P38A Trip computer on P38

P38DieselOwner · 2025-08-22T17:38:46+0100

Hi everyone,

so I have a 1997 P38 2.5 DT that doesn't have a trip computer, but I also have a P38 2.5 DSE I am using for spare parts and the stalk on the DSE is the one that has the trip computer functions. I want to have the trip computer in my DT. Is everything I need to do just change the stalk and enable the trip computer function with nanocom, or do I also need to change any other parts?

Datatek · 2025-08-22T17:45:27+0100

P38DieselOwner said:
Hi everyone,

so I have a 1997 P38 2.5 DT that doesn't have a trip computer, but I also have a P38 2.5 DSE I am using for spare parts and the stalk on the DSE is the one that has the trip computer functions. I want to have the trip computer in my DT. Is everything I need to do just change the stalk and enable the trip computer function with nanocom, or do I also need to change any other parts?

Just change the stalk, nothing else to do, did the same on my LHD P38.

Mark Piercy · 2025-08-22T17:50:25+0100

I thought all cars had a trip counter

Datatek · 2025-08-22T18:01:22+0100

Mark Piercy said:
I thought all cars had a trip counter

There are 2 on the P38, the first is reset by the button in the binnacle, the second is reset from the button on the stalk and is used for fuel consumption computation, range etc.

P38DieselOwner · 2025-08-22T18:07:31+0100

Datatek said:
Just change the stalk, nothing else to do, did the same on my LHD P38.

Ok, thanks

Datatek · 2025-08-22T19:23:56+0100

P38DieselOwner said:
Ok, thanks

Just a thought, it may not work if you have a low line BECM. If it works you will also get by scrolling through the functions, average fuel consumption, range and average speed.

pwood999 · 2025-08-22T19:47:33+0100

Check if you have it in BECM Setting screens.

P38DieselOwner · 2025-08-22T20:03:52+0100

I dont currently own a nanocom, is there any way to know, if I have a low line becm

Datatek said:
Just a thought, it may not work if you have a low line BECM. If it works you will also get by scrolling through the functions, average fuel consumption, range and average speed.

pwood999 · 2025-08-22T20:09:26+0100

Should be on a label on the BECM ?? Do you have stuff like memory seats or mirrors ?

Also as you don't have a location, nobody knows if there's a Nanocom near you !!!

P38DieselOwner · 2025-08-22T20:13:46+0100

pwood999 said:
Should be on a label on the BECM ?? Do you have stuff like memory seats or mirrors ?

No, I do not. I have the full HEVAC, cruise control. That is it. Thanks for the tip, I'll check tommorow on the BECM.

pwood999 · 2025-08-22T20:16:23+0100

I think you just need to check the label but the fuses. Look for the H or L in lower left corner.

Datatek · 2025-08-23T07:20:27+0100

P38DieselOwner said:
No, I do not. I have the full HEVAC, cruise control. That is it. Thanks for the tip, I'll check tommorow on the BECM.

If the car has cruise control, I'm 99% sure it has a Hi line BECM and surprised it does not have the stalk for the trip computer, sounds like the stalk has been changed for the wrong one in the past.

P38DieselOwner · 2025-08-23T08:34:39+0100

Hi again everyone, I have checked and I have an L so lowline, but I noticed that the DSE with the correct stalk also has a lowline BECM. Now I am wondering, what difference is there between lowline and highline?

Datatek · 2025-08-23T08:59:48+0100

P38DieselOwner said:
Hi again everyone, I have checked and I have an L so lowline, but I noticed that the DSE with the correct stalk also has a lowline BECM. Now I am wondering, what difference is there between lowline and highline?

I wouldn't worry about the differences, you seem to have the evidence that the trip computer is present in Lowline, I was unsure. I'm surprised that Lowline supports cruise control although it is mainly a function of the EDC. Every day a learning day.

P38DieselOwner · 2025-08-23T09:10:17+0100

Datatek said:
I wouldn't worry about the differences, you seem to have the evidence that the trip computer is present in Lowline, I was unsure. I'm surprised that Lowline supports cruise control although it is mainly a function of the EDC. Every day a learning day.

Oh, so I will be able to enable it in nanocom with no problem?

Datatek · 2025-08-23T09:19:05+0100

P38DieselOwner said:
Oh, so I will be able to enable it in nanocom with no problem?

There is nothing to enable, if it's there it's there, plug in the stalk and it will work.

pwood999 · 2025-08-23T13:54:56+0100

Out of curiousity, I tried disabling the Trip Computer in my GEMS High-Line BECM today. With it set to "Not Fitted" the stalk trip button does nothing. Re-enabled it again & checked it's working.

@P38DieselOwner Try fitting the stalk first. You might get lucky & it works. Otherwise someone with a Nanocom could try enabling it for you. Also maybe someone with Low-Line BECM & Nanocom could check their car ?

P38DieselOwner · 2025-08-23T14:32:21+0100

I fitted the stalk with trip computer buttons and it doesn't work. When I get my hands on a nanocom, I'll check if it can be enabled and update the post here for future reference.

Datatek · 2025-08-23T16:51:26+0100

P38DieselOwner said:
I fitted the stalk with trip computer buttons and it doesn't work. When I get my hands on a nanocom, I'll check if it can be enabled and update the post here for future reference.

Unlucky, it worked on mine.

pwood999 · 2025-08-23T16:52:59+0100

As I said, add your town name / location to your profile. Might be someone nearby with Nanocom.

P38A Trip computer on P38

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