How Does The Bmw Service Indicator Light Work?

[k_nitin_r 8]

I've been wondering... how does the BMW service indicator light work? On BMWs, the owners are reminded of the regular service by means of a service indicator light on the dashboard. How does the service indicator light work? Does it depend on the distance, time since the last service, the state of the engine oil and filters, or is it a combination of all of the above?Also, is it true that the BMW service schedule is less frequent than that of other vehicles? That's the pitch that the sales folk at the BMW showroom tell their customers when asked about the high servicing charges.