Instrument Cluster Test
NOTE: Just for the hell of it. KLR means ignition switch position #1 
(accessory) KL-15 is ignition switch position #2 (on), and KL-50 is ignition 
position #3 (start)
This works on all instrument clusters 1992-1999 E36 - 4 
door/coupe/convertible/M3.
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. Once "tESt 01" is shown, let go of reset button and the IC 
(Instrument Cluster) will go through
some test cycles. Numbers will be shown and here's what they mean:
1st display: BMW PART NUMBER (6 digits)
2nd display: CODE NUMBER (5 digits) Internal Coding Plug #
3rd display: K NUMBER (4 digits) 
4th display: CHASSIS NUMBER (5 digits) this is part of your VIN
5th display: SOFTWARE VERSION (3 digits)
6th display: REVISION INDEX (2 digits) Hardware #
After all 6 displays are finished, an analog gauge test will be performed.
The self-test is canceled by switching the ignition off or to KL-15 (ignition 
switch position 2)
IC (instrument cluster) tests 1-15
1995 - 1998 (99) 318ti
1996 - 2000? Z3
1997 - 1999 E36 4dr/coupe/convertible/M3
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 unlocking 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 button 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.
NOTE: "n1" means that you hit the maximum threshold for engine speed and "t1" 
means you overheated the engine. I found out from my instructor that this 
test 5 is false due to software related problems.
<< В тесте 5 можно определить, КРУТИЛИ ли жвижок до отсечки или нет, и ПЕРЕГРЕВАЛИ или нет. 
N1 - крутили, T1 - перегревали.>>
Test 6: Fuel Level and coolant 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 (Digital Tach)- 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. This 
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 mileage 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 - Gong 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: 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 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