How to read the service history of a BMW car?

As a German manufacturer, BMW AG is very meticulous about archiving all repairs. As a result, all cars manufactured and repaired after 2003 have a central service database. At BM Cars, we have access to this information and know how to use it to repair cars professionally and how to share extracts with car owners.

What is a vehicle’s service history and where is it recorded?

BMW and Mini Service History maintains a central registry located in Munich, the headquarters of BMW AG. Their Aftersales Online System (AOS) platform has software that can read key records with KeyReaders and identify the vehicle by VIN number.

BM Cars, as a service center working with BMW AG, has the same access as Authorized Service Centers. We have the ability to enter into the database all service activities performed on the vehicle and to read entries made at other services.

The records also include the exact configuration of the vehicle its equipment at the time it left the factory and information on current Technical Actions assigned to the VIN number. The database has records since 2003.

What can be read from BMW service history?

A sample service history record for a BMW car looks like this.

From the above records we can read:

1. Vehicle type, model full VIN number, color, current software, warranty start
2. Technical actions
3. Special information
4. Service contracts
5. Error information
6. Type of navigation maps installed in the vehicle
7. Vehicle details (full equipment including factory retrofits)
8. Vehicle history: Entries include date of service visit, type (key read or manual entry), mileage, dealer (service number), inspection (key read number)

On the following pages of the PDF extract are maintenance notifications triggered by the car’s on-board system. These are rectangular icons with graphics of components – the same as those seen by the car’s clocks. They concern, among other things, oil change, air filter, microfilter, fuel filter, brake pads (front and rear separately), brake fluid, general vehicle inspection, or registration inspection.

On the rectangular icon we have, in addition to a visual indication of the activity (e.g. oiler – engine oil service required), a record showing how many kilometers are left to drive before the activity is called for. The colors of each call from the car’s on-board system:

• Green – more than 500 kilometers or 1 month remains to perform the activity
• Yellow – less than 500 km or 1 month remains to perform the activity
• Red – the period for performing the service activity has been exceeded (negative mileage or after time)

The vehicle history tells us whether the driver has taken care of the vehicle. It’s easy to see if inspections were done irregularly and after the designated time or mileage. In addition, we verify the current mileage with historical records. This allows us to detect manipulation of kilometers driven. We also have insight into major repairs that affect other components.

How does knowing a vehicle’s service history help with subsequent repairs?

By knowing the service history, we are better able to assess the overall condition of the vehicle. We also learn about the post-accident repairs that have been made or the removal of major defects – such as engine or transmission replacement. Knowing the condition of the vehicle, we can better prepare to perform ongoing repairs.

Does every auto repair shop have access to service history?

No. Only authorized and cooperating repair shops – like BM Cars – have access to BMW AG’s central database. This allows us to read the history and add new records of our repairs.

Related pages

• How to check the history of a used BMW car before buying?
• Check the history of a BMW from the USA before buying – extracting the history from the BMW database
• How to check the history of a used electric BMW before buying?
• BMWtorek – BM Cars newsletter

Who can get access to the service history?

The service history can be viewed by any person authorized by the vehicle owner. Vehicle data is covered by the Data Protection Regulation (aka RODO) and should not be shared with outsiders.

How do I get the service history of my BMW?

As a service partner of BMW AG, we have access to the Aftersales Online System (AOS) platform. For each owner of BMW and Mini cars, we offer the possibility to obtain a statement in the form of a PDF document. Purchase the statement in our online store: