hidden features?

[dj_rookie]

hi, does anybody know if my 95/96 e36 318i SE has any hidden features/ cool things? i only know aout the dials thing...

thanks in advance

kyle

[Jack Dabsy]

Yeah, many... Search this forum for "BMW computer" or "Settings" etc...

[Morgion]

From Bimmerforums:

To determine if your OBC (computer) is eligible press 1000 and 10 together. You should see TEST NO or something like that.
Now, some of the functions are locked out. I do not recommend messing with them and you do so at your own risk. That said, to unlock all functions press 1000 and 10 and at the TEST prompt enter 19 using the keys. Press SET/RES and you should see LOCK:ON or something similar. Press the DATE key (today you'd see 09.02) and add the two numbers (day and month) together (today 11).

Now enter the number you just calculated and press SET/RES and you have unlocked the secret functions.

To lock the functions back up, press 1000 and 10 then enter 19, SET/RES and then press SET/RES again. It should show LOCK:ON again.

In general, to use a function, press 1000 and 10 together then enter the number of the test with the numeric keys and press SET/RES to actually execute the test.

Test numbers for E36 OBC:
Test no. Description
1 Display Test - all LCDs and LEDs activated
2 Current Consumption in l/100km
3 Current Consumption in l/hour
4 Average Consumption (used to calc. Range)
5 Current Range
6 Not used
7 Average Fuel in Tank (l)
8 Current Speed (km/h)
9 System Voltage at terminal R
10 Country/Language
11 Units/AM.PM
12 Average Speed (km/h) for calc. ETA
13 ETA
14 Date of software/mask of OBC
15 Production Diagnosis (?)
16 Production Diagnosis (?)
17 Display Vehicle Specific Data
18 Alarm Changeover (continuous/intermittent)
19 LOCK/UNLOCK all functions
20 Correction Factor for OBC Fuel Consumption (See below!)
21 Reset all defect codes, date and time. Activate by pressing SET/RES

Note on test #20:
The factor is used to correct the OBC Avg Fuel Consumption figure to reality. If your OBC is off a bit: Fill the tank up, run tank down and refill, then calculate your actual MPG. Now enter test 20 to get the old Correction Factor.

NEW CF= OLD CF *(OBC MPG/Actual MPG)
Enter the NEW CF using the numeric keys and hit SET/RES to store. PLEASE record your OLD CF so that IF you screw up you can always go back to what it was.

[dj_rookie]

thanks for the replies... but not sure what you mean by pressing numbers and all that, as there is no key pad or anything in the car whatsoever? confused! lol

thanks for replying

kyle

[Morgion]

Aren't there "1", "10", "100" and "1000"-buttons on your OBC console? If not, then you need to get an upgrade. Which of these consoles does your OBC look like?

[dj_rookie]

there are none of them in the car anywhere... really confused. im assuming it should be on the center of the dash? but it isnt and i cant find anything like that at all! thanks for replying

[Morgion]

Check the picture I attached. A console like one of those in the picture should be located under your climate control panel. If there isn't, you don't have an On-Board Computer and can't access any of the hidden features until you install one (assuming your car can be fitted with one).

[dj_rookie]

sorry to be annoying lol but i dont even have climate control... the only thing i know i can do is the thing with the dials (syncing th dials)... and reseting the oil light.... that is all i can find about the car... its been a pain in the ass ever since i got it! first off, the center locking nut on a rear wheel hub came off (cawboy of a mechanic replaced the bearings)had it put back on now) and it also has a bad swaying from side to side at speed of 60 MPH... also, when i brake there is a vibration coming from the front and the brake pedal judders...its a bit worrying but it is a fun car don't get me wrong, i love the way it looks and performs, but it has a problem and nobody i know can diagnose it... please let me know if anybody has experienced anything like this... but back on topic. no, i don't think i have an OBC... how do you know if the car can have one added? thanks for replying

kyle

[Morgion]

Oh man, I'd never switch cars with you, no offense.
I have no idea which cars can't or cannot have OBCs. As far as I know, if it used to have one of those four consoles, it can be fitted with another one again as far as the wires haven't been cut when the OBC was removed. You might want to ask somebody who knows more about these things than I.
Can you take a picture of the center console and upload it here?

[dj_rookie]

cheers, although i wasn't asking to switch cars lol... yeah will upload a picture of it tomorrow. thanks again

[Jack Dabsy]

You can install a computer in yours mate... They are plug n play lol
I put one in my old '92 525iSE worked a treat, no extras lol

[dj_rookie]

cheers dabsy, but where do you get them? how much? and where do they plug in? thanks again

[Jack Dabsy]

Ebay is a good start mate...
Search for "BMW 3 Series" or "E36"