Power Steering Fluid

[selavia]

Hey...I thought this was weird. A 1997 528i uses Automatic Transmission fluid in its power steering reservior. Is this correct? My parents 528i was low on steering fluid, so I went to fill it...I saw "ATF" on the cap...went to get the book...it said tranny fluid. huh. Do I use dexron III? Is that safe? Is this common?

Any thoughts, suggestions?

Thanks. Sean

 

[slickbrave]

Yep, that's right. Most American cars have used this for years, even though they sell a pint of power steering fluid for $1.99 and a quart of ATF for .89, ATF works just fine. Many BMW's use specific types of power steering fluid that's not inexpensive, but some, like your parents', use ATF. My '95 uses the expensive stuff, and my '98 uses ATF. I don't know if it's a function of the year model, or the model of the car. Finally, a way to save some money, huh?

 

[jrt67ss350]

Yeah, Sean - this is actually very common among most auto manufacturers. The exception is GM, which still uses dedicated power steering fluid for the steering hydraulics. My '87 325 uses ATF.

If the car is calling for ATF, Dexron III should be fine.