What's this for ?

[FMetalJacket]

I've got no idea what this is for
(under speedometer)

[E36youngster]

its your service indicator. when it gets down to the two red bars you need to have it serviced...if you're into that kind of this. i just reset mine after i change the oil and filters and such.

[E36 Phantom]

Its useless. Ignore it. I'm serious. Lol.

Basically, BMW put a countdown timer to the next "service interval" where the oil and other fluids are supposed to be changed. There are 5 green dots, a yellow, and a red. The way its designed to work is the green bars gradually count down, when it gets to yellow, you schedule a service appointment. If it shows yellow & red, you're overdue.

HOWEVER, the interval is WAY TOO LONG. If you go by BMW's interval, you'll have missed about 2-3 oil changes. They seem to be on 8-11k mile intervals (they vary based on miles driven cold and a few other factors), which is ridiculous. Hence, the thing is pretty much useless.

Also, I also reset it every oil change, just because I don't like looking at it yellow and red like that. Lol. On E36's, its easy to do. In the OBDI port under the hood, just ground Pin 7 to a grounding nut near the strut tower for 30 seconds using a single piece of wire. If you're interested in doing this, let me know and I'll post more instructions.

[Xeek]

I've read that you can ground PIN7 to PIN19 (GROUND) which would only require a paperclip.
First turn the key to the 2nd position (do not start car) then ground PIN7 to PIN19 for about 4 seconds to reset the oil change light. Do it for 10-14 seconds for maintence light.
I believe the light should go off after this procedure withouth having to, turn the key back again or anything like that.

[raske_jalg]

i have a quick question too. i dont want to make another thread, so i ask here. what is this light and what does it mean when it blink? http://i29.tinypic.com/vmxhjl.jpg

[jryguyi]

i have a quick question too. i dont want to make another thread, so i ask here. what is this light and what does it mean when it blink? http://i29.tinypic.com/vmxhjl.jpg

alarm led?

[E36 Phantom]

Yep, means the alarm is armed.

[Valsun]

Hi All,
After the 45,ooo mile service that is under my warranty, do you recommend I buy an extended warranty??? or just wing it anf pay for an oil change and maintenance at 65k miles???

[toddstaples]

pin 7 to pin 19... is that the same on an 04 328? My buddy has this car and has the service light coming on and wants to know how to turn it off after he's done his oil change too

[jason_recliner]

HOWEVER, the interval is WAY TOO LONG. If you go by BMW's interval, you'll have missed about 2-3 oil changes. They seem to be on 8-11k mile intervals (they vary based on miles driven cold and a few other factors), which is ridiculous. Hence, the thing is pretty much useless.

Modern oils are really very good, as long as you don't over polymerise.
I change oil and reset on the fourth bar at 10,000km and still consider it overdone.


Also, I also reset it every oil change, just because I don't like looking at it yellow and red like that. Lol. On E36's, its easy to do. In the OBDI port under the hood, just ground Pin 7 to a grounding nut near the strut tower for 30 seconds using a single piece of wire. If you're interested in doing this, let me know and I'll post more instructions.

The original photo shows a service interval is also due.
30 seconds will actually reset the service indicator without clearing the oil bars. I accidentally cleared my service2 on the weekend after an oil change, though my service is an ongoing task.

[andrewreay87]

hey,
just reading your reply about the manual inspection reset would be interested to know how i can do it cauz the red light annoys me. my mechanic does not have the tool to reset it. would you mind??

cheers and regards
andrew

[CJH]

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html