Audi owner, and have spent many years on the audi forums. Most people have good back to using ATF+4 and have done test that is actually better for the system. The reason every manufacture is jumping on this mineral oil it works VERY quietly in cold climates/starts. Less complains from customers. The down side, customers down the line need to replace the steering racks at $1200-$1700.