95 M3 - Best Power Steering fluid ?

[Casebrius]

I'm finally getting around to doing a steering system overhaul (New Z3 rack, tie rods, lines and both knuckles) in hopes it takes all the play out of my wheel. What is the best tranny fluid to put back in? I'm hoping the pump holds out, it was run low a couple times when lines were leaking and it whirred for awhile but is now quiet.

[TostitoBandito]

E36 M3's specify Dextron/Mercon (ATF) fluid for their power steering, so any standard ATF transmission fluid will work. I think I have red line D4 ATF in mine because I had some sitting around. It honestly doesn't matter a whole lot because the lubrication requirements are far less than in a transmission; it's basically just serving as hydraulic fluid. Just get any old ATF fluid and you'll be ok.

[Lukitas]

i use M1.

[bmwdirtracer]

Dex 3 is the correct fluid. Sure, RedLine D4 will be fine, as will Dex/Merc...although neither of these existed when the system was designed, and they DO have different qualities, especially the D4. I have no clue what "M1" is, besides the very lovely very first M car.

[325bob]

Dex 3 is the correct fluid. Sure, RedLine D4 will be fine, as will Dex/Merc...although neither of these existed when the system was designed, and they DO have different qualities, especially the D4. I have no clue what "M1" is, besides the very lovely very first M car.

Mobil !?, I hope he's using the European formula,lol.

[bmwdirtracer]

I think that a BMW forum is probably the wrong place to shorten "Mobil 1" to "M1". After all, the M1 is a BMW legend, and Mobil 1 is just oil. "M1" is TAKEN

[Lukitas]

I think that a BMW forum is probably the wrong place to shorten "Mobil 1" to "M1". After all, the M1 is a BMW legend, and Mobil 1 is just oil. "M1" is TAKEN

yea the BMW M1 is a great power steering fluid.. i guess common sense is lacked off here. but i use Mobil 1 ATF.