Oil change approaching - reset service indicator?

[ofcrimson]

I have my first oil change approaching on my 2005 4.8is. Do I need to reset the service indicator light after the change? If so, how do I reset the light? Thanks for your help.

I also noticed that both 5w30 and 5w40 are recommended for all ambient temperatures by BMW. Which weight do you prefer and why? Thanks again.

[JCL]

As a guiding principle, use the lowest viscosity spread that gives you sufficient cold start (5) and hot weather (30 or 40) performance.

5w-30 has always worked fine for me, down to -30 c. If I was towing a heavy load in desert conditions I would look for a 5w-40.

Instructions for resetting the light are posted here, you can do it yourself.

[ofcrimson]

Thanks for your response JCL. I am in the middle of Alabama and not towing. I think that I will go with 5w30.

[ofcrimson]

I think that this is the link to reset the service light. If this is not correct for reseting the oil service light then please correct me. Thanks.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...ts-bmw-x5.html

[Qsilver7]

Yes, those are the instructions for resetting the SI display...but if your OIL Serv of INSPECTION light isn't illuminated...I would recommend NOT to reset the lights.

Your X uses SIA III (or higher if there's another iteration). Fuel consumption is the only criteria used starting with SIA III. Whether you go by the SI lights, or if you prefer a shorter oil change interval based on either time or mileage...just learn to use the lights as an "indication" of how far along (mileage or time wise) you are, and proceed to change your oil & do your inspection. I only reset the SI lights on the times its illuminated during a time I'm performing one of the services.

Here's another of the many "reset" instructions that have been posted many times...BTW...ignore the info about the brake fluid renewal if you're in the USA...BMW NA for some reason doesn't use this warning on the BMWs imported here since the late 70s:

[ofcrimson]

Thanks Qsilver7 for the insight. I will keep track of when I need to change my oil, and only reset the lights as necessary.

[tmv]

I reset it every other oil change.

[jo2jo]

Would you all recommend to do oil change if oil light service is not on?
I asked, because I just get got it for less than a month and has 51890 miles on it.

Thanks :-)

[JCL]

Originally Posted by jo2jo

Would you all recommend to do oil change if oil light service is not on?
I asked, because I just get got it for less than a month and has 51890 miles on it.

Thanks :-)

Depends on whether or not you have any service records showing when it was last done. If not, an oil service is a good start.

[jo2jo]

Thanks JCL. I'll call the dealer to check, original owner said all records of services are at the dealer.