power steering fluid

[Travelinman_1966]

I have a 1985 735i that is driving me crazy....The power steering fluid resevoir gets incrediably hot and im not sure why...When i got it, the pump whined and sounded like the bearings were gone...the fluid was red...I went to the junk yard and got a used pump.....It did exactily the same thing....loud whine...I did some research and found out that possiably it was the wrong type of fluid....my underhood label is worn off.....Does anyone know for sure what type of fluid goes in it....Bmw makes a special hydraulic fluid (7.1) and another type but im not sure what to do...Plus the inspection light is on....does anyone know how to reset it..

 

[Big Daddy]

Do you have a self leveling system? In all self leveling systems BMW uses the 7.1 and they are not interchangable. If you use ATF/Power Steering fluid in the other systems they will whine and need to be fushed, very expensive.

 

[Travelinman_1966]

Thanks, I do believe it is a self leveling system......Do you think that the power steering pump is ruined if the wrong fluid was put in it?....I know how to flush the system but not sure what to flush it with....The 7.1 is way to expensive to be wasting it...22.50 a quart. and i think it will take about 3 quarts through the whole system....

 

[Big Daddy]

I had to have it done with my 750iL, previous owner used ATF, and yes they flushed with 7.1. My pump was whining before but quit after the flush and worked fine! So it is worth the investment as the pump is about $380.00 at Pelican Parts. They sell the 7.1 for about $15.00 per qt.

 

[rglutz]

Power steering fluid for 98 740iL??

How do i know if the power steering fluid is self leveling. Can I not just ask the BMW dealership what type of power steering fluid is required for a 740iL and buy it from them?

 

[Big Daddy]

If it is an "iL" I am 99% sure you have self leveling. Yes you could take it to the dealer and ask them to check for you to be 100% sure.