Service panel re-set?

I have had the oil and filter changed on my 1998 535i and the chap who done it wasn't able to re-set the service lights. How can I get it done please? pete

Reply to
pete
Loading thread data ...

You can either pay someone to reset it or try this:

formatting link

Reply to
JimV

No doubt one of the BMW websites will explain, but you can buy a reset tool on eBay for around £10 plus or whatever that is in dollars. Mike.

Reply to
Mike G

It would somewhat worry me trusting an oil service to someone who plainly knows nothing about the vehicle.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

Hard one this: -

Stand car on level ground.

Switch off engine.

Remove drain plug and run out oil into container for environmentally acceptable disposal or use specialist removal system to suck up oil through dipstick tube & ibid.

Unscrew oil filter and replace (varies from model to model).

Replace drain plug / dipstick*.

Refill with volume of oil listed in handbook, checking level is within limits shown on dipstick.

Turn over engine and check for oil tightness.

All from memory, and I've only ever done it on a small motorbike 30 years ago, so perhaps I missed something - oh yes reset proprietary service counter...

  • There was a very famous case of a lady who bought a mini and the salesman promised her it was very easy to service - she could do it herself. First regular service she drained the oil and seized the engine. She got her money back because the handbook said nothing about refilling!
Reply to
R. Mark Clayton

Four, on an M50.

Floyd

Reply to
fbloogyudsr

Right. Should also have added clean the canister before and after. ;-)

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote

Should I add the instructions for removing the bottom engine compartment cover from the E46?

Shouldn't we have a list of tools we need?

Floyd ;-)

Reply to
fbloogyudsr

I was thinking canister filter (which has integral seal), however some models have a permanent canister and you just change the filter.

No they should be in the boot!

Reply to
R. Mark Clayton

Not quite like that Dave. This bloke is tops but something has clearly gone wrong here. When I asked him about it he said he had used the tool to reset it and nothing changed but would call round next week to fix it as he was in a hurry. However this is where it gets very strange indeed and in the heat of the moment I cannot say just what the exact routine was. A youngster got annoyed with me today and tried to grab the keys out of my ignition but only succeed in switching the engine off. I do not remember (it was a heated moment) what position the gear selector was in. However I immediately tried to re-start the engine and of course nothing happened and as I started to get alarmed that my ignition had been damaged I realised that I had to have the selector in park to start the car. I may have switched the key off here but I cannot be sure. I selected park and turned the key to start the engine and saw five panels light up on my service panel. I still have five panels alight. What has happened? pete

Reply to
pete

RTFM

When freshly serviced you get 5 green lights, after an oil service usually

  1. They go out as you drive along. It used to be on revolutions, but current models do IIRC simply measure fuel burned. They can also go out after a long time.

When the last green one goes out an amber one comes on together with whatever service is now required. Then (rather more quickly I believe) up to 3 red lights come on [full time] until you get it done.

Reply to
R. Mark Clayton

No - I think you need to read the thread...

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

The last time it was serviced I had 5 green light on. I was down to one green light and my mechanic is to be away all of July so I had a full service done this week and an MOT. He has re-set the service lights before on other BMW's but for some reason mine wouldn't re-set and now they have re-set to 5 green lights. The point is is this a delayed action from when the mechanic tried to re-set it or have I stumbled upon a way to re-set the service lights? ;-)))) pete

Reply to
pete

Ah. Between us I got hold of the wrong end of the stick. ;-)

Hope you're ok. Kids these days.

Dunno. I'll often park up to have a drink of water, etc, and put the car in drive so you can use the cup holder. And then try to start it. But the service lights have never reset. I'd say most of us at one time or another have tried to start in other than neutral or park.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

I am wondering if the mech done the re-set and forgot the routine with turning on the ignition etc. It is a mystery to me but although I am pleased to have 5 lights on I do not know what has been re-set, the service interval or the oil change one? pete

Reply to
pete

I spoke to the mechanic today and he confirms he done everything according to the book with the Peake tool and it never worked although it has with every over BMW he has ever worked on. He is unable to give me an explanation of what has happened. pete

Reply to
pete

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.