Scheduled Maintenance Chart

These recommendations assume that the vehicle owner performs the maintenance procedures himself, as opposed to work performed at a BMW dealership service center. Although this schedule is based on the manufacturer's recommendations, the owner may shorten the intervals between most procedures at his discretion. For example, lubricant and fluid checks and replacements should be performed at intervals that ensure the maximum service life of the engine or drivetrain. In addition, if the vehicle owner wants to keep the vehicle in maximum readiness for operation in case of possible resale, many procedures may be performed more often. We welcome such initiative.
The initial service and inspection of a new vehicle must be performed at a BMW dealership service center in order to comply with the terms of the warranty. In most cases, this inspection is performed free of charge (for further information, contact your BMW dealership).
Service intervals for the BMW 5 Series depend on operating conditions. Service intervals are indicated on the instrument panel. The service interval indicator has five green, one yellow and one red light-emitting diode (LED). Additionally, the messages "Oilservice" and "Inspektion" may be displayed, as well as the clock symbol (indicating that the brake fluid must be replaced). The fewer green LEDs that are lit after the ignition is switched on, the less time remains until the next service. If the yellow LED lights together with one of the two messages, the next maintenance service must be performed. The following types of preventive work are provided: "Inspection I" (Service 1) and "Inspection II" (Service 2). Service 2 is every second Service 1. If the service interval is exceeded, the red LED lights.

Service interval indicator display

The service interval calculation is performed by the microprocessor depending on the distance traveled, operating conditions, and driving style. The scope of work included in the service is listed in the service booklet.
At a service center, after work performed together with an oil change or service, the service interval indication is reset. A special tool, which is sold to BMW service centers, is required to reset the indication. However, BMW-authorized service centers are obligated to reset the service interval indication free of charge, even if the service was performed independently.

* To ensure optimal engine operation, it is recommended to read the fault memory at the same time as performing an exhaust gas analysis. Hidden faults may appear in the engine management system which are compensated for but impair optimal engine operation (increased fuel consumption). The fault may be identified by reading the fault memory.

Work performed under the BMW service system together with an oil change is marked "Oilservice".
Work performed as part of the Inspektion service must be carried out when the "Inspektion" message appears together with the yellow LED. If the service interval indicator is not followed, service must be performed every 20,000 km, or once every 2 years. Every second service (Service 2) includes additional work.

EVERY 4-6 WEEKS
• Check the engine oil level (see section Checking fluid levels) "Oilservice"
• Check the engine coolant level (see section Checking fluid levels) "Oilservice"
• Check the washer fluid level (see section Checking fluid levels) "Oilservice"
• Check the condition and inflation pressure of the tires (see section Checking tire condition and inflation pressure) "Oilservice"

ONCE A YEAR OR EVERY 10,000 KM (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST)
All of the above items, plus:
• Replace the diesel engine oil and oil filter. Under severe operating conditions, twice as often. (See section Checking tire condition and inflation pressure) "Oilservice"
• Drain water from the diesel fuel filter (see section Draining sediment, replacing the fuel filter. Bleeding air from the diesel fuel system). "Oilservice"

ONCE A YEAR OR EVERY 15,000 KM (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST)
All of the above items, plus:
• Replace the gasoline engine oil and oil filter. Under severe operating conditions, twice as often. (See section Replacing engine oil and oil filter) "Oilservice"
• Check engine idle speed and CO content, and read the fault memory "Oilservice"
• Replace the air filter (see section Replacing air filter element) "Oilservice"
• Check the cabin microfilter and replace if contaminated (see section Replacing cabin air filter). "Oilservice"
• Check the brake system operation and brake pad thickness (see section Brake system inspection). "Oilservice"
• Inspect the chassis and body for damage and corrosion (see section Visual inspection of underbody and body components). "Oilservice"
• Check the operation of electrical consumers "Oilservice"
• Check the concentration of antifreeze in the cooling system fluid (see section Replacing cooling system fluid. Checking coolant frost protection. Visual inspection of the cooling system). "Oilservice"

Engine Compartment Components. BMW 525tds 1 — engine oil dipstick
2 — brake fluid reservoir (under the microfilter housing)
3 — positive terminal for jump starting the engine
4 — power steering fluid reservoir
5 — coolant expansion tank
6 — engine oil filler neck
7 — washer fluid reservoir for the high-pressure headlight cleaning system
8 — washer fluid reservoir for the windshield and headlight washers

SERVICE 1: EVERY 2 YEARS OR EVERY 20,000 KM
All items listed above, plus:
• Check the power steering fluid level (Section Checking the Power Steering Fluid Level)
• Check the tires and rotate the wheels if necessary (Section Wheels and Tires. Rotation, Replacement, Balancing and Care. Snow Chains. Wheel Locks. Eliminating Steering Wheel Vibration)
• Check the condition of the hoses in the engine compartment (Section Checking and Replacing Engine Compartment Hoses)
• Check the condition of the drive belt (Section Checking the Drive Belts)
• Check and service the battery (Section Checking the Battery Condition, Battery Care and Charging. Replacing the Remote Control Key Battery)
• Replace the spark plugs (Section Checking and Replacing Spark Plugs)
• Check the parking brake shoe thickness and parking brake lever travel. Adjust if necessary. Burnish the parking brake (Section Checking the Brake System).
• Visually check the manual transmission, automatic transmission and rear axle final drive for leaks
• Check the fuel system operation (Section Checking the Fuel System Operation. Diesel Engine Winter Operation)
• Check the cooling system (Section Checking the Cooling System Operation)
• Check the condition of the exhaust system (Section Checking the Exhaust System Condition)
• Check the steering and suspension components (Section Checking the Condition of Suspension and Steering Components)
• Check the condition of the drive shaft boots (Section Checking the Drive Shaft Protective Boots)
• Lubricate the hood, trunk lid and door hinges with universal grease (Section Lubricating Locks and Latches)
• Check the condition of the underbody anti-corrosion protection and body cavity preservation (Section Visual Inspection of the Underbody and Body Components)
• Check the seat belts for damage (Section Visual Inspection of Seat Belts)
• Check the headlights, parking lights and turn signals. Adjust the headlights if necessary (Section Headlight Adjustment)
• Check the horn, heating and ventilation system operation
• Check the windshield and headlight washer operation and nozzle alignment
• Inspect and replace the windshield wiper blades if necessary (Section Checking and Replacing Wiper Blades)
• Replace the central locking remote control key battery if the self-diagnosis display shows the message “Funkschlussel-Batt.” - radio key battery (Section Checking the Battery Condition, Battery Care and Charging. Replacing the Remote Control Key Battery)

Engine Compartment Components. BMW 520i, 523i, 528i 1 — engine oil dipstick
2 — brake fluid reservoir (under the microfilter housing)
3 — positive terminal for jump starting the engine
4 — power steering fluid reservoir
5 — coolant expansion tank
6 — engine oil filler neck
7 — washer fluid reservoir for the high-pressure headlight cleaning system
8 — washer fluid reservoir for the windshield and headlight washers

SERVICE 2: EVERY 2 YEARS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE

• Replace the brake fluid and bleed the system (Section Brake Fluid Replacement)

EVERY 3 YEARS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE

• Drain, flush and refill the cooling system (Section Coolant Replacement. Checking Coolant Antifreeze Protection. Visual Inspection of the Cooling System)

EVERY 40,000 KM

All items listed above, plus:
• Replace the diesel engine fuel filter (Section Draining Water and Sediment, Replacing the Fuel Filter. Bleeding Air from the Diesel Fuel System)

EVERY 80,000 KM
• Replace the gasoline engine fuel filter (Section Draining Water and Sediment, Replacing the Fuel Filter. Bleeding Air from the Diesel Fuel System)
• Replace the manual transmission oil (Section Manual Transmission Oil Replacement)
• Replace the differential lubricant (Section Differential Lubricant Replacement)
• Check the clutch driven disc thickness (Section Checking the Clutch Driven Disc Thickness)

Engine Compartment Components. BMW 535i, 540i 1 — brake fluid reservoir (under the microfilter housing)
2 — power steering fluid reservoir
3 — positive terminal for jump starting the engine
4 — engine oil dipstick
5 — engine oil filler neck
6 — coolant expansion tank
7 — washer fluid reservoir for the high-pressure headlight cleaning system
8 — washer fluid reservoir for the windshield and headlight washers