Power steering reservoir

[93-240SX-COUPE]

Alright, so I was trying to fill the power steering fluid on my girlfriends 2000 323i and noticed that I couldn't find the power steering reservoir. I went online to see where the hell it should be and read that the reservoir labeled "ATF" is actually the power steering reservoir. My question is 1)that is actually the power steering reservoir, right? and 2) if that is the actual power steering reservoir then where do you put the transmission fluid?

I saw the brake fluid reservoir in the back right under the hood, the radiator fluid in the front by the "ATF" reservoir, but where does the transmission fluid go?

My first encounter doing anything with BMW's, sorry guys. And thanks in advance.

[CassiesMan]

It is the PSR. It uses ATF Oil. Check the owners manual for the proper BMW recomended oil.

[93-240SX-COUPE]

Thanks.

The car was purchased used and did not come with a manual. I purchased Valvoline Syn Power. Do you think that would be ok to use?

[CassiesMan]

Not sure if it will or not. I think your supposed to use BMW specific stuff, but I'm not 100% sure. I'll go take a look here in the morning and get back to ya on it.

[93-240SX-COUPE]

Would this basically apply to the e36?

"There is three different kinds of steering fluid used in Bmw E34. Look at the steering reservoir to check the specific type of fluid to be used (it should be written on a label or on the cap). The fluid should be changed every 2 years.

ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) that can be upgraded to ATF Dexron III or Redline D4 ATF and not Redline power steering fluid.
CHF 7.1 from the dealership and some part stores.
CHF 11S from the dealership and some part stores. "

from BMWE34.NET WORK

[CassiesMan]

Actually, you have an E46, not E36, but pretty much. You'll want to use any Dexron-III ATF fluid for your power steering resevoir. I talked to the dealer, and they said brand doesn't matter much. I've always used Mobil 1 oils for everything else, so if I were doing this, I'd use the Mobil 1 Syntec ATF fluid. But, as long as the oil you have is Dexron-III ATF, then you are golden.

[93-240SX-COUPE]

Got the Mobil 1 ATF and she said her car felt better, prob. cuz the reservoir was completely empty. I could have put soda in there and it would of felt better.

Thanks for the help though Cassies.

Also, for other threads on here about changing the blinker lights.

[CassiesMan]

De nada, its what I here for. Glad to see everything worked out.

[venzon]

Regarding your question where you put the trans fluid, there is no dipstick on the engine compartment. BMW claims that these cars have lifetime trans fluid (no need to change, not sure about that). The fill plug is under the car and the transmission should be on a certain temperature when filling fluid to avoid overfilling.

[93-240SX-COUPE]

No problems so far so I guess I didnt over fill it.

(Dont really come back into the BMW threads so kinda late)