I have a loose hose clamp and appear to be losing a little power steering fluid. I am new to the car (98 740IL) and am unsure on the type of power steering fluid that I should use. I do not have the self leveling system and the owners manual states that I should use Automatic Transmission Fluid. No other specifics about the type of ATF that should be used. The resevoir seems to contain some red ATF fluid.

Any help on the type of fluid recommended and if it is not readily available at a consumer auto parts stores a suggestion on where to obtain it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
DJ

I just went though this same situation next week. To my suprise my 97 IL only needs ATF Dexron 2 or higher fluid. If you look at the cap on the power steering box it will indeed say ATF fluid only. I called all the local BMW service departments and without the self leveling system that is all you need. The fluid is readily available anyway. Good luck with you car.