How often should BMW cars be serviced?

This question plagues new BMW owners. It is especially relevant when the car was imported from abroad and does not have a manual in Polish.

On Internet forums, you may encounter the opinion that a service inspection should be performed when the mileage allowed on the odometer has been exceeded, or when all the “green cubes” on older models have been extinguished. Unfortunately, this approach can lead to a situation in which the car shuts down on the road, at the most unexpected moment.

BMW M4 Coupe | By Thesupermat [CC BY-SA 3.0]

BMW’s official service inspection recommendations

BMW counter of the old type, where the green cubes are extinguished. The inscription “Oil Service” and the yellow and red cubes indicate the need for service

Counters of the old type (green cubes)

For vehicles equipped with an SI counter of the old type (illuminated green cubes), the maintenance interval is set at 15 – 20,000 km. When the ignition is switched on, information in the form of a set of 4 green cubes is displayed at the bottom of the main odometer for about 10 seconds, extinguished as the number of kilometers traveled. When they are extinguished, a yellow and then a red cube appears, along with an additional inscription – “Oil Service / Inspection”. This is an indication of the need to report for service and inspection.

Digital meter in BMW 3 E46

Digital Counters

For vehicles equipped with a digital-type SI meter, the maintenance interval is set at 15 – 20,000 kilometers. When the ignition is switched on, a digital information about the number of kilometers remaining to be serviced appears at the bottom of the counter for about 10 seconds. When this value is exceeded, the kilometers are deducted negatively.

BMW iDrive with odometer until next service

BMW with on-board computer

For the latest vehicles equipped with an on-board computer, information is displayed at any time the vehicle is in use. They can be seen via iDrive on the center screen or on the main meter if the car does not have a monitor. Information on the number of kilometers remaining to be replaced is displayed:

• engine oil,
• front and rear pads,
• air conditioning filter,
• general vehicle inspection,
• registration test,
• exhaust emissions inspection,
• particulate filter.

The kilometers displayed on the monitor are approximate and are not strictly related to the main odometer. The distances, especially as far as the brake pads are concerned, can decrease dynamically, for example, during long and very fast highway trips. The counter will turn yellow when it approaches about 2,000 kilometers, indicating the need for a service visit.

What happens when the BMW’s overhaul counter is exceeded?

None of the systems that inform you about the overhaul, disable the engine or otherwise impede operation.

Keep in mind that exceeding the mileage indicated by the manufacturer, can cause excessive wear of components. Consequently, this can lead to permanent and costly defects.

You are welcome to schedule an appointment at BM Cars.