Service light symbol.

[Holski]

Hi All, got a new symbol in the panel thats houses the service lights, looks like a timer/ clock symbol in amber. Goes out with the service lights when the car is started. BTW only have two green lights on at the mo. Any ideas what it's for, certain service due soon?

[X5Sport]

Time based servicing (TBS).  If you haven't had a service in the last two years which included a brake fluid change then this fluid change is what you now need.  If you have had no service at all in the last two years then you do need a full one.  There are two systems on the BMW - the LEDs (Condition Based Servicing CBS) which varies with how you drive and the 'clock in a box' one which occurs every two years.  Brake fluid should be replaced every two years because of it absorbing water which ruins it.  it is unusual to have both 'in step' so as you are now getting told, 2 Greens to the CBS, but your TBS light is on.

I think for the X5 it is just brake fluid, but it might also include coolant and they will do a safety check - or should do!

Richard

[Holski]

Cheers Richard, got all the stuff ready for an oil change. Best get me some brake fluid as well! Will the TBS clear when I clear the service lights?

[X5Sport]

Pass.....never done it.  No doubt someone will know though.  Have a look on the forum for brake fluid changes because if you do it wrong you can damage the ABS modulator and they're expensive!  The TIS link (sticky in the General area) does carry some info about it too.

R

[jaynana]

i have done it, mine came up soon after i bought the car, while the service indicators were saying service not due for ages. 

X5sport is right. the TBS is actually the brake fluid, which needs to be changed every 2 years if i remember well.