Steering maintenance (BMW 5 Series E12)

Mechanical steering

The steering gear housing is filled with oil that does not require replacement and does not have a drain plug.

Every 15,000 km, check the oil level, which should be at the level of the edge of the filler hole, and, if necessary, add SAE 90 oil.

Steering gear housing filling capacity, l: 0.3 (on later modifications: 0.375).

Power steering

Checking the oil level

Check the oil level every 15,000 km.

With the engine not running, unscrew the wing nut of the hydraulic reservoir cover and remove the cover. The oil level should be 5 mm below the mark on the wall of the reservoir.

If necessary, add automatic transmission fluid of the correct grade.

Start the engine and check the oil level (mark).

After the engine has stopped, the oil level may rise and exceed the mark by 5 mm.

Replace the reservoir cap, tighten the wing nut, and make sure the hydraulic steering system is tight.

Every 10,000 km, check the operation of the hydraulic drive and replace the filter.