Maintenance Indicator Question

[jamie392]

I bought an 04 x5 about 3 months ago and really am unsure about how this maintenance indicator works. I figured when it needs an oil change, the oil service light will illuminate right? Nothing is staying illuminated after I turn on the car, all the lights go out, so does that mean I should be in the clear? I would think it would have needed an oil change by now...

Also, it seems like LED's on either side on the indicator are going out. Logically I figured that the LED's would start on the left side and slowly go out working there way to the right... But there is 3 LEDs out on the left side, and two more on the right side...

The last question I have is, if I get the oil changed early, lets say 2000 miles early, will they reset the computer so that in 2000 miles the light doesn't illuminate?

Sorry for these very basic question, but I just really feel like I should be doing some maintenance on this truck at least an oil change and it hasn't called for anything yet. So I'll ask this question here so that I don't wonder on the back of my mind if I'm missing an oil change or something.

[motordavid]

Maintenance Indicator Lights info, from Front Page Info:
http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x3/...-schedule.html

The lights come on only for a few seconds when you turn key...

Reset: if you ask you Indie or dlr to reset them, they will. If you are still under
warranty/maintenance and chasing an Insp for free, the dlr probably won't.

How to reset maint. indicator lights, from JCL/XOutpost:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...l-monitor.html

And, another good thread of info on Service Interval Lights:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-question.html

All of the above found in a 3 min search using the Search Tab...

GL,mD

[jamie392]

Thanks for the reply and sorry for not looking into it enough before hand. I did search and the question that I was having and still have is how do I know when I need an oil change? I know that there are two different types, one is a oil service and one is an oil change, and from what I read the dealer only resets the computer on the oil service, so what indicates that you need an oil change between the oil service?

Thanks

[motordavid]

When your Service Interval Lights get to yellow or, further as in red, the 'puter is
suggesting you need an oil change. Some people do it before yellow...up to you.

If you car is still under warranty/maintenance the dlr should do an oil & filter free,
under that program...if warr/maint has expired, it is on your nickel. An "oil service"
is an oil & filter and a cabin air intake filter. Up to the dlr, your mileage, your situ,
which it is at any given time.

If your car is off warranty, I would skip the dlr, hit a good local Independent and
get oil & filter, and cabin filter, (if you want). Any good Indie can re-set your
lights. Long answer...hope it is clearer to you.
GL, mD

[X Foomph]

MD,
Yes, you're what we call Down Under a 'good bloke' for helping out jamie. Two ways to go about his issues, you went down the right path to your credit. That's what I like about hanging with you guys

[jamie392]

Yes I really do appreciate your help! I'm sorry I was a bit bad with the search, in the future I will try to search more thoroughly!

Jamie

[roadfrog]

I'm sorry I was a bit bad with the search, in the future I will try to search more thoroughly!

No need to apologize! Some members are just more picky about that. Personally, the last thing I would want is a FORUM to become a database. I like the interactions..... even when they're repeated. Besides, no matter how many times a question is asked, new and informative answers and exchanges will be shared

[sprocket1200]

unless you have been here for a long time...