power steering issue?

I recently acquired a 1999 M3- its a great ride.
The problem is today, the steering became very hard. It does appear to be low in Power steering fluid. (could they put that thing in a worse place?)

I have to take it on a major trip and no bmw mechanic around.
I plan to put Dexron II type ATF in and see if it fixes the problem.

Am I going off course or does this sound like a correct fix??

This is the first of many elementary posts but I really like the car and dont want to make a mis-step.

add the ATF, the loss is probably due to seeping reservior hose/s. one feeds the pump, the other is a return from the rack. the pressure hose rarely leaks.