Service Engine Soon message (?)
 

My '01 X5 has just thrown the Service Engine Soon, yellow light message.

What confuses me is that the service interval indicator still shows 4 green lights. The oil is fresh and clean.
(The only other indication of needing service is the form letter I got from the dealership saying they thought it was about time for me to come in and contribute finacially to the fund.... coincidence? I think not...) but I digress...

any thoughts? I have consulted the owner's manual and maintenance manual as well as the separate hand out on service intervals... no info unless I over looked it.
THX

The SES light has no relationship of the service indicator lights. The SES is an indication that the vehicle has experienced some sort of fault and needs to be looked at. Most times it is minor, but there can be conditions that are more severe. So have it looked at.

The dealer can hook it up to their computers, any independent mechanic can hook up a OBD-II scanner and pull/clear the fault codes, or you can buy your own OBD-II scanner and check it out yourself. Personally, I have the Actron OBD-II scanner and it is very handy for situations like you are experiencing.