ATF - Power Steering/Tranny Fluid

[E85]

So after doing some research, found out that the power steering fluid is actually ATF.

I've even heard that BMW has their own brand of ATF (perhaps produced by someone else, but it comes in their typical grey colored bottle).

So when I went to BMW dealership today to buy some ATF, they sold me the one and only kind of ATF they carry. Kendall. Produced by GM. Something about Dexron 4 being a universal ATF that everyone uses.

I will also be changing the fluid in my tranny soon and many recommend "Redline ATF D4" for that. Yes, ATF for manual.

So my question is: is the "D4" in "Redline ATF D4" short for "Dexron 4"? So is Redline ATF the same as GM ATF? So should I just be using Kendall ATF in my tranny if I was prepared to use Redline ATF since it's like half the price?

Any comments are welcome.

 

[E85]

And yes, I know the tranny is supposed to be "lifetime"

and yes, I know that BMW sells MTF LT2 or something like that for changing the manual tranny fluid, but many still would rather go with Redline ATF because it's better in colder cities ... I live in Canada where it can reach -40 celcius w/ windchill

 

[E85]

I was looking at my engine today as i was changing my coolant and realized, i have no idea where the power steering fluid reservoir is. I know where it was in my E46 i had before, but unless i was too tired to notice it, can anyone help?

 

[E85]

ok ... just did a search, nevermind ... it's electric ... got it ... i was wondering how the steering got stiffer when u push the SPORT button