2010 535I New owner looking for advice power steering fluid

[Jerry535i]

I'm new to these forums so let me start by thanking everyone for their time.
I bought my first bmw last week. A 2010 535i. The car is absolutely amazing.

Yesterday I noticed a red fluid dripping on my driveway. After tracking down the leak I discovered it was my rack unit leeking power steering fluid from the boot. I called my mechanic, he can't get to it until next week.

On the power steering fluid res. it says "use CHF 11S oil only" so i bought some to keep it topped off until next week.
My concern is, the fluid in the car now is red and the CHF 11S is green.
I looked back through all the service records and saw where they flushed the system but on the invoice it just says Pentosin fluid. The invoice also shows they replaced the power steering reservoir.
Someone told me they thought the red fluid was Pentosin ATF1.
I'm confused.. What kind of fluid should i use?
Thanks in advance for your help

[bmwdirtracer]

Welcome to the forum, Jerry.

You should ONLY use Pentosin CHF 11s. This fluid is not compatible with any red fluid, so if your red fluid truly came out of the steering, someone really screwed up. If fluid is leaking through the tie rod boot, you pretty much need a new rack. Make sure to replace the reservoir/filter, and flush the fluid several times until every drop is green.

[Jerry535i]

Thanks Chris,
That's what I'll do then.

[Jerry535i]

Is this a job I can do myself? I'm by no means a master mechanic but I'm competent.
Any tips, tricks, tools or procedures I need to know before I tackle this project?
I have 0 experience working on bmw.. this is my first.

[crazy4trains]

Can you determine where the steering system flush was performed and verify with them if the right fluid was used? If you weren't the owner when the service was performed it is unlikely that the shop will help you, but you don't know until you ask. Maybe they'll pay the labor of rack installation if you buy the parts. If you are local to the shop then explain to them that this could help to earn your future business.

Also, Pentosin ATF1 is not red. It is clear/amber in color.

[Jerry535i]

I'm pretty sure it was the previous owner thats responsible for the problem.
But he's not admitting it.
The previous work was done several years ago and at a shop in a differnt state.. I'm sure I have 0 chance of any assistance from them. Plus, like I said I'm pretty sure it was the previous owner.
I just hope I'm not biting off more then I can handle with this project.

[MarcoZandrini]

Chris, would flushing the system with the CH11 fluid “fix” the leak? I have to ask.

[Jerry535i]

I don't know. It's a great question though.
I guess I should start with that before spending money on the new parts.

[bmwdirtracer]

No. As I said in post #2, :
"If fluid is leaking through the tie rod boot, you pretty much need a new rack. "

[MarcoZandrini]

Roger that.