Read and reset your BMW's service intervals (CBS)

BMWs with Condition Based Service (CBS) count down each service item on its own: engine oil, brake fluid, front and rear brake pads, the microfilter, spark plugs and more. After the work is done, the item's interval has to be reset so the car counts down to the next service from the start.

AutoLingo for BMW shows every item with what it has left, and resets the one you've just had done.

Which BMWs

BMWs with Condition Based Service: most BMWs from the E60 5 Series (2003) on, and every F-chassis BMW. Reading the intervals works on all of them. The reset changes the car, so it runs on the cars we've confirmed it on (below); on others the app shows it as Coming until we have. Older BMWs (E36, E38, E39, E46, E53, Z8) have the earlier service indicator (SIA) instead; its reset is coming.

Service jobs that change the car come to each BMW once we've confirmed them on a real car like it; until then the app shows them as Coming. Every update is free.

Before you start

  • The AutoLingo for BMW adapter plugged in and connected.
  • Ignition on.

Step by step

  1. Open the Service tab. “Service intervals” is at the top, read when the tab opens.
  2. Each item shows what it has left: the percentage, the distance to go and the date it's due, or how far overdue it is.

Reset an item after the service

  1. Do the service first: the oil and filter change, new brake pads (and wear sensor), the brake fluid change, the new microfilter.
  2. With the ignition on, tap Reset next to the item, for example “Brake fluid”.
  3. Check the module and what the item shows now, and tap Reset. If the item still has half or more left, or this phone reset it in the last 30 days, the app asks “Reset now?” first: only go ahead if the service was really done.
  4. The app reads the item again and confirms it's reset. Some instrument clusters only update the service display after an ignition cycle: if it still shows the old value, turn the ignition fully off and on, reconnect, and check again.

Good to know

  • Only reset an item after the service is done: the car then counts down to the next one from the start, and won't remind you when this one is really due.

More how-tos: Check if your BMW is ready for an emissions inspection · Check your BMW's battery health · Open your BMW's electric parking brake for a rear brake job