The information on the following pages is the result of our experience and information from The BMW Buyer's Guide® by Fred Larimer (available from Amazon.com or at www.fredlarimer.com).

BMW Service Indicator

The Service Indicator(SI) status displays briefly after you turn the ignition key to "On" or "Start".  It is a tool to help remind you of the service status of your vehicle.  There are two versions of the system and they perform the same function, but have different displays.  The older system has 5 green lights, 1 yellow and 1 red.  After a service, all 5 green lights display.  As you accumulate mileage, the green lights go out, one at a time, then the yellow will illuminate with "Oil Service" or "Inspection", depending on which service is due. On vehicles using conventional oil, each light represents approximately 2,000 miles and approximately 3,000 miles for synthetic oil vehicles.  The newer vehicles have an alphanumeric display which shows the miles remaining to the next service i.e. 8,365 Inspection.  The "Warranty and Service" booklet describes the SI function in greater detail and lists the components of an Oil Service and Inspection 1 & 2. 

If you plan to keep the vehicle long term, we recommend doing an oil & filter change half way between the factory services (5,000 miles for conventional oil and 7,500 for synthetic).

Fluid Services (Not part of services monitored by the SI)

Brake Fluid - BMW recommends performing a brake fluid flush every 2 years, regardless of mileage.  Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere, eventually accumulating enough moisture to cause brake system components to rust internally.  Regularly changing the fluid helps protect the expensive components of your brake system.

Coolant - BMW recommends replacing your coolant every 3 years for older vehicles and every 4 years for vehicles using the extended life coolant.  Coolant has additives to protect the cooling system.  Over time, the additives break down and are no longer able to do their job.

Power Steering Fluid - Like coolant, power steering fluid has additives which inhibit foaming and protect the seals in the steering rack and the pump.  Over time, the additives break down and the system accumulates small wear particles. We recommend replacing the fluid every 3 years or when it becomes discolored.