What color is the ATF fluid?
 

I was checking the ATF level under the hood and it looked like a muddy red color. The only ATF I have changed was in a Mazda and it was clear red. Can some one help me out? I searched and couldn't find an answer. I hope some jackass didn't put motor oil where the atf is supposed to go.....


False alert! I stuck my finger in the resevoir and it appears to be a clear orange-red.

muddy red is old fluid. clear red is brand new fluid.

Thanks - Go Giants!

Were you checking the PS fluid level?

Nope, checked the canister that said ATF on the cap. At first glance it seemed to be brownish, then I stuck my finger in and it was clear red. I have 40,000mi and was thinking about changing it. It smelled like metal, who knows what the previous owner was like with the car. I've had it for 5kmi and it downshifts hard sometimes.

The canister that says ATF on the cap is very likely the power steering fluid reservoir. You cannot check or otherwise get at the fluid that is actually in the automatic transmission from the engine bay (you have to be under the car).

John, thank you! Kind of shocked that BMW would have a ATF cap on the power steering resevoir.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/e...nce-guide.html

scroll down for power steering fluid info ;)

take a turkey baster and suck out the fluid in the canister once a week for three weeks and you'll have brand new fluid. don't forget to replace with new fluid each time you suck out the old stuff