Filling with fluid and bleeding air from the hydraulic system of the power steering (BMW 3 Series E46)

Air must be removed from the hydraulic system if the hydraulic system has been opened. The hydraulic system must be filled only with new fluid, since even a small amount of contamination can lead to failures.

The type of liquid is given in Specifications. The possibility of using other ATF fluids should be clarified with BMW specialists.

1. Stop the engine and unscrew the hydraulic system reservoir cap.



2. Start the engine at idle speed. Immediately fill the oil to the lower mark "MIN" "2".

The oil pump must not operate without oil.

3. Slowly turn the steering wheel left and right until it stops, twice in each direction.

4. Check the oil level in the reservoir again. Add oil if necessary.

5. Stop the engine and check the oil level again.

6. Add oil to the "MAX" "1" mark. Add oil in small doses. Total volume of oil in the hydraulic system: 1.2 l.

7. Close the tank with a cap.

8. The oil level on a cold engine should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the level indicator. Oil is considered cold at a temperature of +20°C.