BMW X3 (F25) Service & Repair Manual: Approved hydraulic fluids

• Zf rack-and-pinion steering
• E24, e28, e32, e34, and e38

Zf rack-and-pinion steering

NOTE: The hydraulic fluid reservoirs are marked on the rim of the reservoir and/or the reservoir cap to show which type of oil can be used: ATF oil or Pentosin CHF oil.

The ZF rack-and-pinion steering has lifetime lubrication and is thus maintenance-free.

For topping up/filling hydraulic system:

POWER STEERING OIL

NOTE: Vehicles with AFS/ARS (Dynamic Drive / Active Steering / Active Roll Stabilization) are filled as standard with Pentosin CHF 11S.

In case of repair, the affected steering components must be lubricated with the following grease:

COMPONENT GREASE

NOTE: Calypsol D 4024-OK is a sodium-saponified, cold-resistant grease whose lubricity ranges from -30 ºC to +75 ºC.

E24, e28, e32, e34, and e38

E24, E28 produced prior to 9/87

Pentosin CHF 4548 was used for initial factory filling.

For filling up and replacement the following oil is to be used:

Pentosin CHF 7.1 BMW Part No. 81 22 1 468 879
Pentosin CHF 4548 and CHF 7.1 can be mixed in these cars.

For complete system oil replacement: Reputable brand name LHM oils (green color) can also be used (Shell, Castrol, Exxon, etc.)

NOTE: Mixing of CHF and LHM oils is not permitted.

E24, E28 produced since 9/87

Pentosin CHF 7.1 is used for initial factory filling.

For filling up and replacement use only Pentosin CHF 7.1
BMW Part No. 81 22 1 468 879

For complete oil replacement: Reputable brand name LHM oils (green color) can also be used.

NOTE: Mixing of CHF 7.1 and LHM oils is not permitted.

E32 produced prior to 9/91

Use only Pentosin CHF 7.1.

Mixing with other oils is not permitted.

E32, E34 produced since 9/91

Use only Pentosin CHF 11S

NOTE: All cars have a label indicating the respective type on the hydraulic fluid reservoir. Since both Pentosin CHF 11S and CHF 7.1 are green in color, the reservoir label must be carefully checked prior to adding fluid.

Mixing CHF 11S and CHF 7.1 is not permitted.

Pentosin CHF 11S BMW Part No. 82 11 1 468 041

E38 produced since 1/94

Use only Pentosin CHF 11S

NOTE: All cars have a label indicating the respective type on the hydraulic fluid reservoir. Since both Pentosin CHF 11S and CHF 7.1 are green in color, the reservoir label must be carefully checked prior to adding fluid.

Mixing CHF 11S and CHF 7.1 is not permitted.

Pentosin CHF 11S BMW Part No. 82 11 1 468 041

LHM HYDRAULIC FLUID

LHM hydraulic fluid has a favorable viscosity range and permits problem-free operation of the self-leveling rear suspension at very low and very high temperatures. The solidification point is -78ºF/-61ºC.

CHECKING HYDRAULIC FLUID LEVELS

The hydraulic fluid level must be checked on an unloaded car and at every Inspection I or, for cars without a Service Indicator, at 10, 000 mi/15, 000 km intervals.

NOTE: Not required as of 1993 model year vehicles.

Special checking instructions apply to the E32 - always refer to the latest edition of the Repair Instructions.

NOTE: Never fill above the "max" mark. There are no replacement intervals for hydraulic fluid.