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Author Topic: I have a 4 door, 323i 1999 and i need to know  (Read 1400 times)
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Edson
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« on: Monday, November 08, 2004 - 03:20 AM »

1. what power steering fluid is recommended
2. where do i pour it?
I looked for it but couldnt find it. Im sure this sounds pretty stupid to most, but I really need help.

thanks.

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« on: Monday, November 08, 2004 - 03:20 AM »

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DeanP
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« Reply #1 on: Monday, November 08, 2004 - 01:01 PM »

99 % of most applications use ATF (automatic transmission fliud) as the power steering fluid.  Hondas are the only one that comes to mind that has having a special PS fluid.  Any brand name ATF will be fine for PS fluid.  The fill area for PS fluid is usually on the drivers side.  It will probably be hidden under the upper radiator hose and the air intake tube coming off the filter box.  It will have a round cap be not be much bigger than a soda pop can.
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« Reply #1 on: Monday, November 08, 2004 - 01:01 PM »

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Dustin
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« Reply #2 on: Monday, November 08, 2004 - 01:01 PM »

Well there should be a resivoir in the engine compartment that says somthing like "Power Steering" and thats where you put it. As for what is recommended... I don't know that one. Someone here will though, probably luke318is or dport...

Anyway welcome to the forums! Post up some pictures in the memebrs rides section!

Edit: Dport got to it before me...
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zazo
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« Reply #3 on: Monday, November 15, 2004 - 06:58 AM »

This is a quote from the Bently manual for an '01 330i which is essentially the same engine save for displacement:

"The power steering fluid is Dexron III® ATF, or equivalent. The system is permanently filled and does not have a drain. Routinely adding ATF is not required unless the system is leaking."

Here is a picture of the power steering fluid reservoir.



* e46_front.jpg (42.5 KB, 640x476 - viewed 337 times.)
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DeanP
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« Reply #4 on: Wednesday, November 17, 2004 - 09:35 PM »

No big surprise, but your system is a little different.  Did you think you needed to add fluid, or did you just want to check?  As you have probably learned Dexron III ATF is the most common ATF out there and readily available.  Based on your Bently quote it doesn't appear that you can add fluid, unless there is a reservoir cap that you can remove.
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zazo
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« Reply #5 on: Sunday, November 21, 2004 - 05:26 AM »

You can certainly add fluid.  The picture is of the power steering fluid reservoir which has a screw-on cap.  Nowhere on the cap does it actually say that it is for the power steering, but I suppose that is because according to BMW, it is a non-service item - unless the system actually fails.

I posted the quote to ensure nobody here actually thought they had to change this fluid.  But checking it on occasion is not a bad idea.  And topping it off if it gets a little low is certainly advisable.  If you are doing this on a fairly regular basis, like every 2000 miles or so, you probably have a leak in the power steering system and need to have it fixed.
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Jeff Seabrook
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« Reply #6 on: Monday, November 22, 2004 - 12:14 AM »

I've gotta replace my steering rack - it's only $100.00 from a contact up in Jersey - but I just know that will be one hella messy job.
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Jeff Seabrook
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Dustin
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« Reply #7 on: Monday, November 22, 2004 - 07:32 PM »

yeah I did mine on my E30 and it sucked.

have fun with that Jeff.
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Edson
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« Reply #8 on: Wednesday, November 24, 2004 - 11:09 PM »

THANKS.!!
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