Ok, so it finally got to modifying the Inspection Light to add the external batteries. When I finally got tot he circuit board, it did not look like any of the pictures I've seen in the forums, it was almost square, with notches cut out for lights and such, contacts on either side for speedo, and tach. But I figured it was the right one because it had blown batteries on it. I found it located in the very back of the instrument cluster. I desoldered the batteries, then relaizing the the external battery holder put the batteries in series, decided that I had to figure out how the circuit board had them configured. The batteries I took off had two leads for the negative ends of the batteries, and one for the positive. So I jumpered the two negative contacts, and connected my external batteries to one of these jumpers and one of the positive contacts. I used the ones located in the outermost left-hand corner, as that seemed to e how the circuit board was wired.

Now that the work is done, and I've reset the lights, I get all green lights when I start the car, then they go out. And for now they stay out. Is this the correct operation for these lights, or did it miss something? I was a bit concerned that there might be an intermediate connection on the batteries (i.e. 1.5 volts) on the circuit board. Just want to check to see if I got it right on the first try. ---Thanks

i dont know the correct operation of the lights,since mine just flicker while the engines running,must need batteries also.it sounds like you connected the external batteries correctly.on my old E30 i removed the green,yellow,red LED segment from the SI board and had no more pesky lights flashing at me.the LED segment simply pulled off and could be reinstalled if wanted.

What you are describing is the correct operation of the SI indicator.

For the lurkers here is the SI information.

SI reset and batteries

With the ignition switch at (position two) and the engine not running, grounding pin seven #7 of the diagnostic connector to pin one #1 for approximately three (3) seconds will reset the oil service lights. Grounding pin seven #7 to pin one #1 for approximately twelve (12) seconds will do an inspection service reset.


http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/reset1.gif
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/reset1.gif


1. Ground
4. Temperature sensor
7. Reset
8. TDC sensor yellow
9. TDC sensor shield
10.TDC sensor black
11.Start signal
12.Alternator charging excitation voltage
13.Ignition coil
14.Alternator charging supply current
15.Oxygen Heater

It will signal an oil change need between 5k and 7k depending on your indicated speed since the last reset. It will signal stealer inspections at all the predesignated miles.



http://www.eskimo.com/~dalus/bmw/e36/electrical/e36_reset_service_lights.html


http://e30m3performance.com/maintenance/SI_Board/SIBoard-10.jpg

SI Board Swap Out

Last but not least - the SI Board. Above is a new SI Board with lithium batteries and below is the old one. Note the blown battery on the old SI Board (green circle). The light blue rectangle shows the actual service indicator LED's which appear on your dash display. These LED's are mounted on a separate circuit board which must be pulled out of the old SI Board and plugged into the new one. This is an easy task. The purple arrow shows the orientation of the SI Board relative to the driver.


If it fails to reset then you need batteries.

Varta battery 500RST OE part.

Radio Shack: part number 23-191: $6.49 for set of two; they come w/solder tabs on them.

1.2 volts / 700mAh

Charge fully B4 installation on SI board.

Consider mounting batteries "remotely" under dash, etc. in separate holder for easy removal in future (i.e. not pulling the console out and apart); you can buy a plastic holder at RS. Run leadwires from holder to SI board connections. Makes life easy if you ever need to replace batteries again.

From Radio Shack, get:
1) You'll need a twin AA battery holder ($3)
2) 2 AA NiCAD rechargeable batteries ($6)

Later,

so....what exactly do those lights mean....ive always wondered...mine never turn on or anything but when i put key in position 2 i believe (with radio and AC and everything but engine on) all the green lights light up and no red or yellow...i'm hoping thats good? does this mean something needs to be serviced somewhat soon?

From the way the SI Lights are working now, and what I have heard, they work from a signal from the computer taking time, speed, etc into account to notify you when a particular service in nearing time to be done. I noticed that when the oil got just a bit low, the oil light on the left came on, as well as the Inspection light(I was just below the quart line). When I reset them (after adding oil), they went back to green on start, then off. Personally, I like having them in working order, and it wasn't overly difficult to make the modification. Just wish I would have replaced the turn signal bulb when I was in there. I'll have to wait untill the service interval comes around to see if they are truly working conrrectly.