ISO /PLUS
It’s a hydraulic oil of a different quality. They only request that you use the standard brand of power steering fluid; our BMWs require the same automatic transmission fluid grade. even if Redline’s synthetic brand is available.
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I spotted a cap marked “ATF Oil” in the engine compartment next to the oil dipstick on the driver’s side. At first, I thought it was the engine oil cap, but that one is marked “castrol” and is placed on the upper left side of the engine. The ATF oil cap is not mentioned in the owner’s manual, and the information on the engine oil cap is of poor quality and is quite ambiguous. I appreciate you clearing out this enigma for me!
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I agree that ATF stands for automatic transmission fluid, but I believe that in this instance it refers to the liquid inside the reservoir rather than the actual component.
I merely wanted to make sure he understood what the acronym ATF means.
ATF or CHF for BMW power steering fluid?
What kind of power steering fluid does your car require, and what color is it? Of course, that depends on who you ask and what your car needs.
The majority of vehicles, including the BMW E39 5-Series, the majority of BMW E38 7-Series, and many more, rely on normal cherry-red ATF for power steering assistance. Today, I’d like to talk about the selection of 1990s BMWs that utilize the recognizable brilliant green paint Pentosin CHF-11S.
BMW employs CHF, or central hydraulic fluid, because the power steering pump also powers the vehicle’s hydraulic systems in addition to the steering gear. Some variants have a part known as a “tandem vane pump,” which enables the pump to power multiple automobile circuits simultaneously. Other designs merely have a regulator that divides the output of a single pump into various circuits. The power brake assist is hydraulically controlled in the BMW E31 8-series. The rear suspension features a hydraulic component on vehicles with self-leveling suspension, such as the E38 750iL or M5. This concept is also used by the Mercedes S600’s ABC (active body control) suspension, which uses hydraulic components at each corner of the vehicle to provide brake fluid to each caliper in a manner akin to that of a brake master cylinder. For all of the circuits that the pump drives, the same fluid reservoir is often utilized.
I’ve heard too many stories about technicians or prior owners filling a reservoir designed for CHF with regular ATF. This issue has affected four of the automobiles I’ve personally owned, and I’ve heard of many more. Why does this matter? Mixing oils and ATF is generally not a good idea because it has been shown to weaken the diaphragm of the nitrogen-filled accumulators used in the self-leveling suspension of BMW vehicles and to slowly degrade hydraulic seals. This causes those cars’ rear suspension to progressively become considerably harsher over time, and in the case of the hydraulic E31/E32 brake systems, it causes the loss of instantaneous braking force. Avoid making this error in the first place because replacing hydraulic accumulators can be very expensive.
It’s a good idea to examine the fluid’s color if you recently purchased a secondhand BMW. This image displays the awful dark red fluid I forced from an E31 850Ci when it was supposed to have brilliant green CHF-11S.
Pumping the fluid out through the reservoir is typically the simplest option if you discover that your car has the incorrect fluid or the fluid is simply old and filthy looking. Refill with fresh fluid, start the engine to circulate it, and then do it again until the fluid is mostly brand-new. Although a little wasteful, this technique is required because these devices lack a straightforward drain plug. Unfortunately, this is the only way to reliably perform the service because a significant amount of fluid is trapped in the hydraulic components and will not easily drain from one central point.
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Fluid for a BMW automatic transmission
Be aware that replacing the fluid in an automatic transmission can be a highly complex task requiring a precise approach, specialized tools, and/or expert-level diagnostics software. Fresh fluid will without a doubt function better than used and soiled fluid. However, the majority of the issues we hear about stem from either failing to set the proper fluid level following a poor transmission flush when particulates and debris obstruct fluid movement. We think that extended fluid service (>50,000 miles) is appropriate as long as the fluid level is constantly monitored and maintained. We also think that automatic transmission fluid servicing should be left to a qualified BMW technician.
The recommended fluid for 4-speed BMW automatics is ATF Dexron III. Since it works with the majority of GM and Ford auto transmissions, this is also the most typical ATF you will discover at auto parts stores. Replacement interval suggested: 40,000 miles
BMW 4 and 5-speed automatic transmissions are produced by either GM (5L40-E/A5S360R) or ZF (4HP). Dexron III is the suggested ATF for either. Since it works with the majority of GM and Ford auto transmissions, this is also the most typical ATF you will discover at auto parts stores. If your car is serviced at the dealer, they’ll probably install D6, as BMW has moved to a newer Dexron VI specification that is backwards compatible with Dexron III. When topping off the oil level, BMW advises using just the same fluid in the transmission. Keep track of the oil in your gearbox because combining ATF oil brands and specifications is not advised. 60,000 miles is the advised replacement interval.
The BMW 6-speed automatic, which is produced by either GM (6L45/6L50) or ZF, is exclusively found in RWD and AWD vehicles from the mid-2000s. The ZF GA6HP19, GA6HP26, and GA6HP28 were utilized by BMW across the board. Contrary to what is stated online, a complete oil pan and gasket kit is available for the ZF 6HP and can be used for servicing. However, due to the specific procedures needed, expert servicing is advised. The OEM ATF has a Dexron VI (D6) rating and is a ZF Lifeguard 6. It is known as “ATF 2” by BMW. Keep track of the type of oil in your transmission since vehicles that initially utilized D6 (all 6- and 8-speed automatics) cannot be converted to D4. 80,000 miles is the recommended replacement interval (BMW estimates 100,000 miles).
All-eight-speed automatic The ZF-produced BMW 8-speed automatic was mostly utilized in mid-2010s RWD and AWD versions. The 8HP45, 8HP50, 8HP70, and 8HP75 were used by BMW across the board. A complete oil pan and gasket kit is available to make servicing the ZF 8HP possible. However, due to the specific procedures needed, expert servicing is advised. The OEM ATF has a Dexron VI (D6) rating and is a ZF Lifeguard 8. It is known as “ATF 3” by BMW. Keep track of the type of oil in your transmission since vehicles that initially utilized D6 (all 6- and 8-speed automatics) cannot be converted to D4. 80,000 miles is the recommended replacement interval (BMW estimates 100,000 miles).
ATF – Is it oil?
Transmission oil is not just any oil; rather, it is a cocktail made of a variety of unusual substances. ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is referred to as such in English. The latter contains both base oil (like water in juice) and accessories, hence the use of the word fluid. Over twenty distinct additives are present in modern ATF. We shall refer to the automatic transmission oil instead of fluid to avoid any misunderstandings.
What is simply ATF oil?
Transmission fluid for manual and automatic vehicles differs. Only automatic transmissions use automatic transmission fluid, while manual transmission oil is used in manual transmissions where the clutch and shifter are used to change gears.
Is ATF oil the same as power steering fluid?
You can, indeed. If you run out of power steering fluid, you can use ATF, or automatic transmission fluid, in your power steering pump. Your power steering system is a hydraulic system, much like your transmission system, and your ATF and power steering fluid are both hydraulic fluids.
You gain from ATF’s use of detergents in its mix, which aid in keeping your system clean. ATF is truly necessary for the power steering pump in many vehicles and trucks. To find out if this applies to your car’s make and model, consult the owner’s manual.
The manufacturer’s suggested fluid isn’t all that pricey, and you can purchase recommended fluid just as easily as ATF. But in a pinch, ATF can be used in its place.
- Does Using ATF on Your Power Steering Pump Save Money? No. Occasionally, buying the correct fluid may be less expensive than using ATF on your power steering pump. Using ATF on your pump will not result in any savings at all. Since the compatibility of the two fluids has been confirmed, some mechanics prefer to use ATF instead of power steering fluid since they don’t want to maintain a variety of fluids on hand.
- Fluid Loss and ATF Replacement: If you’re losing power steering fluid, ATF can be used to make up the difference. That, however, only addresses a symptom of the issue rather than its root. Instead of filling up with fluid, which will eventually cause you to lose it when your pump starts to burn, melt, and get damaged from being constantly empty, it is preferable to address the issue by replacing the old seals. If power steering pumps are leaking, they need to be fixed.
- ATF vs. Power Steering Fluid: Is power steering fluid identical as transmission fluid? No, yet they are both fluids of the same kind. Both of them are hydraulic fluids. ATF is red in color and smells delicious on the outside. In contrast, power steering fluid has a burnt marshmallow scent and is pinkish, amber, or clear. The friction modifiers and detergents in ATF, however, harm the hydraulic valves in the steering rack and pump while removing the dirt and grease from automatic transmissions.
- Is it Possible to Use Power Steering Fluid in an Automatic Transmission? Interestingly, both yes and no. Yes, as power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid similar to ATF, so it’s not like you’re pumping your automatic gearbox with booze, gas, or some other dreadful substance. No, because ATF’s additives are superior than those in power steering fluid. There are no detergents in power steering fluid to remove grease and dirt. Additionally, it lacks the necessary friction modifiers to prevent an excessive accumulation of heat.
- Transmission fluid can also be used as an alternative to chainsaw bar and chain oil. Although you wouldn’t want to use it all the time, it is an acceptable substitute if you are in a pinch or can combine it with conventional chain oil.