Instrument binnacle test

[E31Shrew]

Just wanted to confirm the button pressing procedure to test the instruments on most BMWs...I'm pretty sure it went Press trip reset then take ignition key to position 2 then release trip button.....Does anyone have the definitive answer??? Its a 98 840 but I think it might be the same for most models.
Many thanks

[Shropshiremike]

E31Shrew said:

Just wanted to confirm the button pressing procedure to test the instruments on most BMWs...I'm pretty sure it went Press trip reset then take ignition key to position 2 then release trip button.....Does anyone have the definitive answer??? Its a 98 840 but I think it might be the same for most models.
Many thanks

On the E36

1. With the key in the 0 (off) position, depress the trip odometer reset button. This will illuminate the odometers, but will not reset them.

2. Hold the trip odometer reset button for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, the odometer illumination will go out.

3. When the odometer illumination goes out, turn the key to the 1 (accessory) position and release the odometer reset button.

4. The instrument cluster will display "test 01" and begin the self test process. The odometer display will show the test number on the right (01 - 06) and that test's associated code on the left. The tests are as follows:

01: BMW Part number - 6 digits
02: Internal coding plug number - 5 digits
03: K Number - 4 digits
04: Chassis number - 5 digits (partial VIN)
05: Software version - 3 digits
06: Revision index - 2 digits (Hardware #)

5. After the self test codes are displayed, all 5 instrument needles will automaticall sweep their full ranges.

6. The instrument test function is cancelled by turning the key to either position 0 (off) or position 2 (run).

[E31Shrew]

Thanks for that Mike. I'll give it a go tonight. Did you go to the Cosford Breakfast club last weekend?

[TheEnd]

You shouldn't need to hold the button down for 30 secs at the start.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpN2MzQqnDs

It could well be possible on many other clusters of about the same age though i guess

[Shropshiremike]

TheEnd said:

You shouldn't need to hold the button down for 30 secs at the start.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpN2MzQqnDs

It could well be possible on many other clusters of about the same age though i guess

I think you're right Enda - I just copied that from a site but I don't think I had to hold mine down for very long.


E31Shrew,

No chap - I didn't go - bit busy with kids parties and such frivolity!

[TheEnd]

there definitely is a knack to it, some people never get it to work, and the vid fails the first time, so i guess you do need to hold it down for a short while.