e39 cluster unlock - Part 2

Instrument Cluster Test Function
** will continue updating on and off when I figure out what they mean / does **

Section 1 

1.0 - xxxxx                              VIN number 1.1 – 4812                               body number 1.2 - 837 235                           part number for cluster 1.3 – 043107                           coding / diagnosis / bus index 1.4 - 2896                               week/year cluster manufactured (week28,1996) 1.5 - 13_900                            hardware / software versions (HW13, 900SW) 1.6 - 500_06                            engine data (injection status, number of cylinder)     1.7 - n/a                                  ROM status

Section 2

Cluster Test

Section 3 - 18

3.0 - 0324                                European Inspection /SI liter Data?                  3.1 - 0061                                ?? 4.0 – 0000                               momentary Fuel Consumption (ABC.D liter/1000km) 4.1 - 0013                                fuel consumption per hour (ABC.D liter/hour) 5.0 – 123                                 distance consumption (012.3 liters/100km) 5.1 – 0227                               distance to go (227km) 6.0 – 000283                           fuel level averaged 6.1 – 0284                               total tank level averaged 6.2 – 0282                               ?? 7.0 - 093                                 coolant temp (93 degree celcius) 7.1 – 385                                outside temp (38.5 degree celcius) 7.2 – 073x to 076x                   engine speed (digital tachometer) 7.3 – 000                                 km/h (digital speedometer) 8.0 160-1AC                            hex codes 8.1 0582F4                              hex codes 8.2 018000                              hex codes 8.3 0C009C                             hex codes 9.0 146                                    battery voltage (14.6v) 10.0 08                                    country code 11.0 010000                             cluster code 12.0                                         not used 13.0                                         gong test 14.0 C781dd                             error memory - C7 Fuel tank sensor fuel pump side (confirm) 14.1 8d8806                             error memory - 8d EGS data lead disturbed 14.2 3F8800                             error memory - 3F instrument cluster current to high 14.3 d78100                             error memory - d7 fuel tank sensor (without fuel pump) - confirm 14.4 6F8800                             error memory - ?? 30/5/2012 - post Reset (Test 21) 14.0 C781E9 14.1 8d8800 14.2 3F8800 * 14.3 d78100* 14.4 bf8800 Note to decipher the error code: http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/99962-knowledge-base-peake-codes-e39-m5.html 15 through 18 not used  19.0                                         Cluster Unlock On/Off 20.0                                         Fuel Factor

For example
(I was lazy to take my own pics, so this out from the net:)

So, this is how you read it:

    Test 7.0 = Coolant Temp

    097       = 97 degrees

This helps when you want to monitor certain vitals. For example, for my battery going flat something after a few cranks:

1) unlock your cluster

2) look at Test 9.0 for the volt reading (before car running)

3) start the car

4) continue to monitor Test 9.0 for the volt reading (car running)

If the reading is lower than normal for 2), battery probably needs replacing.

If the reading is lower than normal for 4), alternator probably having problem.

e39 cluster unlock - Part 1

The car battery has been acting up and so, I did some "googling" to find out more about the battery and alternator. Then I stumbled onto this.....

Yup, just like iPhones, the e39 also has diagnostic / information that is available on the cluster IF you know how to access them. And to think this kind of thing was available since '97 (or probably even earlier for other model?).... it is like discovering software "easter eggs" or iPhone "unlock/jailbreak". So, in my case - you can find out what is the voltage of your battery before and during you run the engine just via the cluster!

FYI - clusters on car build before Sept'2000 (like mine) is called 'low cluster'. After that, they are called 'high cluster'. Click here to know more.

Just to get the interest going, if you wanted to test if your cluster was full functioning (instead of finding out the wrong way that some of your information on your cluster was not displaying), you could run this test:

What else can you find out about your e39?
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3134093/1999-bmw-5-series/page-6

Most of the information are display only... but interestingly... there is 1 section that allows you to 'tweak' fuel factor. Will have to do a lot more reading before I will be messing with them. In the mean time, I have a whole handful of information that I will slowly decipher. Stay tune...

How do you blow 10 days while you wait for your ride?

Well, the car is now at the painters - to fix the new body kit and get a new colour painted. The shop is in Sunway. It is a bit more expensive than your normal painters but I've seen the quality of their work and also some of the cars they've painted and I must say I am more comfortable leaving it in their hand. Hopefully they remember all my instructions and the finish of their work is exactly what I have in my mind.

It will take about 10 days to complete.... so, how do you blow 10 days while you wait for your ride?

1) You start thinking what kind of shoes do you put on her when you get her back? Thank you, Google Image!
2) You go online, search and download the E39 Owner's manual and try to get to know your baby a lil' more intimately (Click Here)


Arrgghhh... this is going to be 10 really loonnnggggg.... ass days...