Drops On Driveway?

[greenbeam]

I've had my (used) car for a few months, and have noticed some droplets on my driveway and in garage lately. Doesn't amount to much, and I checked my fluids, which don't appear to be low. Live in snow country, so it could be road moisture, but there are lasting "stains" on my driveway and on floor.
Wondering what it could be, and if it's dangerous.
Thanks in advance for any help.

GreenBeam

[Delmarco]

Originally posted by greenbeam@Feb 20 2005, 01:16 PM
I've had my (used) car for a few months, and have noticed some droplets on my driveway and in garage lately. Doesn't amount to much, and I checked my fluids, which don't appear to be low. Live in snow country, so it could be road moisture, but there are lasting "stains" on my driveway and on floor.
Wondering what it could be, and if it's dangerous.
Thanks in advance for any help.

GreenBeam

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If the fluid is carmel brown when you touch it and rub it between your fingers then check your Power Steering Fluild Tank...this happens alot to E36 if you put the wrong ATF in there it boils over faster than the BMW Brand ATF and it leaks and dribbles over the top....but for some reason it never drains out of gets too low...Mine was leaking for about 3 months straight and leaving huges spots on my driveway before I replaced the ATF at the BMW dealer and the tank was still full with the ATF fluid.
you should also go under your car and try to check hoses and pipes for leaks.

[Delmarco]

oh and welcome
to our forums...

check this link out

http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/inde...howtopic=21310

the topic i started last year on ATF fluid leaks....

[greenbeam]

Originally posted by Delmarco@Feb 20 2005, 01:42 PM
oh and welcome
to our forums...

check this link out

http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/inde...howtopic=21310

the topic i started last year on ATF fluid leaks....

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[greenbeam]

Delmarco,
Thanks for the help - it sounds like exactly what I have - will have it checked out. Just to make sure I understand: replacing the Power Steering Fluid with BMW brand makes a difference?
BTW, I love the color of your car. I looked in vain for a burgundy one, but when you buy used, you get what you get. I like mine, and it has everything else I wanted, but that burgundy looks fine.

GreenBeam

[Pegasus]

Originally posted by greenbeam@Feb 20 2005, 05:21 PM
Just to make sure I understand: replacing the Power Steering Fluid with BMW brand makes a difference?

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Just use a good ATF fluid (I use Mobil 1 synthetic ATF). DO NOT use power steering fluid. Only ATF. BMW does not actually manufacture lubricants. They buy such products from Castrol and other companies, so you can buy whatever brand of Dexron III ATF. If you use power steering fluid, you can have leaks because it has a lower boiling temperature. It can also damage your pump. Replace the clamps on the hoses that are attached to the reservoir. Very common problem.
My 2 cents.