How to Read BMW Service Status Lights


Reading Service Error Codes and Lights
1. Remove the fuse panel cover by pulling it down; or if your BMW uses a knob to "lock" the fuse panel, turn the knob counterclockwise and pull down on the fuse panel cover. The type of fuse panel cover you have will depend on the year of your BMW.
2. Locate the large, circular input on the fuse panel. This input jack is made for a diagnostic tool on all BMW vehicles. There is only one circular input on the fuse panel so it shouldn't be too hard to find.
3. Plug the diagnostic tool into the service input on the fuse panel.
4. Turn the ignition key to the "II" position and wait for a code to be generated by the tool. You will need a technical service manual in order to translate the code, but the diagnostic tool is the only way to read it.
Reading Regular Service Lights
5. Check the seven bars of light on your dash. If you have five green lights illuminated, this indicates a "normal" status, and no service is required. As the lights go out, this acts as a "countdown" to the next regularly scheduled service.
6. Check for all of the green lights to be out and one yellow light illuminated with the words "Oil Service" appearing underneath the bar of lights. This indicates that an oil change is necessary.
7. Check for one yellow light illuminated, all green lights out and the word "Inspection" appearing below the lights. This indicates that you need to have your BMW inspected. The service error code will determine what needs to be inspected.
8. Check for a red light next to a yellow light with either the words "Oil Service" or "Inspection" underneath the lights. This indicates that you must have service done on your BMW immediately and that it is not safe to drive your BMW until you have the required service performed.
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How to Remove an Avus Audi S4 Cap


Removing with a Flathead Screwdriver
1. Park your S4 on a level surface, leaving the transmission in gear with the emergency brake engaged, to ensure that the car will not move.
2. Insert the tip of the flathead screwdriver in between the center cap and the wheel assembly. There will be a small notch on the center cap to facilitate the insertion of the screwdriver. You can locate this tab by following the circumference of the center cap
3. Pry the center cap away from the wheel and wheel hub, which helps secure the center cap to the wheel. Repeat steps one through three until you have removed the center caps from the remaining wheels.
Removing with the Factory Ring Hook
4. Park your S4 on a level surface, leaving the car in gear and the emergency brake engaged, then pop open the trunk.
5. Open the tool kit that's located on the driver's side of the trunk and locate the wire ring that's stored within it.
6. Insert the end of the wire ring into the hole that's located on the black ring at the center of the wheel's center cap.
7. Pull the wire ring firmly once you have secured it to the center cap, to remove the cap. Repeat these steps on the remaining center caps that you wish to remove.
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How to Transfer Playlists From a USB Device to a BMW Radio


1. Connect the USB device to the USB port in the center console or the glove box.
2. Press the menu button and scroll to 'CD/ Multimedia.' Choose the USB icon displaying 'Not Connected.'
3. Turn the iDrive control knob to the right. Scroll down and click on the option 'Music Data Import/Export.'
4. Highlight the 'Import New Music (USB)' option and click on it. A percentage bar will appear, accompanied by a sign displaying 'Importing Music.' If the sign displays 'No USB Attached,' remove the USB and turn off the iDrive system. Turn off the engine and get out of the car. Use the remote lock and wait 4 minutes or more before trying again.
5. Select 'USB1' and click on the 'Option' button. Highlight 'Rename Album' and click on it. Use the back key to erase the 'USB1' tag. Rename the playlist using the iDrive knob. Click on 'OK.'
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How to Remove the Airbag in a 93 300E


1. Pop the hood and remove the battery cables from the battery. Use a socket wrench set to loosen the bolts on the cable clamps. Wait at least a half hour for the residual charge of the battery to drain out.
2. Check the owner's manual for the location of the airbag fuses. Open the fuse panel cover on the dashboard near the steering column. Remove the fuse puller inside and use it to remove the airbag fuses.
3. Find two screws on the back of the steering column that hold the airbag in place. Remove the screws with a screwdriver, keeping your face and body away from airbag.
4. Slide the airbag very carefully from the center of the steering wheel and cut the wires using wire cutters. Set the airbag in a safe location.
5. Open the glove box and unhook the straps. Unscrew the glove box and remove it from the dashboard. Unbolt the airbag with the socket wrench and unhook the cable on the back of the airbag. Take the airbag out of the compartment, protecting your face and body.
6. Reinstall the glove box, put the screws back in place, and reattach the straps. Close the glove box door.
7. Reinstall the airbag fuses in the fuse panel and close the fuse panel cover. Connect the battery cables and tighten the retaining nuts.
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How to Diagnose Faulty Fuel Pumps


1. Take your car onto a highway and travel at the posted speed. If the engine in your car occasionally misfires, you will notice a slight hesitation. A faulty fuel pump, particularly in the first stage of failing, frequently will falter a time or two then your engine runs smoothly for miles. Even a professional mechanic can misdiagnose the problem and recommend a tune up or a fuel filter instead.
2. Get behind the wheel of your car and press the gas pedal. If your car momentarily fails to accelerate, you probably have a fuel pump that's about to stop working. Often seasoned mechanics mistake a failing fuel pump for an oxygen sensor which is less expensive to replace than the fuel pump.
3. Start the car. If it doesn't start right away, don't rule out a faulty fuel pump. It won't start because the engine is robbed of the fuel it needs to do the job. Besides a faulty fuel pump, it could be caused by a myriad of reasons, including the timing belt or the fuel filter. Before you spend a substantial amount of money getting a new fuel filter installed, you would be wise to get a second opinion.
4. Climb a hill in your car and if you tend to lose speed, it is probably caused by a fuel system failure, with the fuel pump being a prime suspect. Often a fuel filter is all that needs replacing, but the fuel pump is a possible candidate for replacement.
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How to Write an Ad to Sell a Vehicle


1. List the basic features of your car, and, if necessary, search online sources to obtain your vehicle's specifications. AutoTrader reminds you to list information, such as the vehicle's year, make, model and whether or not you are the original owner, and then add more details.
2. Review the car owner's manual or obtain additional information from Internet sites to verify details about the car. Websites have information about specific interior and exterior features and mechanical details about your model.
3. Prepare the first draft of your ad. Write down the correct make, year, model, sub model and color. Be sure you have the correct sub model, especially if it's not mounted on the car's body. For example, Mercedes-Benz, 1992, 300E, 2.6, Gold. The sub model for this car is 2.6.
4. Access the website for your car's make and model to find the exact name of the color. If the name of your car's color is unrecognizable, make a parenthetical note with a common name of a color. For instance, the Mercedes color Metallic Capri Blue can be described as 'Navy blue' in parentheses. Note the interior color as well.
5. Revise your draft to add more basic information and details about your car. Include the current mileage, condition and how long you have owned it. Use words and phrases such as 'excellent,' 'pristine,' 'needs body work' or 'transmission needed' to describe the condition of your car. Be specific and honest in your ad.
6. State why you're selling the vehicle. If it's true, assure buyers that you're not selling the car because there's something wrong with it. If there is something wrong, indicate this where you describe the car's condition.
7. Add something that appeals to the personal side of a business transaction. If spring is around the corner and you're selling a convertible, mention that it's fun for sunny days. If it's an SUV in the winter, describe how well the four-wheel drive handles icy roads.
8. State your asking price for the car. If you are willing to negotiate, use the acronym 'OBO' after your price, as in '$4,000 OBO,' which indicates 'or best offer.' If you are not willing to negotiate the price of your car, state that the price is 'firm.'
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How to Install Speakers on an Audi A4


1. Sit in your driver's seat and look for the five screws in the door that attach the inner panel to the metal frame.
2. Locate the first two screws at the top of the door near the window. The first will be on the top right and the second on the top left. Unscrew them using your Phillips- head screwdriver.
3. Pry off the plastic piece beneath the door handle with the flat-head screwdriver. The plastic is in the sunken part where you put the tips of your fingers when you pull the door closed. You'll find the third screw underneath this plastic piece. Once you remove the third screw you will be able to find the final two.
4. Pull the door panel toward you half an inch. Insert the flat-head screwdriver into this gap and pry out the plastic clips that keep the door panel attached to the car's frame. Pull the panel toward you 3 inches. Disconnect the electric cables for the windows, mirror or power locks in the same manner you disconnect a phone from its jack, squeezing the plastic plugs and gently pulling. Remove the door panel
5. Remove the screws in your factory speaker. Disconnect the speaker from its wiring harness and discard the speaker. Screw in your new speaker. Connect your new wiring harness to the old one by plugging the cables into it. Put the door together and repeat these steps for the passenger side door.
6. Remove the parcel tray so you can get to the rear speakers.Fold down your back seats and open the trunk. Look for a black clip near each rear brake light. Unclip these by pulling them up. Return to the back seat, lift the tray and pull it toward you. Unscrew the speakers and replace them.
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How to Remove the Rear Bumper From an Audi A4


1. Remove the trunk liners. They will simply pull right out on both the passenger and driver's side of the car, revealing the nuts that hold on the bumper.
2. Remove the 10 mm nuts from the inside of the trunk. There are five nuts on both the driver's and passenger's side.
3. Locate the plastic push screws in the wheel wells. Pry the screws out of the wheel well lining with a flat-head screwdriver.
4. Look directly under the bumper and locate the last two screws holding the bumper on. Remove those two screws using the Phillips-head screwdriver.
5. Pull the bumper straight out. It will slide off of the car.
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How to Replace the Neutral Safety Switch in a 300D Mercedes


1. Lift the hood and prop it open. Loosen the negative cable from the battery and remove it.
2. Jack up your 300D under the rear frame and lower the car onto the jack stands.
3. Locate the neutral safety switch, which is mounted directly above the transmission pan.
4. Unplug the plastic wiring harness attached to the back of the switch. Use a wrench to remove the hex nut that holds the safety switch to the rear of the transmission gear box.
5. Start threading your new switch into the gear box by hand. Tighten it with your wrench. Plug the wiring harness into the back of the switch.
6. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the jack stands and lower your 300D to the ground.
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How to Change the Wiper Blades on an Audi


1. Pull the wiper arm gently away from the windshield until it locks into a perpendicular position.
2. Swing the windshield blade back from the arm so that it faces you.
3. Press on the release tab. It's generally on the arm where the blade meets the arm.
4. Pull the blade out slowly. Slide the new blade into the arm until the release tab clicks.
5. Test the new blade by pulling gently on it. Return the windshield wiper arm to its original position.
6. Repeat the process for the second blade. Pour some water on your windshield and test the new blades.
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