BMW E36 Forum

G'Day,
I live in a small coastal town and no one near has a diagnostic computer to put onto my 318i. Does anyone know if you can jumper the diagnostis port and read the codes on the dash? I have had other cars (not BMW) where if you short out a couple of pins and turn the key on you can read the flashing check engine light and get a code, then match it to the faulty component. Failing this is there anywhere I can download a maintenance manual, the one at this site is the owners book and of no help to fix anything bigger than a blown bulb.
Cheers

Hi,

This is the article about [url=http://www.bmwe36blog.com/2007/03/31/bmw-on-board-computer-obd-secrets/]BMW OBC Secrets[/url]. Check the section about "Instrument Panel Tests". I hope this helps.

Thanks Tony, it's good to see that some things can be done without having to have a mechanic involved. Alas my 94 doesn't have a display that can be read, all analog metering.
The main reason why I wanted to check the codes is because I am using heaps of fuel and on start the idle fluctuates but becomes stable in seconds. I have cleaned the ICV, PCV, checked all the hoses for vaccum leaks and fixed, Replaced the oxygen sensor. I'm was thinking of replacing the plugs etc next but having it run through the codes would be handy.
Cheers