Understanding BMW Service Based on Status and Service Lights

Newer BMW vehicles are equipped with an electronic on-board condition service (CBS) that is linked to the iDrive monitor on the dashboard. This system tells drivers when maintenance is required; a green "OK" symbol indicates that the system test information is up to date and/or in good working order, and a yellow triangle icon indicates that the listed components are serviceable. If the driver neglects the service indicator lights, they risk damaging the engine or, worse, being stranded on the side of the road or having an accident.

For this reason, performing all the scheduled and recommended maintenance on your vehicle is essential to keep it running properly so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly costly repairs that result from negligence. Luckily, the days of racking your brains and running diagnostics to find the service light trigger are over. The BMW CBS system alerts owners to the need for vehicle maintenance so they can resolve the issue(s) quickly and hassle-free. Once the system is triggered, the driver knows to schedule an appointment to drop the vehicle off for service.

How the BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system works and what to expect

The BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) actively monitors wear and tear on the engine and other vehicle components. This system monitors oil life, cabin filter, brake pad wear, brake fluid condition, spark plugs and, in the case of diesel engines, the particulate filter.

If the BMW model is equipped with the iDrive on-board computer system, the number of miles until service is required will be displayed in the lower center of the instrument panel when the vehicle is turned on. On other models, service information will be located on the instrument panel.

The CBS system monitors oil life by mileage, fuel consumption and oil quality information from a sensor located in the oil pan. Certain driving habits can affect oil life as well as driving conditions such as temperature and terrain. Lighter, more moderate driving conditions and temperatures will require less frequent oil changes and maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent oil changes and maintenance. It is not clear if the CBS system takes these factors into account, so it is important to be aware of this and check the oil periodically, especially for older, high mileage vehicles. Read the table below to determine the oil life for your vehicle:

• Attention: Engine oil life depends not only on the factors listed above, but also on the specific car model, year of manufacture and recommended type of oil. For more information on which oil is recommended for your vehicle, see your owner's manual and feel free to seek advice from one of our experienced technicians.

When your car is ready for service, BMW has a standard checklist for service at different mileage intervals:

While vehicle operating conditions are calculated according to the CBS system, which may or may not take into account driving style and other specific driving conditions, other maintenance information is based on standard time tables, such as in the old school maintenance schedules posted to the owner's manual. This does not mean that BMW drivers should ignore such warnings. Proper maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring reliability, driving safety, a manufacturer's warranty, and greater resale value. Such maintenance work must always be carried out by a qualified person. If you have any doubts about what the BMW CBS system means or what services your car may require, do not hesitate to seek advice from our experienced specialists.

If your BMW CBS system indicates that your vehicle is ready for service, have it checked by a certified mechanic such as AvtoTachki. Click here, select your vehicle and service or package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.