bmw 1 series

Can anybody help me please, Today I tried to connect my fault code reader to a 1 series with the n43 engine as I wanted to reset the service indicator but it would not communicate and it said turn on the ignition but as far as I was concerned the ignition was on as the dash lights were on, This is a keyless ignition switch, Any help please, Peter.

Plug in reader, put foot on brake, insert key, and hit start button. Scanner will read.

Please note...a common scanner will not reset the service indicator. You can do that with out a tool. I dont have the instructions handy but you can Google it.

Found it...here you go:

If you just want to reset the service reminders you do not need any tools. This is from one of the "other forums".

Step 1
Insert key into slot
Step 2
Press start/stop button without depressing clutch/brake and wait for the service reminder to dissapear.
Step 3
Immediately after service reminder goes out, press and hold the odometer reset. After 3 secs a warning triangle will appear, keep the odo. button pressed and after another 2-3 secs the Oil can will appear. I f you hold it too long (10 secs in total) you will overshoot the runway and some German writing will appear giving the software level/ can bus etc. of the car. Go back to the beginning and start again.
Step 4
You are now in the service menu, use the toggle switch on indicator stalk to scroll up/down through the various service items.
Step 5
When you have the item you want to reset showing, press the BC button on end of indicator stalk. Reset should now appear in the display. Press in and hold the BC button for 2-3 secs and a clock will start whirling around and hey presto, its done
Step 6
You can now either scroll up/down to select another item (as in step 4) or you can press the start/stop button to exit.

Thank you very much x3Brian, Peter Newman.