what power steering do I use?

[Disadoo]

Hi. Does anyone know what type of power steering fluid/transmission fluid to use for a 1994 540i? I bought this car recently and it does not have an owners manual. Thank you!

[jimoreno]

For power steering, look at your PS reservoir and it should either say ATF or have a circular ring sticker listing the fluid required. My 530 (also V8) has a green sticker and uses Pentosin 11.S which is pricey at about $25/quart. Your transmission fluid is special plus there is no dipstick so it requires the car to be lifted and the engine running to have it at a proper level. Not impossible to do but difficult. You can find owner manuals either here or on Ebay. If you are planning on doing any work on it get a Bentley's Repair Manual as it has all the procedures in it (or at least most of them!)

[yaofeng]

My 540 has a sticker which says to use Pentosin. One day the sticker pelled off. Underneath the cap says to use ATF. So do not be surprised some owners get the car after several changes of hands putting ATF in the system because the label was long gone.