Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles

How to access the secret menu of a BMW Series 1

Model: BMW Serie 1 MK 2, F20, F21 - Years 2011-2019
Part: Instrument cluster

Learn how to access the secret menu of a BMW Series 1 (F21), which is reserved for workshops. First, press the Start & Stop button to turn on the ignition without pressing the pedals. Then, press and hold the reset button for the mileage for about 10 seconds until a screen appears regarding the reset of the brake pads; continue to hold until the screen with the submenu "identification" appears, showing various access options; go to "Unlock". Hold for 4-5 seconds, and a code entry screen will appear. This code is formed by summing the last 5 digits of the chassis number. Enter the resulting number by pressing the button as many times as the sum. Hold for another 4-5 seconds. From here, you can access the workshop submenu for consumption and temperature details. To go back, hold for 4-5 seconds. Number 11 shows the battery system, and number 13 shows error codes. Never go to number 19, software reset, as it would cause a real disaster. To return to normal, hold for 10 seconds until the car's mileage is displayed.

Updated on 6 August 2026 by ScegliAuto

Video tutorial

Related tutorials

BMW Serie 1 (2004-2013 / E81, E82, MK 1, E87) Before you start, sit in the driver's seat of your BMW 1 Series. Begin by pulling the bonnet release lever located at the bottom right of the driver'…
BMW Serie 1 (2004-2013 / E81, E82, MK 1, E87) The 2011 BMW 1 Series does not have a fuse box in the engine compartment. This is because all the fuses for this model are contained within a single …
BMW Serie 1 (2004-2013 / E81, E82, MK 1, E87) This guide shows how to remove and replace the front headlight bulb on a first series BMW 1 Series, following these simple steps. First, open and lif…

Other guides you may be interested in

How to Adjust the Brightness of the Instrument Cluster on a Peugeot 3008?

To adjust the brightness of the instrument cluster on a Peugeot 3008, you need to turn on the ignition and access the settings via the menu located in the central area of the dashboard. In the screen that appears, select the "Display Configuration" option: now, by selecting the "Brightness" option, you can adjust it using the dedicated slider that will appear on the screen. The adjustment should be made with the headlights on as well as with them off. Once the adjustment is complete, you can turn off the instrument cluster.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos