Cockpit Instrument Test - E36

Anyone tried this

If you have a post '97 E36 4 door/coupe/convertible/M3, '95-present 318ti, 
'96 -present Z3, you can do tests including a digital tachometer and yes it 
can be used while driving although I DON'T RECOMMEND IT!

NOTE: 
*Test functions 1-4 are unlocked tests and can be called up at any time for  display.
*Test functions 5-14 are locked and require unclocking the test mode before 
       they can be displayed.
*Test functions 2-14 can be selected at any time when the cluster is 
       unlocked, even when vehicle is moving.
*Test function 15 is the lock/unlock function.

Step 1: Press and hold the mileage reset button.

Step 2: Put key into ignition switch and turn to KLR (Ignition switch  position #1)
Your LCD display will show something like this "tESt 01"

Step 3: You will need to unlock the test function first so when the LCD 
Display shows "tESt 01", press the reset button till you get to "tESt 15". 
Once you're on test 15 press, and hold the reset buton for a few seconds 
until it displays "off". Now you can cycle through the test features. Here 
they are as they follow:

Test 1: Instrument self test

Test 2: Engine Data - This display is an "engine factor" value that is stored 
in the coding plug. The instrument cluster processor uses this factor in 
addition to the "TD" signal from the DME control module to process and 
display tachometer RPM based on the engine installed. For EXAMPLE:
*ENGINE FACTOR 2 = 4 CYLINDER
*ENGINE FACTOR 3 = 6 CYLINDER
*ENGINE FACTOR 4 = 8 CYLINDER

Test 3: SI elapsed distance - the total mileage in kilometer since the last 
reset. Which service is due at the next inspection (OIL SERVICE or INSPECTION)

Test 4: SI elapsed days - no value for US vehicles. Relates to Euro annual inspections.

Test 5: SI evaluation factor - for engine speed and temp. thresholds being  passed. 
Display: n = 0 or 1. engine speed (over-rev)
t = 0 or 1. engine temp.

Test 6: Fuel Level and coolent temp. - Display of hexadecimal codes in 
relation to gauge position.
Fuel gauge Hex value
A (empty)----------> 0d
End of reserve------> 37
B-------------------> 54
C-------------------> 90
D-------------------> c4
E (full)--------------> f0

Engine temp. Hex Value 
A-------------------> ce 
B-------------------> 6d
C-------------------> 5c
D (center)----------> 4f-23
E-------------------> 1e
F-------------------> 18

Test 7: Engine speed - display of current engine speed

Test 8: Road speed - display of current road speed in km/h

Test 9 Distance reading - this allows the total stored mileage to be updated 
if one of the storage components has to be replaced. This test step will be 
used if the manipulation dot is illuminated in the cluster display. Ths 
display will show the component with the lower mileage. For example:
Display of 012654 l indicates that the mileage in the internal EEPROM is 
lower than the milage stored in the coding plug.
Display of 000325 E indicates that the mileage in external coding plug is 
lower then the total mileage stored in the internal EEPROM.
Pressing the reset button for 4 seconds will over write the lower mileage 
with the higher mileage and cancel the manipulation dot. The SI data will 
also be transferred at the same time.

Test 10: Status bits (input signals) - the status of digital inputs to the 
cluster are displayed as 0 or 1. Display: 0 = input low, 1 = input high.
_ _ _ _ _ _ <--- Mileage display...6 digits left to right
1st - belt contact, seat belt fastened = 0
2nd - ignition lock contact, key inserted = 0 
3rd - door contact, door open = 0
4th - clock button pressed = 0
5th - SI reset = 0, for reset = 0
6th - EGS transmission failure = 0

Test 11: Status Bits (output signals) - the status of digital outputs is  displayed.
Display: 0 = output inactive, 1 = output active
_ _ _ _ _ _ <--- Mileage display...6 digits left to right
1st - Gond output
2nd - Brake warning lamp
3rd - Low fuel warning lamp
4th - EGA lamp
5th - seat belt lamp
6th - manipulation dot

Test 12: not used

Test 13: Country code of cluster - the display indicates the country version 
of the cluster. This cannot be changed in the workshop. Display: USA 02

Test 14: Software Reset - The reset must be carried out if any faults are 
present that are not plausible before any components are replaced. After the 
reset, the system will exit the TEST mode and the lock will be reactived.

Test 15: lock/unlock

NOTE: KLR means ignition switch position #1 (accessory) KL-15 is ignition 
switch position #2 (on), and KL-50 is ignition position #3 (start) "TD" is 
engine speed signal. Try not to use the engine speed and road speed while 
driving. The display is too low and you have to read instead of glancing 
which takes too much time taking away your eyes off the road.
Hope this test brings some fun and interest to you all.

Jon Caldito
BMW STEP - Orlando
Class #8

or link to full page is @

http://member.rivernet.com.au/btaylor/BMWText/technical/CockpitInstrumentTestE36.html

Tony