How to Reset the BMW Service Light?
4 Answers
BMW service light reset method is as follows: 1. Turn off the ignition switch and stop the engine; 2. Press the button at the lower left corner of the instrument panel; 3. Turn on the ignition switch; 4. Hold the lower left button for 5 seconds until OILSERVICE or INSPECTION and RESET appear; 5. Release the button, then press it again for about 5 seconds until RESET starts flashing; 6. Release the button, press and hold it again, the new service interval will be displayed, press the button once more, and when ENDSIA appears, the reset is complete. BMW is a German automobile brand with four model lines: i, X, Z, and pure numeric series such as 1, 2, 3, etc. Taking the X5 as an example, its body dimensions are 4909mm in length, 1938mm in width, 1772mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2933mm.
I've been driving a BMW for several years, and resetting the maintenance light depends on the specific model. In most cases, a manual reset is sufficient, so there's no need to visit the dealership. First, sit in the car without starting the engine—just turn the key to the ignition position. Then, locate the reset button on the instrument panel, usually the BC button near the odometer, and hold it down. After a few seconds, the maintenance indicator icon on the screen may flash or change—release the button and use the confirm key to reset. Keep in mind that button positions vary by model year; for example, pre-2010 models are simpler, while post-2015 models may require navigating the iDrive menu. After resetting, try starting the car to see if the light turns off. The first time I did this, I pressed the wrong button and had to try a couple of times before succeeding. Now, I reset it myself after every service, saving time and money. The key is practice—always check the manual first to ensure the correct steps and avoid unnecessary hassle.
As a car enthusiast who often tinkers with my own vehicle, resetting the maintenance light is no big challenge. The general procedure is: turn on the car's electrical system without starting the engine, then use the BC button or a combination of buttons on the steering wheel to access the settings menu. On the screen displaying the maintenance reminder, hold down the confirmation button for five to ten seconds until the reset is successful. Some newer BMW models may require connecting a diagnostic tool to the OBD port, but we rarely need those for home operations. The key is to be patient and not let go midway, otherwise it's easy to fail. After resetting, it's recommended to take a short drive to test if the system has properly restored. I've done this multiple times on my own car without any issues—much more cost-effective than taking it to a shop. Note that button functions may vary slightly between different model years, so if you're unsure, consult the user manual or search online for specific tutorials.
Just bought a used BMW, and when the maintenance light came on, I went to reset it. The process was quite simple: turn the key to the position without starting the car, press the reset button on the dashboard until the icon flashes, then release to confirm. The button location may vary for different models, so I checked the manual to confirm and got it done. If you don't succeed doing it yourself, the dealership can help you reset it for free. The reset is to remind you of oil change maintenance, so don't take it lightly.
