I have recently purchased a 2006 BMW 320d touring (E91) and, using the instructions at http://www.scoopz.com/m5board/E60_Hidden_OBC_Instructions.pdf I have checked the Onboard Computer (OBC) in the hope of checking the validity of the mileage.

The odometer reads: 19,949 miles. But the OBC menu 1.01 K-ZAHL W/T reads: 78827/78028. I have been advised, in a BMW forum, that K-ZAHL refers to distance travelled (kilometres). If this is correct then I have a true mileage of around 48,980 miles, and the vehicle has been ‘clocked’.

A BMW dealer has checked my ‘chipped’ ignition key and confirms the mileage of 19,949. But I’m not sure if the key derives its data from the odometer or from the engine management system. I have not yet found any definitive answer, but I suspect this figure has something to do with the reed contact pulses from the rear axle; in that a given number of pulses equates to 1 km.

Can you please tell me if the OBC reading K-ZAHL refers to ‘total distance travelled’, or indeed what exactly this number is?

Edited by phineus on 29/06/2010 at 13:27