resetting service lights

[sonicbimmer19]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if anyone knew how many miles and years/months add up to show remaining mileage/time when you reset:
-service requirement (the light with the vehicle
-engine oil
-state-required safety inspection
-front brake pads
-rear brake pads
-brake fluid
?

(To my knowledge, engine oil is 15000 miles and 1 year but I'm not 100% sure.)

In addition, do you guys know if dates and mileages can be reset separately? after my last oil change, my dealer reset it wrong so the mileage is right (15000), but it says I have 2 years instead of 1.
Any idea if I can undo the reset and fix those?

Thanks in advance!

[Tom K.]

1. For some reason, the Oil change interval is set for 2 years - but you are entitled to a yearly change under covered maintenance if below CBS mileage. If your dealer balks at this because of the OBC date, point out that your service/warranty manual specifies yearly oil changes. BMW attempted to change the U.S. low mileage change to 2 years in 2010 but switched back to one year after a month or so.

Incidentally, I've seen the Oil interval initially read 14,000 miles immediately after a reset and then change to 17,000 a week or so later!

2. Brake fluid change is always a 2 year service and is not mileage based.

3. State safety (and/or emissions) inspection dates are easily reset through iDrive on my '07 E91, but (curiously) not on my '08 128i. Perhaps this has been updated in later models - check "Service Requirements" in your owner's manual.

DIY reset methods have been posted online, but I prefer to have my dealer handle them.

Tom

[sonicbimmer19]

hmm thanks Tom K.
I don't know why the mileages change. Mileages for front and rear brake pads changed every time I checked it occasionally so I thought my dealer messed it up. That's the primary reason I asked this here.
Maybe and possibly there is a sensor for pads?

What I found out is this, for people curious:
-service requirement:30,000 miles & 4 years
-engine oil: 15,000 miles $ 2 years
-state-required safety inspection: ???
-front brake pads: about 40,000 miles (this seem to change every time I check it...)
-rear brake pads: about 50,000 miles (this also)
-brake fluid: 2 years

[Tom K.]

Yes there are brake pad sensors which should approximate the mileage remaining before replacement becomes necessary. So the remaining oil and brake pad life should gradually decline as you accumulate mileage - the rate will depend on how you drive.

And the 30,000 mile service is an Inspection which includes a test drive and 30 or so vehicle checks.

Most of this is explained in the Warranty/Service manual which came with your car.

Tom

[dtwyim]

My front brakes says 130,000km and rear 90,000km

Just the opposite of what I expect.

Anybody have this also?

Thanks

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by dtwyim

My front brakes says 130,000km and rear 90,000km

Just the opposite of what I expect.

Anybody have this also?

Thanks

Some of the 1er forum guys have said that they have had to replace the rear pads first. I think this is a sure sign of spinning your rear tires - a lot. Some of the 1er guys drive with the DSC switched off(all the time) so th e_diff doesn't use their rear brake pads so much. I can't see why the rear brakes would wear more on a 116i or 118d than say on a 135i. ???

For my 135i... My front and rear are wearing almost the same rate. Almost 60K kms and they are toast on all four corners around for me.

[dtwyim]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Some of the 1er forum guys have said that they have had to replace the rear pads first. I think this is a sure sign of spinning your rear tires - a lot. Some of the 1er guys drive with the DSC switched off(all the time) so th e_diff doesn't use their rear brake pads so much. I can't see why the rear brakes would wear more on a 116i or 118d than say on a 135i. ???

For my 135i... My front and rear are wearing almost the same rate. Almost 60K kms and they are toast on all four corners around for me.

Thanks Dackel.

I forgot about the e-diff using the rear pads. I don't think I spin the rears a lot but must be more than I should! The DSC just flash a bit sometimes when I power out of a corner or doing WOT acceleration. Which is not all the time.

BTW I have only 36,000km on a 3yr old car and that is how much pad wear it says I have left!

[Dackelone]

The E_Diff actually works before you see the yellow light flash. I can feel it working in the "seat of my pants" before seeing the light come on/flash.

[sonicbimmer19]

I got my car pre-owned but the carfax history said the rear brake pad was replaced @ 21000 miles. I was curious to know why, I guess it's not unusual?

and can someone explain what exactly DSC is? and what it does? I always drive with it off because I always thought that was standard way of driving.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by sonicbimmer19

and can someone explain what exactly DSC is? and what it does? I always drive with it off because I always thought that was standard way of driving.

The manual explains DSC & DTC - page 66 in the Online edition - non iDrive.

Normally you should drive with them ON, not OFF, especially if you don't understand the system. But unless you have been turning one or both off by pushing the DTC button (between the center dash vents), they have been on as they should be. When turned off, a warning light will appear on the dash.

To repeat, not pushing the DTC button leaves the system on so that your traction control is active.

Tom

[sonicbimmer19]

Thanks for the explanation and the referenec to the manual, Tom. I'll read it to gain full understanding.
I guess I've been driving with DTC ON. I thought I was driving with it OFF because the warning light was off haha.