The BMW E36 Hidden Menu You Didn’t Know About 🤯 | Secret Cluster Features Unlocked

Full List Below:

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.

Test 6: Fuel Level and coolent 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 - 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. Ths
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 milage 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 - Gond 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

Right, if you own a BMW E36, whether it’s a 318i, 328i, M3, Touring, or Compact, there’s a good chance you’ve never seen this before: a hidden diagnostic menu buried inside your instrument cluster.

Yup, that’s right, BMW tucked a little secret menu into the dash that gives you access to live readouts like engine temperature, voltage, test sequences, and even the car’s VIN. Not bad for a 90s motor, eh?

In this video, I’ll show you how to unlock it step-by-step and walk you through the best menu options to check out.

This isn't some dealer-only trick either, you can do it in 10 seconds with no tools. And while it’s a bit hidden, once you’ve seen it, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.

At All Things Bavarian, we’re not just here to wrench on these classics, we’re here to share the tips, tricks and weird hidden features that make them even more lovable.

💬 Let me know in the comments if this worked on your E36, or if you’ve used this menu before and spotted something cool.

👍 Like and subscribe if you want more proper DIYs, restoration tips, and everything else we learn as we keep these legends alive.

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