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BMW Service intervals & lights

89K views 64 replies 46 participants last post by  Airbuspilot15 
#1 ·
I was looking up the service light for the e36 model and found this. Hope this helps others as well.
May be a sticky ?


BMW Service Lights

Normal Condition: Up to five green lights illuminate depending on vehicle use since new or last maintenance. Reduction of illuminated green lights is a countdown for the next service due.


Oil Service Alert: All green lights are off and only the yellow light is illuminated along with the "Oil Service" sign, alerting you that oil service is necessary


Inspection Service Alert: All green lights are off and only the yellow light is illuminated along with the "Inspection" sign, alerting you that this service is necessary.


Overdue Inspection Service Alert: The red light will illuminate along with the yellow one to serve as a warning that service is overdue; and in the interest of read safety and reliability, avoid driving your BMW. Schedule an appointment immediately.




Service Intervals


Inspections to be carried out

BMW Inspection I
Undercarriage

* Change engine oil and filter while engine is at normal operation temperature.
* Check transmission for leaks.
* Check rear axle for leaks.
* Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
* Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
* Check power steering system for leaks.
* Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
* Examine brake disc surfaces.
* Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
* Grease wheel center hubs.
* Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
* Check front control arm bushing for wear.
* Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
* Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
* Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
* Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.

Engine Compartment

* Read out diagnostic system
* Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
* Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
* Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
* Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
* Check air conditioner for operation.
* Reset Service Indicator.

Body/Electrical Equipment

* Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
* Perform batter load test.
* Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
* Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
* Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
* Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
* Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
* Check condition and function of safety belts.
* Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
* Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
* Check central locking/double lock.
* Replace microfilter or Acc. Cabin Filter.
* Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
* Check rear view mirrors
* Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.

Final Inspection

* Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

BMW Inspection II
Undercarriage

* Change engine oil and filter while engine is at normal operation temperature.
* Check transmission for leaks.
* Check rear axle for leaks.
* Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
* Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
* Check power steering system for leaks.
* Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
* Examine brake disc surfaces.
* Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
* Grease wheel center hubs.
* Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
* Check front control arm bushing for wear.
* Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
* Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
* Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
* Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
* Check thickness of parking brake linings.
* Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
* Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.

Engine Compartment

* Read out diagnostic system
* Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
* Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
* Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
* Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
* Check air conditioner for operation.
* Reset Service Indicator.
* Replace spark plugs (as applicable by year and model)
* Replace intake air cleaner element.

Body/Electrical Equipment

* Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
* Perform batter load test.
* Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
* Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
* Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
* Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
* Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
* Check condition and function of safety belts.
* Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
* Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
* Check central locking/double lock.
* Replace microfilter or Acc Cabin Filter.
* Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
* Check rear view mirrors
* Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.

Final Inspection

* Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission
 
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#6 ·
I know what youre saying Mark, I think mine does too. Just a little cold out there at the moment, and it keeps trying to snow, or hail, or maybe rain sometimes. Grrrrr
 
#7 ·
I would recommend shortening service intervals from what lights indicate, particularly with M3's if you wish to avoid noisy vanos, I service mine when 3 greens are out at startup (make sure to clean or replace mesh vanos filter as well) and only allow the use of good quality oils of the correct viscosity on the hot figure, eg 10W-40, the 40 part is the critical number, it won't matter if the cold (first number) is 0W or 15W. dealers are only required to carry lubricants for current model and one model preceding it, so nothing older than E46, that is why they often try and use TWS oil in an E36 M3, which is totally incorrect for it, it is YOUR car, ask questions and make sure you get a response you are happy with
 
#22 ·
just used this paperclip method to reset my oil and service lights after getting oil etc changed and checked . the problem is i still have a orange clock symbol showing can someone tell me what it is and how i get it off please??? thanks in advance
 
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