Oil change approaching - reset service indicator?
 

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. :thumbup:

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.

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

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

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:

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

I reset it every other oil change.

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.

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

.. if you are close enough to the dealer you may want to visit the service manager with the key to the X. They can take the key and read it for any service performed at any certified BMW dealership. If you ask nicely sometimes they will print out your service history (especially if you inquire about a warranty, but '05 may limit your options, not sure).

oh, kewl thanks Elvis 3.0, i'll ask them nicely.

Not sure if anyone has tried this but, For me, this didnt work... ;/

Help us help you better. :)

You have no model/model year/build date info in a permanent signature...nor does it appear anywhere in any of your posts.

So when you make inquiries to the forum that need critical or specific details...it makes it difficult to understand or know how to answer or respond to you.

For example, there are TWO procedures based on the build date of your BMW...and you say it didn't work...with no other details.

I'm sure I'm not the only one scratching my head wondering...which procedure didn't work? And since there's no info as to which procedure nor any vehicle information...I have no idea how to respond to you as to what else you can try or if there was something you did incorrectly or could have done differently.

Again, help us help you better by supplying enough details (model/model year/build date) and/or giving more information in your statements. :)

BTW, I've tried both procedures and both have worked for me with no problems. The old ways (short pins #7 & ground to car) on my e30, (short pins #7 & #19) on my e32/e34/e38/e39 & the new way using the instrument cluster buttons on my e38 (after I got a new cluster from BMW thru the Goodwill Replacement for F'd-up pixels) & e53.

Thanks Qsilver7 for taking the time to reply to my reply to this post. I wasn't looking for a response, directly, but thanks. If you would like the info you mentioned, I would be glad to give it. In response.... I've seen 3 different posts on how to do it, and neither of them produced any results. As for the signature, that is not an area I'm familiar with. Hope this clears up any confusion and allows you to stop scratching your head. ;)

You can create a permanent signature by clicking on the USER CP link which can be found along the top right of the page (in the blue border). Click the user cp link and when the page refreshes, there should be multiple links along the left side of the page and one of them should say EDIT SIGNATURE. Click that link it should be obvious as to what you need to do. :)