2004 to 2013 BMW 3-Series Check or Add Power Steering Fluid

This guide is a step-by-step approach to checking the power steering fluid on your BMW 3-Series. Do not keep driving a BMW with no power steering fluid. Running the pump dry can quickly damage it.

Symptoms

• BMW groaning noise when turning the steering wheel
• The steering wheel is difficult to turn.
• Whining noise when turning the steering wheel
• BMW 3-Series steering wheel is slow to respond
• Stiff BMW steering wheel
• BMW 3-Series squealing noise at startup

What you will need

• BMW Power Steering Fluid
• Pentosin CHF-11S

Procedure

1. Park on level ground and turn the engine off.
2. Pull the hood release under the dash, then release the safety latch at the front of the hood. Lift the hood and secure it.
3. Find the power steering fluid reservoir in the engine bay. It is a round plastic tank with a screw cap, connected by hoses to the steering pump on the driver’s side of the engine.
4. Wipe the cap clean so dirt cannot fall in, then unscrew it. Most caps have a small dipstick attached.
5. Wipe the dipstick, reinstall the cap fully, remove it again, and read the level. It should sit between the MIN and MAX marks.
6. If the level is low, add the correct fluid a little at a time and recheck. Do not overfill.
7. Reinstall the cap, start the engine, and turn the steering wheel fully left and right a few times. Recheck the level with the engine off.
8. If the fluid is dark, smells burnt or looks foamy, or the level keeps dropping, inspect the hoses and pump for leaks.

It’s a cinch and requires only a few minutes to inspect the power steering fluid on a 2004 to 2013 BMW 3-Series. Do not drive your BMW 3-Series with a low power steering fluid level for an extended period.

This guide applies to the following BMW models:

• 316i
• 318i
• 320i
• 323i
• 325i
• 325xi
• 328i
• 328xi
• 330i
• 330xi
• 335i
• 335is
• 335xi
• 320d
• 320xd
• 325d
• 330d
• 330xd
• 335d
• M3
• M3 GTS from 2004 to 2013

For more help with your BMW, check these troubleshooting and repair guides.

Does Every 2004 to 2013 3-Series Have Power Steering Fluid?

No. The E46 and E90 generation cars (and the E92 and E93 coupe and convertible) use a hydraulic pump and fluid reservoir. The F30 3-Series sold from 2012 uses electric power steering, which has no fluid to check. If an F30 has heavy steering or a steering warning light, the cause is electrical. A scan tool such as the YOUCANIC UCAN-II Pro can read steering system fault codes on supported models.

Fluid type also matters. Many E90 era cars use Pentosin CHF 11S, while some older cars specify ATF. Check the reservoir cap or our BMW power steering fluid type guide before topping up, and never mix the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

What power steering fluid does a BMW 3-Series use?

Many E90 era 3-Series cars use Pentosin CHF 11S. Some older models specify ATF. Check the reservoir cap and do not mix fluid types.

Does the 2012 to 2013 F30 3-Series have power steering fluid?

No. The F30 uses electric power steering, so there is no fluid reservoir to check.

How do I know if my BMW power steering fluid is low?

Common signs are a whining or groaning noise when turning, heavy steering, and slow steering response. Check the level on the cap dipstick with the engine off.

Can I drive with low power steering fluid?

Only briefly. Running the pump low or dry can damage it, so top up the fluid and find any leak as soon as possible.

Related Guides

• 2004 to 2013 BMW 3-Series Add Windshield Washer Fluid
• 2004 to 2013 BMW 3-Series Check or Add Brake Fluid
• BMW Power Steering Fluid Type | ATF | CHF 11S |
• 2004 to 2013 BMW 3-Series Check and Add Coolant

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