BMW-Power-Steering-Fluid-Type

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?

BMW power steering fluid atf

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 YearModelSubModelBodyType
MINI Compatibility   
2002 – 2012Cooper  
2011 – 2012Cooper Countryman  
BMW Compatibility   
20111 Series M  
2008 – 2012128i  
2008 – 2012135i  
1992318i Sedan
1993 – 1998318i  
1992 – 1997318is  
1995 – 1999318ti  
2000323Ci  
1998 – 2000323i  
1998 – 1999323is  
2001 – 2006325Ci  
1992 – 1993325i Sedan
1994 – 1995325i  
2001 – 2006325i  
1992 – 1995325is  
2001 – 2006325xi  
2000328Ci  
1996 – 2000328i  
2007 – 2012328i  
2009 – 2012328i xDrive  
1996 – 1999328is  
2007 – 2008328xi  
2001 – 2006330Ci  
2001 – 2006330i  
2001 – 2006330xi  
2009 – 2011335d  
2007 – 2012335i  
2009 – 2012335i xDrive  
2011 – 2012335is  
2007 – 2008335xi  
1989 – 1995525i  
2001 – 2007525i  
2006 – 2007525xi  
1997 – 2000528i  
2008 – 2012528i  
2009 – 2010528i xDrive  
2012528i xDrive  
2008528xi  
1994 – 1995530i  
2001 – 2007530i  
2006 – 2007530xi  
1989 – 1993535i  
2008 – 2012535i  
2010 – 2012535i GT  
2011 – 2012535i GT xDrive  
2009 – 2012535i xDrive  
2008535xi  
1994 – 1995540i  
1997 – 2003540i  
2004 – 2005545i  
2006 – 2012550i  
2010 – 2012550i GT  
2010 – 2012550i GT xDrive  
2011 – 2012550i xDrive  
2012640i  
2004 – 2005645Ci  
2006 – 2010650i  
2012650i  
2012650i xDrive  
1988 – 1992735i  
1988 – 1992735iL  
1993 – 1995740i  
1997 – 2001740i  
2011 – 2012740i  
1993 – 2001740iL  
2011 – 2012740Li  
2002 – 2005745i  
2002 – 2005745Li  
2006 – 2012750i  
2010 – 2012750i xDrive  
1988 – 2001750iL  
2006 – 2012750Li  
2010 – 2012750Li xDrive  
2004 – 2006760i  
2003 – 2008760Li  
2010 – 2012760Li  
1994 – 1997840Ci  
1993 – 1997850Ci  
1995850CSi  
1991 – 1992850i  
2007 – 2008Alpina B7  
1995 – 1999M3  
2001 – 2006M3  
2008 – 2012M3  
1991 – 1993M5  
2000 – 2003M5  
2006 – 2010M5  
2006 – 2010M6  
2004 – 2012X3  
2000 – 2012X5  
2008 – 2012X6  
1996 – 2002Z3  
2003 – 2012Z4  
2000 – 2002Z8  
2003Z8Alpina 

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.

Author

  • Rushit Hila • ASE Certified

    Rushit Hila, an ASE-certified engineer (G1 Automotive Maintenance and Repair), brings over two decades of hands-on experience in the automotive world to his writing. With a strong educational background, including a Master of Science in Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, he has honed his skills and expertise through years of practical work. As a respected authority in the field, Mr. Hila is dedicated to offering insightful and valuable content that resonates with both vehicle owners and mechanics.

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