Best steering fluid for E46 M3

[Fiolo]

Been looking through the forum and Google but getting some mixed opinions. What’s a good steering fluid to use? Looking at this one by Valvoline and wondering if it’s good for top off.

[Tbonem3]

That's what I use. ATF isn't magic though. I imagine any decent brand is good.

[Fiolo]

That's what I use. ATF isn't magic though. I imagine any decent brand is good.

Perfect! Thanks for the info!

[duracellttu]

I’m using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF here. Never had an issue.

[Feffman]

I’m using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF here. Never had an issue.

DITTO

[Fiolo]

I’m using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF here. Never had an issue.

Thanks, I’ll keep that one in mind as well!

[bigjae46]

Redline D4ATF mostly because that's what I have laying around.

I always suck out what's in the reservoir every oil change.

[Tbonem3]

Redline D4ATF mostly because that's what I have laying around.

I always suck out what's in the reservoir every oil change.

I'm adopting a similar strategy in my e90. Rather than do all the work to drain it fully every pre-determined amount of miles/years, I'm sucking out what's in the reservoir and refilling with new. Do that once every year, and I'll always have relatively fresh fluid I think.

Thoughts?

[bigjae46]

I'm adopting a similar strategy in my e90. Rather than do all the work to drain it fully every pre-determined amount of miles/years, I'm sucking out what's in the reservoir and refilling with new. Do that once every year, and I'll always have relatively fresh fluid I think.

Thoughts?

I do the same thing on the E90 M3. The fluid stays the translucent green with minimal work. Avoids the risk of draining the system and cavitating the pump on startup which has a high risk of damage.

For whatever reason the E46 fluid turns cloudy red pretty quickly, probably heat?

[Tbonem3]

Thanks. Ya my red atf turns brown / chocolate milk basically immediately. Heat makes sense, cause it's a closed system, so what else? There's not much wear dirtying the fluid right? (like engine oil - combustion)

[bigjae46]

Thanks. Ya my red atf turns brown / chocolate milk basically immediately. Heat makes sense, cause it's a closed system, so what else? There's not much wear dirtying the fluid right? (like engine oil - combustion)

Not much else. I’d bet some contamination comes in through the weep hole in the cap.

On the track car I suck out the fluid before every event.