Schedule of current maintenance (BMW 7 Series E38)

The maintenance intervals for the vehicles in question depend on their operating conditions (mileage, duration of trips, driving style, etc.) and are indicated by a special maintenance indicator consisting of five green, one yellow and one red LED. Additionally, messages may be issued "OILSERVICE" (preventive maintenance) and "INSPECTION I(II)" (maintenance), and also the symbol of the clock (if brake fluid needs to be replaced).

The fewer green indicators that light up when the ignition is turned on, the closer the next service is due. The yellow indicator lights up together with the message indicating the need for maintenance (according to the message), and the red indicator informs about the overdue maintenance.

After carrying out maintenance at a service station, the data in the service interval determination system is reset using a special device.

As an alternative to the maintenance indicator, preventive maintenance can be carried out every 15,000 km (petrol models) or 10000 km (diesel models) mileage, but not less than once a year. Maintenance corresponds to every 20,000 km of mileage or once every 2 years "INSPECTION II" is carried out at every second maintenance "INSPECTION I". Under difficult operating conditions (frequent short-distance driving, city driving, frequent driving on mountain roads, towing a trailer, operation in dusty areas) service intervals should be halved.

Below is a list of procedures for different types of service.

Preventive maintenance ("OILSERVICE") - annually or every 15,000 km

• Replacing the engine oil and oil filter (see section Changing engine oil and oil filter);
• Cleaning the fuel filter of diesel engines (see section Cleaning and replacing the fuel filter);
• Check the condition and, if necessary, replace the air filter (see section Replacing the air cleaner filter element);
• Checking the concentration of harmful substances in exhaust gases;
• Checking the condition and, if necessary, replacing the cabin filter (see section Replacing the cabin filter (ventilation systems));
• Checking the parking brake and brake pad thickness (see section Checking the brake system and clutch);
• Checking the chassis and supporting body parts for damage and corrosion;
• Checking the proper functioning of all electricity consumers (see Chapters Engine electrical systems and On-board electrical equipment);
• Checking the coolant level and its concentration (see section Checking fluid levels, leak control);

Preventive maintenance ("INSPECTION I") - every 2 years or 20,000 km

• Reading the self-diagnostic system fault codes (see chapter Engine electrical systems);
• Replacing the engine oil and oil filter (see section Changing engine oil and oil filter);
• Replacing spark plugs on petrol models (see section Replacing spark plugs);
• Check the condition and, if necessary, replace the air filter (see section Replacing the air cleaner filter element);
• Checking the condition of the multi-ribbed drive belt (see section Checking the condition of the auxiliary drive belt);
• Checking the coolant concentration, checking the cooling and heating system lines for leaks, checking the radiator for contamination (see section Checking fluid levels, leak control);
• Checking the proper functioning of the exhaust system (see section Checking the condition of the exhaust system);
• Check the engine for oil leaks (see section Checking fluid levels, leak control);
• Checking the condition of the fuel lines (see section Checking the condition and replacing hoses and tubes in the engine compartment, localizing leaks);
• Cleaning the fuel filter of diesel engines (see section Cleaning and replacing the fuel filter);
• Check the hydraulic clutch lines for leaks (see sections Checking the condition and replacing hoses and tubes in the engine compartment, localizing leaks and Checking the condition of suspension and steering components);
• Check the tightness of the main gear housing;
• Check the tightness of the manual transmission or automatic transmission;
• Checking the integrity of the drive shaft boots, front suspension joints, steering gear and tie rod ends (see sections Checking the condition of suspension and steering components and Checking the condition of the protective covers of the CV joints of the drive shafts);
• Checking the steering play (see section Checking the condition of suspension and steering components);
• Checking the proper functioning of the power steering, checking the power steering fluid level (see section Checking fluid levels, leak control);
• Lubrication of bonnet hinges, trunk lid and doors with universal grease;
• Checking the integrity of the protective layer of the bottom and hidden cavities of the body;
• Checking the proper functioning and integrity of seat belts;
• Replacing the cabin filter (see section Replacing the cabin filter (ventilation systems));
• Checking tire wear (including spare tire) and their pumping pressure (see section Checking the condition of the tires and their inflation pressure);
• Checking the brake fluid level (see section Checking fluid levels, leak control);
• Checking the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the brake discs (see section Checking the brake system and clutch);
• Checking the travel of the parking brake lever (see section Checking the brake system and clutch);
• Checking the integrity and tightness of the brake fluid lines (see section Checking the brake system and clutch);
• Checking the proper functioning of the lighting devices, if necessary – adjusting the headlights (see chapter On-board electrical equipment);
• Checking the proper functioning of the horn, ventilation and heating systems;
• Checking the proper functioning of the windscreen wipers and washers, if necessary – adjusting the nozzles and replacing the brushes (see section Checking the condition of the windshield wipers and adjusting the washer nozzles);
• Checking the electrolyte level and battery charge (see section Checking and caring for your battery).

Additionally, every 40,000 km

• Replacing the fuel filter of diesel models (see section Cleaning and replacing the fuel filter);

Additionally, every 80,000 km

• Replacing ATF (see section AT transmission oil change);
• Replacing the main gear oil (see section Final drive oil change);
• Replacing the main fuel filter of gasoline models (see section Cleaning and replacing the fuel filter);
• Checking the thickness of the clutch driven disc (see section Checking the thickness of the driven clutch disc);

Every 2 years regardless of mileage

• Replacing the brake fluid (see section Replacing brake fluid and bleeding the brake system);

Every 3 years regardless of mileage

• Replacing the coolant (see section Replacing the coolant);