BMW Power Steering Fluid Type | ATF | CHF 11S |

What is the recommended power steering type for my BMW? Check the list of the recommended BMW power steering fluids shown below.

• 1990+ and newer BMWs use Pentosin CHF-11S, which is readily available online. To do a complete power steering flush, you will need up to 2.5 quarts. The full list of BMW vehicles that use CHF-11S can be found below.
• 1990 and older BMWs use Pentosin CHF 7.1

Don’t use off-the-shelf power steering fluid on BMW vehicles. Always verify the recommended BMW power steering fluid. See the owner’s manual.

What power steering fluid will be used on a BMW if CHF-11S is unavailable?

If CHF-11S is unavailable, it is better to use Dexron III automatic transmission fluid (ATF) if the owner’s manual recommends ATF to be used or if “ATF Fluid Only” words are printed on top of the power steering cap.

Should I use CHF-11S or ATF on the BMW power steering system?

CHF-11S is preferred over ATF fluid.

ATF fluid can be used on BMW with the word “ATF Fluid” on the cap of the power steering fluid. One downside of using ATF fluid as a substitute for the recommended BMW power steering type is that over time, ATF fluid in the BMW power steering system can make seals brittle, eventually developing leaks.

BMW vehicles with hydraulic brake boosters and rear self-leveling systems share the reservoir with the power steering system.

BMW Power Steering Fluid Color

Remove the power steering cap to verify which fluid type is used in your BMW.

• If the color of the power steering fluid is RED, ATF fluid is present.
• If the color of the power steering fluid is GREEN, CHF-11S is present.

It is not recommended to mix power steering fluids.

Pentosin CHF-11S Uses

• MINI – uses it as P/S Fluid only
• BMW – uses it as P/S Fluid and Hydraulic System Fluid

Compatibility

Model Year	Model	SubModel	BodyType
MINI Compatibility
2002 – 2012	Cooper
2011 – 2012	Cooper Countryman
BMW Compatibility
2011	1 Series M
2008 – 2012	128i
2008 – 2012	135i
1992	318i		Sedan
1993 – 1998	318i
1992 – 1997	318is
1995 – 1999	318ti
2000	323Ci
1998 – 2000	323i
1998 – 1999	323is
2001 – 2006	325Ci
1992 – 1993	325i		Sedan
1994 – 1995	325i
2001 – 2006	325i
1992 – 1995	325is
2001 – 2006	325xi
2000	328Ci
1996 – 2000	328i
2007 – 2012	328i
2009 – 2012	328i xDrive
1996 – 1999	328is
2007 – 2008	328xi
2001 – 2006	330Ci
2001 – 2006	330i
2001 – 2006	330xi
2009 – 2011	335d
2007 – 2012	335i
2009 – 2012	335i xDrive
2011 – 2012	335is
2007 – 2008	335xi
1989 – 1995	525i
2001 – 2007	525i
2006 – 2007	525xi
1997 – 2000	528i
2008 – 2012	528i
2009 – 2010	528i xDrive
2012	528i xDrive
2008	528xi
1994 – 1995	530i
2001 – 2007	530i
2006 – 2007	530xi
1989 – 1993	535i
2008 – 2012	535i
2010 – 2012	535i GT
2011 – 2012	535i GT xDrive
2009 – 2012	535i xDrive
2008	535xi
1994 – 1995	540i
1997 – 2003	540i
2004 – 2005	545i
2006 – 2012	550i
2010 – 2012	550i GT
2010 – 2012	550i GT xDrive
2011 – 2012	550i xDrive
2012	640i
2004 – 2005	645Ci
2006 – 2010	650i
2012	650i
2012	650i xDrive
1988 – 1992	735i
1988 – 1992	735iL
1993 – 1995	740i
1997 – 2001	740i
2011 – 2012	740i
1993 – 2001	740iL
2011 – 2012	740Li
2002 – 2005	745i
2002 – 2005	745Li
2006 – 2012	750i
2010 – 2012	750i xDrive
1988 – 2001	750iL
2006 – 2012	750Li
2010 – 2012	750Li xDrive
2004 – 2006	760i
2003 – 2008	760Li
2010 – 2012	760Li
1994 – 1997	840Ci
1993 – 1997	850Ci
1995	850CSi
1991 – 1992	850i
2007 – 2008	Alpina B7
1995 – 1999	M3
2001 – 2006	M3
2008 – 2012	M3
1991 – 1993	M5
2000 – 2003	M5
2006 – 2010	M5
2006 – 2010	M6
2004 – 2012	X3
2000 – 2012	X5
2008 – 2012	X6
1996 – 2002	Z3
2003 – 2012	Z4
2000 – 2002	Z8
2003	Z8	Alpina

Part Numbers

• 1987 to 9/1991 production – All BMW Models
  • Pentosin CHF 7.1
  • Part Number: 81 22 1 468 879
• 1990 on  – All Models – Check owner manual
  • Pentosin CHF 11S
  • 82 11 1 468 041

Febi Bilstein makes CHF-11S fluid as well. Common part numbers for Febi are:  83290429576 / 83 29 0 429 576 Febi Bilstein / 83-29-0-429-576

We hope you find the BMW Power Steering Fluid Type guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.