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Pelican Technical Article:

Reseting the Service
Indicator Lamp on the
3-Series E36 BMW

Jared Fenton

Difficulty Level: 2
Difficulty scale: Adding air to your tires is level one
Rebuilding a BMW Motor is level ten

     This article is the one in a series that will be released in conjunction with Wayne's upcoming book, 101 Projects for Your BMW 3-Series.  The book will be 256 pages of full color projects detailing everything from performance mods to timing the camshafts.   With more than 350+ full-color glossy photos accompanying extensive step-by-step procedures, this book should be a staple in any 3-Series owner's collection.  See The Official Book Website for more details.  The book is due out in October 2005.  

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    One of the frustrations of late model BMW's is the service light indicator which comes on at a pre-determined number of miles. While the indicator light is a nice feature to have, It can be irritating, as BMW provided no means to reset it except for taking the car into a dealership or shop. With Peake Research's nifty R5 reset tool you can reset the light yourself, in less then 5 minutes.

     Figure 1 shows the unit itself. It comes with a handy case and written instructions for use. The first step is to find the diagnostic port on your BMW. There are a few different locations where it may be, depending on the year and model of your BMW. Included in the instruction sheet is a diagram of port locations. Figure 2 shows the location of the port on our E36.

     The first step is to turn on the ignition but do not start the car. As you can see in Figure 3, the service lights are turned on. Next, plug the reset tool into the diagnostic port as shown in Figure 4. The yellow "ready" light should illuminate. Now, press and hold the switch on the reset tool as shown in Figure 5. The red "reset" light will immediatley begin to flash. In order for the "Oil Service" indicator light to turn off, count out seven flashes then release the switch. For the "Inspection" indicator light to turn off, count out 23 flashes then release the switch. As you can see in Figure 6, the indicator lights are now switched off. Now simply twist the dust cover back on as seen in Figure 7 and that's it, you're done!

     Well, there you have it - it's really not too difficult at all.  If you would like to see more technical articles like this one, please continue to support Pelican Parts with all your parts needs.  If you like what you see here, then please visit our online BMW catalog and help support the collection and creating of new and informative technical articles like this one.  Your continued support directly affects the expansion and existence of this site and technical articles like this one.  As always, if you have any questions or comments about this helpful article, please drop us a line.

Comments and Suggestions:
JGComments: z3 brake fluid light replacement reset which pins will do this
February 12, 2012
billComments: Hello Wayne, In your book, project 3 page 21 you mention using a wire accross some pins and tell me there is more info at 101Projects.com. Where is this information?
December 19, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: I haven't had a chance to post that info, but here's a webpage with the info you're looking for: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/sil.html - Wayne at Pelican Parts
O RodComments: Great info..thank you!
Is this reset tool only for 3 series?
I would like to reset my 528I
Is it the same tool please? Where do I buy the R5 for my 528I and how much, please..thank you!
October 12, 2011
NeilComments: Hello Wayne, In your book, project 3 page 21 you mention using a wire accross some pins and tell me there is more info at 101Projects.com. Where is this information?
September 20, 2011
DavyComments: Hi, love your site and have found all your articles to be most helpful. I,m out in South Africa and cannot locate a reset tool as mentioned in the article. Any change there is a means to reset without the tool.. Appreciate the assistance. PS. I have a ,96 320I
April 14, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: You can short some wires together to reset the car - I don't recommend this, and we don't have an article on this, but there's info on this on the Internet. We also ship to SA all the time, so getting one to you should not be an issue. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
PlayboyComments: Hello Hello Playboy Here. Can someone tell me where I can get an Manual for My E36 convertible. I've looked everywhere and can only get E36 coupe and soloon .But none for E36 CONVERTIBLE. Please Can Someone HELP ME .
March 13, 2011
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: The Bentley workshop manual that we sell covers convertibles, but not too much the actual top / roof mechanism. - Wayne at Pelican Parts
nasComments: i hv prob where my bmw e36 when i start my engine and sudden move my car jerking and bob bob sound come out .it also no power .then after engine got hot this prob vanish.for tuor info i changed plug,plug socket,but this prob still occur,and one more thing i notice engine oil inside the plug compound.so how to solve this prob bro.tq
August 1, 2010
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: These cars are more than happy to tell you what they think is wrong with them, you just need to be sure that you read the codes. See my tech article for more details: http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Mult-Code_Reading/Mult-Code_Reading.htm ">http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Mult-Code_Reading/Mult-Code_Reading.htm - Wayne at Pelican Parts
IwanComments: @Rucsak
I had same problem,you only need a few seconds more in theport.
I tried it a few times and suddenly....al GREEN!!!!
April 20, 2010
G lucasComments: it is basically just jumping pin 7 to 19
March 15, 2010
mathersComments: u can just use a paperclip!
February 12, 2010
clumsomComments: Where is the port for a Z3 2001
November 1, 2009
 Followup from the Pelican Staff: The diagnostic port should be off to the side of the engine compartment. There is another article in our section here that shows it: http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Mult-Code_Reading/Mult-Code_Reading.htm- Wayne at Pelican Parts
RucsakComments: Hi Team We have a 1998 316i 4Dr I've recently did the oil & filter change. Using a FT-Resetting Service switch going by the info with operating the unit nothing changed on the indicator lights. I then used the other option of the wire in ports 7 & 19 & still the indicator lights stayed the same. Please advise me with the next option other than sitting down & scratching my head. Many thanks.
April 20, 2009
  

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