So i purchased forge radiator overflow tanks, and power steering tanks.
I would like to install them but i'm worried about the fluid. I'm going to loose some during the installation. Do i have to buy the fluid from BMW ro refill the tanks, or does anybody know the type of power steering fluid /radiator fluid, that i can buy at an auto parts store that i can mix with the fluid that bmw put in there?
just wondering. It would probably be cheaper and alot less of a hasstle.
thanks!
-Malcon

 

Use a turkey baster to suck out the PS fluid in the tank.
You will still loose some during the disconnect, so keep a lot of rags around.
You can buy the right fluid in many auto parts stores also. Not to bad, but don't use anything else but
Pentosin CHF 11S

 

good to know.
what about radiator fluid? could i use some of the off the shelf stuff also?
thanks for the turkey baster tip. thats a good one.
thanks again

 

Rad fluid makes no difference, but it might be a good time to flush the cooling system and put all new 50% (antifreeze)/50% (water) in.
I should have asked what year your car is because I'm talking about '02-'06

 

yes its an 05.
good advise.
thanks again!

 

Add some Redline water wetter too. Summer's coming!

Jeremy

 

oh with the PS fluid...fill it up but leave the cap off and turn the wheel from lock to lock to cycle the fluid through....do that a couple times then go drive it for a bit...come back and crack the cap because it will allow the air bubbles to rise to the top...and depending on the mileage mebbe replace the lines since u gonna be taking the stuff apart

just remembered...when ur removing the rad tank...it would be good to disconnect the battery and remove the spark plug coil pack...gives u more room to get at the lower hose clamp

 

no need to disconnect battery. there is no power to the coil with key off.

 

all very cood to know!

Is that the only type of power steering fluid i can use? I cant seem to find any...

 

oh u can find it everywhere online just type in Pentosin CHF-11S...its a popular fluid for most european cars...in fact if u have a european car parts store nearby chances are they stock it

 

yeah. I was hoping to pick it up tomorrow.. and do the install.
maybe i could go to the mini dealership and buy some.
I'll do some more searching tomorrow.

 

got it. I just went to the dealership.
thanks everybody!

 

I beg to differ. Type of coolant does make a big difference. If you add the wrong stuff, it can cause the coolant to crystallize. If you don't believe me, take a small amount of the BMW coolant and add an equal amount of conventional fluid (typical brand name stuff) and watch what happens. I use the BMW/MINI coolant and distilled water.