Reset Engine Oil Indicator

[dlm]

I just changed the oil in my wife's 99 328i for the first time since she's owned it ... had previously been done by the dealer. I'd like to know how to reset the "change engine oil" reminder. Would appreciate any instructions. Thanks! Bernie

[Jim Spence]

There are many posts here on how to reset it. Here is but one of them (which I just got by using the "search" function).

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/206524/3

[pmccoy]

This should be helpful: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html

Here's the basics:
Switch ignition to position 2
Open data port connector (on my 96 318i it is on the right side under hood facing front of car)
Ground pin 7 for 3 seconds
Close data port

The link has a fancy wire contraption for grounding the pin but I just use a paper clip (or any other handy bendable wire) to connect pin 7 to pin 1. Note that I have a 15 pin connector and the 20 pin connector has a different ground on it... I think pin 19. Check the link before you ground something you shouldn't.

[E36 Phantom]

Yeah, I don't know what's up with those complicated DIY's. I didn't know there was a ground pin though, I've been using a strip of wire to ground pin 7 to a grounded bolt by the strut tower.

So on the 20 pin, you think 19 is the ground? Do you happen to have a link anywhere?

[Conehead]

I dont want to be a prude, but in my humble opinion, the purchase of a reset tool of ebay would be, in my mind safer..

Just an opinion.

Cone
XXX

[pmccoy]

Yeah, I don't know what's up with those complicated DIY's. I didn't know there was a ground pin though, I've been using a strip of wire to ground pin 7 to a grounded bolt by the strut tower.

So on the 20 pin, you think 19 is the ground? Do you happen to have a link anywhere?
Jim's link says pin 19. My link also had pin 19 as the ground in a pinout list.

An e-bay purchased reset tool would be much safer but I don't see a problem as long as you carefully identify the pins.

[Pirate_copy]

I dont want to be a prude, but in my humble opinion, the purchase of a reset tool of ebay would be, in my mind safer..

Just an opinion.

Cone
XXX

+100

I dont like the idea of 'shorting' anything on my car!

[Jim Spence]

I'm a man ... I don't like the word "shorting" on ANY thing.

[Pirate_copy]

:rofl:

[E36 Phantom]

I'm a man ... I don't like the word "shorting" on ANY thing.

:rofl::rofl:

It's not shorting it, its grounding it. Those tools do th exact same thing! They simply connect 7 & whatever pin with a little wire underneath all that plastic and have a cute little light on top.

Really, its nothing to worry about, I haven't had a single problem at all with it.

[Pirate_copy]

Thats fair enough...would still buy a tool though :)

[E36 Phantom]

No prob. Just thought I'd give the OP a 10 cent method instead of a 30 dollar one ;)

Everyone's welcome to buy the tool if they want tho! Lol.

[dlm]

Thanks to all respondants ... I'll try this tonight! Happy cruising to all!

[slavka]

No prob. Just thought I'd give the OP a 10 cent method instead of a 30 dollar one ;)

Everyone's welcome to buy the tool if they want tho! Lol.

+1 just do the 7 to ground it will work.

[wag-zhp]

Excellent thread. I really didn't want to by a reset tool.

[Pirate_copy]

Guess i will shut up then.....

[wag-zhp]

Guess i will shut up then.....
No, your advise is very sound, and if I weren't motoring on a shoestring budget there are a great many tools that I would like to have...

When there are shortcuts or more cost effective ways of doing a job I like to know about them, and with that knowledge will then weigh the benefits or risks associated with each method. I realize that sometimes (or with these cars, quite often) cheaper isn't always better.

[Pirate_copy]

Too true buddy :)

[im]

if short on cash $$$...this is what i have done...use a small 12volt test light... place clip on any ground and then touch the correct pin with poker from test light...if by accident you touch the wrong pin the computer would not become fried....... you probably have a test light in your tool box...consider not using a straight wire....

[jtsailjt]

if short on cash $$$...this is what i have done...use a small 12volt test light... place clip on any ground and then touch the correct pin with poker from test light...if by accident you touch the wrong pin the computer would not become fried....... you probably have a test light in your tool box...consider not using a straight wire....

This sounds like a great solution to me! It's not like it's particularly hard to tell which pin it is, but just in case Murphy is lurking nearby while you're doing it, the 12 volt test light would add some resistance so it's not a straight short.