Power Steering Fluid

ZF BALL AND NUT POWER STEERING WITH H 31 SYSTEM


The approved oils for BMW models with power steering and the H 31 brake booster system are identical with those oils approved for power steering without the H 31 system except for the following:


Countries with very low outside temperatures (e.g. Canada) had their power steering systems filled at the factory with Pentosin CHF-7.1 since 9/87 through 9/91. This is also to be used on vehicles built before 9/87.

Since 9/91, vehicles now use Pentosin CHF 11S instead of CHF 7.1.

Pentosin CHF 7.1 BMW Part No.81 22 1 468 879

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


These cars are marked with a pertinent label located close to the oil tank.


LHM oils (green color) of the following manufacturers may also be used instead of Pentosin CHF 7.1:

Shell LHM

Castrol LHM

Exxon LHM


The mixing of CHF, LHM oils and ATF is not permitted.


Pentosin CHF 4548 was used on vehicles built before 9/87 but is no longer available. However, mixing of Pentosin CHF 7.1 with residual quantities of Pentosin CHF 4548 is permitted in these earlier vehicles. Mixing of these two oils is not permitted for E 32 / E 38 vehicles.

The hydraulic system for power steering and power assisted brakes must be drained as completely as possible when changing from one type of oil to the other.


All oil supply reservoirs are marked with the type of oil being used - ATF or CHF