Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer Tool Rental
Yes the black canister with ATF on the top is the one. You want just plain old ATF. Dextron, Mercon, or other may not be recommended. If you have mixed you will have to do a full drain and refill. There are articles out there if you search Google on how to do this on a BMW. You should replace this resevoir as it has an integrated filter. If you are hearing a whining likely it is the power steering. Best of luck!
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You can ignore most of this posters suggestions.
The power steering reservoir will be marked with a cap that says ATF. The power steering system on your vehicle takes automatic transmission fluid. Also known in this case as Dexron 3. Dexron 3 is offically no longer in production as all licenses have expired from GM. In the past BMW supplied Dexron 3 from GM, it is now supplied by the aftermarket community. Any reputable supplier such as Shell, Penzoil, Valvoline, Total that markets Dexron 3 can be used. It is not advisable to use another GM Dexron 6 because of difference in viscosities.
The power steering reservoir does contain a filter, however I have yet to see one need to be replaced, as the cap does a good job of altering the user to use ATF, unless you follow the posters suggestion of putting a different fluid in, you will never have to replace this reservoir. However due to its ventilation system design, the fluid will accumulate carbon and moisture over time as well with heating and cooling cycles can degrade the fluid. It is never advised to replace this filter unless it has been tampered with.