"Service/Inspection" light on e36 instrument panel

BennyL · 11-06-2005, 05:34 PM

ok, so every time I fire up my e36 there is a light across the bottom of the instrument panel. I have attached a file that shows more or less what it is I see on my dash.

so - what does this mean? I read the owner's manual, and all it says is that that means I have to take my car into the BMW dealership. something tells me that will cost me alot of unnecessary money. so, I figured since all of you also have e36's - you may have more experience.

so, what is my best course of action? who knows more about this "inspection" light?

jeremy · 11-06-2005, 05:37 PM

time for an oil change..

the dealer will reset it

BennyL · 11-06-2005, 05:42 PM

are you sure its oil?

cuz in the owner's manual it says that if its time for an oil change, it will actually show "OIL" instead of inspection.

Justin e36 · 11-06-2005, 05:46 PM

yes, that's the inspection light.. not oil change light.
you can either take it into the dealership and have them reset it.
you can inspect it yourself and reset it yourself with a piece of wire.
or you can just reset it and go on driving as usual.

J

BennyL · 11-06-2005, 05:57 PM

ok, well, of course I can reset it... but isn't it there for a reason? like, shouldn't I be concerned about something - some sort of problem?

**thinair** · 11-06-2005, 06:02 PM

after 'x' amount of kilometers the green bars slowly disappear and the red ones appear, with either the OIL or INSPECTION indicator. The harder you drive, the quicker those lights will light up. Basically they're just reminders to either change your oil or for you to go do a service inspection at the dealer. It's not like the check engine light which means something is messed up. I usually reset mine with a paperclip.

Driving with the red bars on won't damage the car at all, although appearently your car will consume a little more fuel.

BennyL · 11-06-2005, 06:10 PM

ok, so i should just reset the light, get an oil change, and have the car inspected?

once again... taking it to the nearest Autohaus (Steeles & Yonge) will cost me alot of cash. anyone know a good authorized BMW service place that is reasonable?

**thinair** · 11-06-2005, 06:39 PM

Well, when was the last time your oil was changed??

Inspections are nice to do if you want to keep up your dealer maintenence records. I've never had one done, I just do them myself and save myself the money. I have no intention of selling my car at any point, so those records won't benefit anyone.

BennyL · 11-06-2005, 06:59 PM

ok, how do u do ur own inspection? i mean, what do u inspect, etc.

and as far as i know, the last oil change could have been done a month ago or 5 years ago. i didn't get any service records with the car, and i just got the car about a month ago. so i figure i'll do one anyways, to be sure. my next problem is - what kind of oil should i use? i have no clue what the previous owner was using.

Justin e36 · 11-06-2005, 08:24 PM

BMW Inspection I - every 20,000mi

Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.

Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.

Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc. Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.

Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

================

BMW Inpsection II - every 40,000mi

Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
Check thickness of parking brake linings.
Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.

Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace intake air cleaner element.

Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.

Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

Oil Change Service

1. Drain and refill your vehicle's crankcase with BMW approved oil. Install a new genuine BMW oil filter

2. Check all other Fluid levels, and top off as necessary.

3. Check and adjust tire pressure.

4. Fill windshield washer fluid.

5. Reset oil light

propr'one · 11-06-2005, 10:57 PM

Justin, i've been trying to short pin 7 for 11 seconds when the car is on (but not started) like its in the position where the CEL already comes on. What am i doing wrong

**thinair** · 11-06-2005, 11:17 PM

I usually just toss a paper clip from pin 7 to 19, turn the ignition to the on position for a bit, then turn it off, remove the clip and turn the ignition back on and everything is clear.

propr'one · 11-07-2005, 12:18 AM

Will this reset the CEL? i think im confused. Is it true that pin 7 & 15 shorted out will reset SRS light?

please help

Ital_325i · 11-07-2005, 10:39 AM

I can suggest taking it to Charlie(bimmersport) He will do your oil change for a fair price. And he has the reset tool. If you want to do it yourself, just listen to thinair's post and cross the two pins, have someone turn the key to the on, not start position, and wait about 7 secs. The green bars should appear. Whenever buying a new car, I would change all the fluids, including oil, coolant, tranny, and I would check out the brake fluid.

Justin e36 · 11-07-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proprone

Will this reset the CEL? i think im confused. Is it true that pin 7 & 15 shorted out will reset SRS light?

please help

The SRS light is a little bit different to reset. You'll need the peake tool as far as I know...