How to Replace Power Steering Fluid For a 2006 BMW 325i

You can replace your 2006 BMW 325i’s power steering fluid by removing the black reservoir cap, draining the old fluid, and refilling it with new fluid.
Written by Elaine Yang
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
To replace your 2006 BMW 325i’s power steering fluid, you need to remove the old fluid from the reservoir and fill it up with new fluid. You can find the power steering reservoir by locating a black cap near the right-hand side of the hood. 
Say you’re going for a late-night drive and your wheel suddenly stiffens up or even starts making weird noises—you should look into replacing your BMW’s power steering fluid. While this might sound like a lot of work, don’t worry.
Jerry
, the
car insurance
super app, has created this guide to help you through the steps. 
Read on to learn how to replace your BMW 325i power steering fluid, what brand you should be using, when to replace it, and how to reduce your
BMW 325i's car insurance costs
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How do I replace my 2006 BMW 325i’s power steering fluid?

Luckily, replacing your BMW’s power steering fluid is a piece of cake—just make sure to follow these steps: 
  • Find the power steering reservoir. You should be looking for a small reservoir with a black cap near the right-hand side of the engine hood. 
  • Remove the black cap and insert a pump into the reservoir. Before removing the lid, make sure to clean the reservoir to prevent any debris from falling in. Once the cap is removed, you can use anything as a pump—like a shampoo bottle pump or a turkey baster—as long as it siphons out the old fluid from the reservoir. 
  • Remove the old fluid. To prevent fluid from spilling everywhere, use a container to catch any excess. 
  • Refill the reservoir with new fluid and replace the cap
And you’re good to go! However, if you’re experienced and want to take a couple of extra steps, you can: 
  • Disconnect the fluid line.
  • Drain the system completely. Wiggling the steering wheel will make sure that every last drop of old power steering fluid is removed from the system.
Maybe you want to avoid getting your hands dirty. In that case, it’s probably best to take your BMW to a mechanic. Here are a couple of advantages and disadvantages. 
MORE: How to check and add power steering fluid

Should I change it myself or take it to a mechanic?

Generally, if you want to be sure that your
power steering fluid service
is done professionally and properly, you should take your vehicle to a repair shop. They’ll be able to service your vehicle in less than an hour, and it’ll cost you about $120.
However, if you want to save a little money and you’d like to try replacing the fluid yourself, you should go ahead! Power steering fluid costs about $10 to $20, and you won’t need to pay for a mechanic’s labor. 

Which power steering fluid is best for a 2006 BMW 325i?

It’s important to choose a power steering fluid brand that is compatible with your vehicle. 
These are some of the top choices for BMWs:
Power steering fluid
Amount
Cost
Pentosin 1405116 CHF 11S Long-Life Synthetic
1 liter (34 ounces)
$33.00
OEM Power Steering Fluid, European
1 liter (34 ounces)
$26.99
Prestone AS268-6PK Power Steering Fluid for European Vehicles
12 ounces
$9.99
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When do I need to replace my 2006 BMW 325i’s power steering fluid?

You should be replacing your BMW’s power steering fluid every three years or 30,000 miles—whichever comes first. This way, your vehicle will be working smoothly without any steering system issues. 
But sometimes, you might need to change out your fluid before you’re scheduled to. You should  look out for these signs for a replacement: 
  • Noises when turning the wheel (screeching, squeaking, etc.)
  • Difficulty steering
  • Bubbles in your power steering reservoir
  • Leakage
  • A change of color in the fluid
Keep up with the regular
car maintenance
needs of your BMW. It won’t just make steering easier, but it’ll make your vehicle last longer. 

How to save money on BMW insurance

If you’re looking for ways to save money on vehicle maintenance, you’ll want to save on your
BMW car insurance costs
, too. 
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FAQs

Yes! To save some money you can ​​remove the black reservoir cap, drain the old fluid, and refill it with new fluid.
Typically, you should replace your BMW’s power steering fluid every three years or 30,000 miles. However, if you have difficulty steering, you might need to change it sooner.
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