E30 Zone

hi a few years ago I found an american e30 site which showed how to reset service lights without the tool , just a length of wire . I ve lost this information and can't remember how its done . Don't suppose anyone has come across this and could remind me . ps big thanks to everyone who's replied to my other posts .

It must be in the archives on here several hundred times! SEARCH FUNCTION!
Basically short pin seven of the diagnostic connector to earth, switch on ignition until they reset.

There are two indications on the SI display, one for an inspection (back lit) and the "count down" service lights. To reset them you need to make a short jumper wire. I used a 2 Amp in line fuse too - you don't want to risk anything in the engine controls! See the pic for the pins to connect - I tippexed mine to identify them easier.

• Ensure the ignition system is off.
• Remove the diagnostic connector cap on the LH side of the bulkhead
• Identify the correct pins to bridge
• Install the jumper wire
• For an Oil Service reset, turn the ignition on (but do not start the engine) for ~2 seconds. The light will go out.
• For an Inspection reset, turn the ignition on (but do not start the engine) for ~8 seconds. The light will go out.
• To additionally reset the "count down" service lights, turn the Ignition on again for ~8 seconds until all 5 green LED's light up.
• Turn off the ignition, disconnect the jumper and replace the cap.



NOTE: Pin 12 of the connector is connected to output pin 15 of the Motronic unit. This gives the engine fault codes by switching to ground and can be seen by connecting a 5W bulb to +12v. I would recommend fitting a 2A (or less) rapid blow fuse in line too. Do this at your own risk!

swinster wrote:NOTE: Pin 12 of the connector is connected to output pin 15 of the Motronic unit. This gives the engine fault codes by switching to ground and can be seen by connecting a 5W bulb to +12v.

On all the E30 looms I've checked out, pin 12 has been the blue (ignition light) wire from the alternator.
I've come across looms where pin 15 of the ECU is connected to pin 12 of the C101 loom plug, though.

Hi there , you dont say which number pins to bridge. I read that you bridge 7 to 19 but on my plug 19 is empty , thats if im looking in the right place coz i have two of these plugs , 1 next to the fuse box and 1 by the manifold, and do you bridge the pins on the plug or the female pins

You need to bridge the "female pins" on the diagnostic connector itself, which is near the dipstick.