Power steering fluid question

[Helloball]

Ive read all kinds of threads on the subject of what fluid goes in the power steering system. Nothing cut and dry which is par for BMW. Nothing can be easy or cut and dry. Why the hell does the lid to the reservoir say”ATF” if atf eats seals and such in ps systems? So my question is wtf fluid am I supposed to use for my 95 e34 525i? What did they dump in the pos in Germany when they built it? Simple answer’s please.

[dannyzabolotny]

People spend too much time thinking about what fluid to run... my general rule of thumb is if it has SLS, run CHF, otherwise ATF is just fine. I've run ATF in pretty much every BMW I've ever owned, and I've had no issues with it.

[shogun]

no SLS = ATF is fine, as your reservoir lid says ”ATF”

[Helloball]

What kind? Dexron III? Synthetic? Mineral based? So many choices.

[dannyzabolotny]

Dexron III is the official spec, but honestly it really doesn't matter. As long as it's red and ATF you'll be fine. I've run everything from nice OEM Dex III fluid to garbage Walmart fluid, it all works about the same.

[Helloball]

Ok. Thanx