Can anyone point me to the steering fluid reservoir? I keep getting a Steering Malfunction Warning Message, and I need to check the fluid levels. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Top, passenger side of engine, near front, with dipstick.

 

It is a black. cylindrical, plastic container with a star shaped (sort of) cap on top, about the size of a large box of Quaker Oats, on the left side of the motor, near the air filter housing.

 

Do not confuse with the nearby coolant reservoir. The hydraulic reservoir has "CHF 11S Only" printed on the top. This is Central Hydraulic Fluid, Synthetic.

I got the suspension system warning recently, and upon checking, my fluid was completely below the dipstick when cold. I bought a liter of Pentosin at the BMW dealer for $24 and it took care of the malfunction warning.

 

Great! Thanks for the input.

So I guess the next question is can I buy this type of power steering fluid at most auto parts stores or do I need to get if from the dealer?

 

I saw this fluid at Autobarn, so the answer is yes you can buy it elsewhere.

 

 

Any update on this? did you find an equal at Autozone, or did you have to go the dealer? I just checked mine, and it is below the end of the dipstick (but it also is pretty cold). It says to check it at 30C, which is 86F, so I don't know how to get my car up to that temp when it is 23F in my garage. If I just start it and let it run, it would likely get a lot warmer than 86F. thx.

 

FYI, I stopped by the dealer today and picked up the real deal (Pentosin synthetic). MSRP: $23, but my price was $18 w/my BMWCCA card. Put in half a can and no more active steering failure or steering malfunction warnings. I don't know why they don't just have a "low fluid" warning instead of scaring you with the "failure" and "malfunction" warnings...

thanks again to the forum for all the great information.

 

for the life of me I will never understand why BMWs are OCD about washer fluid but never warn you that your power steering fluid is low. ALL of them back to our E30 warned about washer fluid, but not a one has had a warning about PS fluid. WTF?

anyway, you can also buy the Pentosin at NAPA. handy if you need to buy it on a weekend.