BMW X5s need power steering fluid to keep their steering system operating properly, and it needs to be replaced every two years to keep your car running at a high level. Performing this fluid change on your own is a very manageable task that can save you tons of time and money.

Power steering fluid doesn’t get the credit it deserves—the average driver might not even know what it is or what it does. Responsible for connecting the steering wheel to the car wheels, the power steering fluid ensures the functionality of the entire steering system by preventing it from locking up.

If you’d like to cut a recurring mechanic bill and aren’t afraid to get your hands a little dirty, you’ve come to the right place.

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What type of power steering fluid does the BMW X5 use?

Different cars will call for different power steering fluids based on their specific internal driving systems. BMWs are luxury European vehicles, meaning they need an even more specialized fluid.

For the X5, you also have to be aware of your car’s model year when looking for a compatible fluid.

If your X5 is model year 1990 or older, BMW recommends using

Pentosin CHF-11S

power steering fluid. If your X5 is newer than model year 1990, BMW recommends filling your car with

Pentosin CHF 7.1

power steering fluid.

If you’d like to consider other options, we have some alternatives that work well with the X5:

Prestone Power Steering Fluid With Stop Leak

($6.19 for 12 oz.): best for models released before 2012

Ravenol J1B1001 Power Steering Fluid

($16.95 for 1L): aftermarket substitute made specifically for luxury vehicles

Prestone European Vehicles Power Steering Fluid

($10.97 for 12oz.): synthetic fluid designed with European vehicles in mind

MORE:

BMW tune-up cost

How to change BMW X5 power steering fluid

Changing your power steering fluid yourself is one of the easier maintenance tasks you can learn to save time and money.

Start by gathering the necessary materials:

Power steering fluid

A syringe or suction device, such as a turkey baster or empty shampoo bottle

A container for the old fluid

A rubber cap

A funnel for refilling the new fluid

Paper towels or a rag

Car jacks (not mandatory, but they can make the process easier)

Step 1: Jack up your X5 so there are a few centimeters between the tires and the ground.

Step 2: Pop the hood and find the power steering reservoir in front of the engine bay. Remove the old fluid with your syringe or household pump, emptying it into your container.

Step 3: Locate the return hose (the thin hose plugged into the reservoir sideways) and unplug it to drain out any remaining fluid.

Step 4: Cover the mouth of the return hose with your rubber cap, and refill the reservoir with fresh fluid until it is full.

Step 5: Turn the engine on, and turn the steering wheel all the way around a few times in both directions to discharge every last drop of the old fluid. (This is where having the car jacked comes in handy.)

Step 6: Pour in any extra fluid if the reservoir level has decreased. When you see clean, red fluid coming out of your return hose, your fluid change is a success!

Step 7: Turn your engine off, remove the rubber cap, plug the hose back in, and top off the reservoir until it is totally filled.

Confirm there are no leaks, and then hit the road in your well-maintained X5! When you go for your next drive, you’ll notice your steering wheel turning much smoother thanks to the new fluid.

MORE:

Power steering fluid service

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What is the power steering fluid change interval for a BMW X5?

BMW advises changing the power steering fluid every two years to keep the steering system operating at optimal performance.

During these two-year intervals, be aware of these telltale signs that your power steering fluid is contaminated or leaking:

Difficulty with the steering wheel

Steering wheel feels looser than usual

You hear strange sounds when you turn the steering wheel

Power steering fluid has changed color to a dark brown or black

Healthy power steering fluid is a clear pink or amber color, so it’s a good idea to regularly check the color and level inside the reservoir—and definitely take a look if you notice any of the problems listed above.

MORE:

How to know if a mechanic is taking too long with car repairs

How to save on BMW X5 insurance

Staying up to date on maintenance tasks, such as power steering fluid changes, is one way to extend the life of your vehicle.

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