Just found out something interesting:

My Octy is 2.0TDi set on variable service. As we all know, it uses some oil. So, since new I was trying to find out how long did I have until service and it was always showing me "Service now". I've been checking it by holding reset button and turning the ignition on. At arround 5.000 km oil light came on. Up to that time I was not able to see how long did I have untill service as it was always saying "Service now", but only using reset-ignition way. At arround 2.000 km went to the dealer and they said it was not time for the service, just leave it as it is, it will show the remaining time/kms some day.

So, at 5.000 km and oil light on, I got the oil from the dealer (504/507 Long Life) and put 700ml to top it up. One week later, ingition-reset showed me remaining time/km until the service (it was something like 400 days or 20.000 km). Then, at arround 8.000 km it was again "Service now", but again only on ignition-reset. Then, at arround 9.000 km I rememberd to check the oil level (oil light was not on). It was far too low, on minimum of the minimum area. It took 700ml again to top it up. Then, a weak or two later, ignition-reset started to show reamining time/kms again.

So, that's my experience. Don't know if that was the way it's suppose to be or it's just my Octy. It has some logic: Oil goes too low - service now, meaning top it up. I don't know.

Just found out something interesting:

My Octy is 2.0TDi set on variable service. As we all know, it uses some oil. So, since new I was trying to find out how long did I have until service and it was always showing me "Service now". I've been checking it by holding reset button and turning the ignition on.

I don't think you are using the correct routine to check the 'how long to service?' and may in fact be resetting it each time you 'check it'.

Correct routine is;

1. Engine running.

2. Turn engine off (one click only on the ignition key and leave key in the ignition).

3. Press and hold trip mileage button for more than 2 seconds (3 - 5 secs).

4. Release the trip button and mileage/time to next service is displayed.

The variable service, from start/reset is 18,000 miles/2 years. The car takes 500 - 1000 miles to 'learn' what servicing will be needed and then predicts from there. It may be as low as 10 - 12,000 miles but can be as high as 25 - 28,000 miles depending on your journeys and driving style.

As to your oil warning light coming on this is the emergency situation.

You should check your oil, say, once a week and before a long trip. A maximum time between checks should be, say, 1,000 miles OR 1,500 km. This way you can keep a steady check on your oil and top-up about every 3 - 5,000km.

For example; my vRS TDI need 0.5L top-up every 3,000 miles (5000km).

Thanks, your reply was realy exhaustive and very helpful. I'll try to change the way of checking the remaining time to service and be more careful with oil level.

Thanks again.