Unofficialbmw.com

davids101 · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5

Greetings-

I want to check the power steering fluid level on my 86 E24. I experience noise when the car's cold but then the P/S noise seems to disappear. I was told the fluid might be a bit low + the fact it's been cold lately....where is the resevoir? I don't yet have a repair manual... Is it the fairly large brass cylinder near the battery? I was also told to use Dextron II ATF fluid. Can anyone help me out?

Thanks very much & cheers,

David

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

Every BMW I've ever seen places the PS reservoir near the front left corner of the engine compartment. Later models have a star-shaped cap.

Verify via your owner's manual what fluid is required.

Consider flushing the PS system. You'd be shocked at the condition of old fluid that has never been changed.
_________________

Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.

davids101 · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5

Thanks edjack-

The P/S resovoir location you mention-left front corner near battery, matches what I assumed was the resovoir. I unscrewed the top and noticed a filter which I popped out. The fluid is clear, but pretty low-less than half-way full below the mesh filter near the top cap....As I review my service records, the P/S pump was replaced 1 yr ago (only about 3k miles ago) along with 3 V-belts and oil seals. However I don't see any charge for P/S fluid (ATF fluid) so it makes me wonder if they replaced fluid?

Should the fluid level be at or above the mesh filter? If so I guess I should top off and then check for leaks......

Thanks again for your follow-up!

Cheers

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

As I remember, the cap should have a dipstick attached. In any event, the filter should be covered with fluid.

If the fluid is clear, as opposed to red, it is not ATF. Check your manual.
_________________

Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.

davids101 · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5

I need to buy an official repair manual..The manual that comes with the car is pretty useless.

Thanks again Ed....Happy driving!

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

Looks like Bentley has not published a service manual for your car. Your best bet may be this: http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=b588

Lots of similarities.
_________________

Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.

davids101 · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5

Thanks-
I was just online wandering around trying to locate a decent manual. I see one by Chilton's for the 635 but don't know if Chilton's books are any good?....can't remember but I think a BMW dealer mentioned that the manual for the 735 is close to the 635 since the engine/transmission are the same. But I would think the 5 series would also be similar in many areas as well.

Thanks again

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

Get a Bentley's and a Chilton. They might be complementary.

The electronics on the 7 series might be closer to the 6, than would be the 5 series, since both 6 and 7 are luxo cars.
_________________

Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.

davids101 · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 5

Hi Edjack,

As I was checking out the Bently website I came across a post by seal11@aol.com who says he has manuals for 6-series E-24's...waiting to hear back from him with details on cost, contents, etc.

I also just noticed you're in SJ...I'm in Redwood City so I may see you rolling down the highway in the area...happy motoring and thanks for your info.

Cheers,

David