BMW 3 Series Maintenance Schedule (BMW 3 Series E36)

Maintenance intervals on BMW vehicles are determined by a microprocessor depending on operating conditions and are displayed to the driver on the instrument panel on the maintenance interval indicator. The maintenance interval indicator has five green, one yellow and one red LED. Additionally, messages can be displayed "Oilservice", "Inspection", and also clock symbols (for annual control). The fewer green LEDs that light up after the ignition is turned on, the less time remains until the next maintenance. If a yellow LED lights up along with one of the messages, this is a reminder to perform the appropriate form of routine maintenance. In this case, the forms of operational maintenance differ (oil change) and scheduled maintenance TO-1 (Inspection I) and TO-2 (Inspektion II) or annual maintenance (message lights up "Inspection" together with the clock symbol. When the maintenance period is exceeded, the red LED lights up.

The microprocessor's determination of maintenance cycles is based not only on the mileage but also on the vehicle's operating conditions, such as short-distance or long-distance driving or the driver's driving style.

At the service station, the corresponding indication of the oil change or service intervals is reset after the service work has been carried out. To reset the indication, a special expensive key is required, which is sold at BMW service stations. Service stations that have a BMW license are obliged to reset the service interval indicator free of charge at the customer's request, even after the service has been carried out independently.

If you do not perform oil changes or maintenance as directed by the service interval indicator, follow the intervals below.