BMW 1 Series Speedometer Issues, Error Codes Explained

Hey there! I've got some experience with BMWs (moderate car knowledge). I actually had a similar issue with my 2016 BMW 2 Series diesel. Like yours, my speedometer was showing weird messages. Since I had done an OBD2 scan recently, I knew there were some system errors stored. The workshop checked it out at no cost since they'd just done a diagnostic read a week before. Turned out it was just the system needing a proper reset after some recent work. They cleared the error codes and ran a complete system check, which solved the problem. Before I can give you more specific advice, could you share: What exact error message you're seeing? Did you have any recent work done on the car? When was your last diagnostic check? Let me know these details and I'll try to help further based on my experience with BMW systems.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I have the same symptoms with my 1 Series, just had my service last month at 193019 KM. The error message keeps flashing "System Check Incomplete" on the dashboard. Haven't done any work since the service, but the issue started right after. I did a basic OBD scan at home which showed error code P0420, but I'm not confident about doing any fixes myself. Sounds like your solution might work for my case too. Did they charge you much for the reset and system check?

Hey again! I totally get your concern. When I see you mentioning P0420 and the timing right after service, it reminds me exactly of what happened with my 2 Series. In my case, they didn't charge anything since I had just been there for service, and honestly, they should do the same for you since it started right after your service. If you're going back to the same workshop, definitely mention that the issue began post-service, they should take responsibility for that. The P0420 code usually points to catalyst system efficiency below threshold, but in my experience (and what happened with my car), it can sometimes be triggered falsely after service if the system wasn't properly reset. The mechanics didn't even need to keep my car for long, took them about 30 minutes to clear the codes and run a proper system check. Just a heads up though, if they do try to charge you, the system reset and check shouldn't cost more than an hour of labor. My regular mechanic told me this is pretty common with BMWs after service if the reset procedure isn't done correctly. Have you noticed any other symptoms besides the error message? My car was running perfectly fine otherwise, which was another indicator it was just a system reset issue rather than an actual catalyst problem.

Thanks for the detailed response! This is really reassuring to hear. You're right, my car is running perfectly fine otherwise, which matches your experience. No performance issues, no strange noises, nothing else unusual at all. I'll definitely mention that this started right after the service when I take it back to the workshop. Given what you've shared, I'm feeling much more confident that this is just a reset issue rather than something more serious. I'll head back to my service center tomorrow and explain the situation. If they try to charge me, I'll keep in mind what you said about the labor time. Honestly, they should sort this out free of charge since it's clearly related to the recent service. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's helped calm my nerves about potential expensive repairs. I'll update the thread once I get it sorted, might help someone else with the same issue in the future! Catch you later, and thanks again for the help!