2007 E60 M5-Power Steering Radiator Leak

[RALEX72]

Anyone had an issue with leaky radiators for power steering fluid?

Noticed a puddle under mine yesterday and the top of the cooler looks a little moist when you peer through the bumper grills.

Last day of warranty today to! Thank god I extended it.

[ecain63]

Never heard of this issue before, but theres a first for everything. Any symptoms with the steering itself? ie. are you 100% sure the fluid is from the PS?

Eddie

[RALEX72]

No not really Ed. Feels smooth enough, top of the rad itself is oily damp like it could be coming from one of the unions.

Cant get in there properly to check it properly. Pink silky fluid on the floor though.

Booked in for Monday post haste.

[ecain63]

RALEX72 said:

No not really Ed. Feels smooth enough, top of the rad itself is oily damp like it could be coming from one of the unions.

Cant get in there properly to check it properly. Pink silky fluid on the floor though.

Booked in for Monday post haste.

Yeah, do that! Anything pink and sticky leaking from the car would worry me.

[RALEX72]

Okay after 3 days sweating.

Turns out to be the oil cooler in front of the main radiator. As you look at it the unions on the top left had broken down leading to the leak.

Whilst not a common fault, its not unheard of. All E60's are prone so its not just our beloved M5's.

Warranty fix to, good job, the cooler alone was £480!!

[ecain63]

And here ends the lesson on why BMW warranties are so highly recommended.

Glad its sorted mate.

Eddie

[RALEX72]

Thanks Eddie.

Definitely, if you're pondering whether or not to buy that extended warranty; don't, just get your card out.

With labour at approx £95 an hour i've estimated the bill to be around £800. Even if you had excess, its paid for itself in nearly one visit.