These forums will be email enabled. Think Yahoo Groups. More info enroute eventually.
I couldn't find Kevin Henry's e-mail so I am submitting this to the forum.
All I know about BMW's is that they dominate in DSP and should have been moved as suggested when it was suggested. However, that's another debate for another time.
Here's what I need to know. A friend has a '98 740. A few days ago it started making the tell-tell whine that it required power-steering fluid. Simple enough, right? What has the two of us baffled is that the owner's manual says that adding the fluid requires "special knowledge." WHAT THA...?!!!" Why does BMW think it requires special knowledge to pour fluid into a reservoir?
If that wasn't weird enough, a day later, this gurgling noise starting coming from behind the center console. He says it sounds like your stomach when you have a bad case of gas or are really hungry. I say it sounds more like an air filter in an aquarium. Either way, it shouldn't be there. I told him the drain line might be stopped up, but I'm guessing.
Anyway, if anyone has a clue about either, we'd appreciate hearing.
Pratt
24DSP
Well, a bit late, but the P/S fluid should be a no brainer. My 325 just has a normal reservoir with diptstick cap. Dunnoh about a 7 series, seems strange.
Concerning the gurgling noise, does it occur with the A/C on? Could be low freon, or an expansion valve problem?? Or maybe a vacuum leak?
You probably solved this by now, what's the verdict?
If its like any other BMW, its twist and pour. BTW ... BMW's don't use power steering fluid, they use ATF instead. Power steering fluid will actually cause failure.
As for the gurgling, its sounds like you need an A/C recharge.
Jonathan Thayer