"BMW X5 - Access the Hidden Onboard Computer (OBC) Functions"
By Ron Stultz
13 October 2010
Summary: X5 dash cluster can display show some onboard computer system valves but more fun to explore than provide any real information that action can be taken on.
The dash cluster (speedometer, RPM, etc display) can be used to view some of the BMW X5's onboard computer (OBC) data.
To access OBC data:
You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN), your ignition key and a pad of paper if you wish to record any displayed data.
There are two buttons associated with the dash cluster: the one on the left resets trip mileage and one on the right is only used to access OBC data.
Push in and hold the button on the right and then insert the key into the ignition and move the key to position 1. Do no start the X5.
The cluster display will now show "Test NR 1."
Release the right button.
Each Test Number (Nr) can have multiple sub displays, which you access by depressing and releasing the reset trip mileage button.
Test Nr 1:
So, while "Test NR 1" is displayed, press and release the reset trip mileage button.
The cluster display will now show Chassis NR/Vin number (last 5 digits)
Press and release the reset trip mileage button again and K-number will be displayed.
Now simply press and release the reset trip mileage button to move through all data associated with "Test NR 1"
1.2 Cluster Part #
1.3 Coding ( )/diagnosis ( )/bus index ( )
1.4 Week ( )/year of manufacture ( )
1.5 Hardware ( ) and software # ( ) of cluster
1.6 Not used
1.7 Can-version ( ) KI-revision index ( )
If you press the trip reset button again, the cluster will cycle back to the top of "Test Nr 1"
To advance to "Test Nr 2":
Press and release the button on the right.
The cluster should now read "Test Nr 2"
If you press and release the trip mileage reset button, the cluster display will be tested by activating all cluster gauges and displays.
You may repeat this test as many times as you like by pressing and releasing the trip mileage reset button.
To advance to "Test Nr 3":
Press and release the button on the right.
If you see "Lock: On", you will have to unlock functions 3 - 18.
To Unlock Functions 3 - 18:
Press and release the trip mileage reset button and advance to "Test Nr 19"
Now using your VIN, add the digits of the last 4 numbers to create one number.
Example: 5484 = 5+4+8+4 = 22
Press and release the reset trip mileage button and continue to depress and release it until you reach "Test Nr" = your calculated number above.
Press the button on the right.
You will now be back to "Test Nr 1" but tests 3 - 18 will be unlocked
Now press and release the button on the right to once again and advance to "Test Nr 3"
With "Test Nr 3" displayed:
Press and release the trip mileage reset button.
3.1 Used fuel in litters since last service inspection (SI)
3.2 Elapsed days since last SI
To advance to "Test Nr 04" press and release the button on the right.
4.1 Instant fuel consumption (example 0145 = 14.5 liters/100kilometers (km))
4.2 Instant fuel consumption (example 0018 = 1.8 liters/Hour)
To advance to "Test Nr 05" press and release the button on the right.
5.1 Average mileage (082 = 8.2 liters/100km)
5.2 Calculated km to refuel
To advance to "Test Nr 06" press and release the button on the right.
6.1 Fuel level averaged; left half sensor input (in liters); right sensor input (liters)
6.2 Total fuel tank level averaged (liters)
6.3 Indicated value (liters) and tank phase.
To advance to "Test Nr. 07" press and release the button on the right.
7.1 Coolant temperature (Centigrade) (C)
7.2 Ambient outside temperature (C)
7.3 Engine Speed (Current RPM's for 1 minute)
7.4 Vehicle Speed (Current speed in km/hour)
To advance to "Test Nr. 08" press and release the button on the right.
(Note: valves shown in Hex format)
8.1 System voltage ADC
8.2 ADC valves HG left.HG right
8.3 ADC Valve brake degradation sensor (000 = ok)
8.4 ADC Valve outside temperature (in Centigrade)
To advance to "Test Nr. 09" press and release the button on the right.
9.1 Battery voltage (Example: 140 = 14.0 volts)
9.2 ?
9.3 ?
9.4 ?
Tests 10,11,12 Not Used so advance to "Test Nr. 13" by pressing and releasing button on the right until Test Nr. 13 shows in display.
13.1 Gong test. Push trip mileage reset and system gong will sound.
Tests 14 Not Used so advance to "Test Nr. 15" by pressing and releasing button on the right until Test Nr. 15 shows in display.
(Note Test 15 simply reads status of various car conditions like seat belt fastened, etc.)
Tests 16,17,18 Not Used.
Test 19 locks or unlocks various tests as defined above.
Test 20 is not used
Test 21
If you press the trip mileage reset button, the onboard computer will be reset.
Test display 00 - Means all tests done.