In this article, we will show you the meanings of the dashboard warning lights  of BMW vehicles. Warning signs with BMW dashboard may vary in some models but are mostly the same, and the signs are very close to each other.

In the continuation of the content, you will see the warning light symbols on your car dashboard. When you click on any of these warning lights, you can see a detailed explanation of what the relevant symbol means.

The warning lights on BMW dashboard are designed to inform you in advance if there is a problem with your car. The BMW Dashboard symbols turn on when your car has a malfunction or any of your car’s systems are working. These BMW warning lights appear in different colors depending on the severity of the malfunction.

Degree of urgency by color:

BMW RED Dashboard Warning Lights

The red warning lights on the display panel are associated as a danger signal. For this reason, there is a very serious situation when the red light is on. You must stop and check your vehicle safely.

The most important warning lamps are the low engine oil warning lamp and the coolant warning lamp, which are illuminated in red. If you continue driving while either of these lamps is lit, there may be engine malfunctions that will cause significant financial damage to your vehicle.

BMW ORANGE & YELLOW Dashboard Warning  Lights

The orange and yellow warning lights are not critical for safety, but it means that something is wrong and should be resolved as soon as possible. An example of this, it is the Diesel Particulate Filter warning light or engine malfunction light.

BMW GREEN & BLUE  Dashboard Warning Lights

The green or blue warning lamps illuminate to indicate that your vehicle has any technological features enabled. For example, if the headlights are turned on.

BMW Dashboard Symbols and Meaning

BMW Dashboard Symbols and Meanings

The warning lights of the BMW dashboard panel light up and go off for a few seconds when you bring the ignition key to the first stage. If the lights that are illuminated in red do not go out after the vehicle has started working, this indicates that there is a malfunction in your vehicle and it is recommended that you do not use your vehicle.

You need to also know car dashboard symbols on to understand you what’s going on in your vehicle apart from means of colors.

Let’s see what the most common warning lights on car dashboard lights mean. Not all symbols are universal.  If you are unsure, please  refer to your owner’s manuel or contact your dealer.

When you click on any of the indicator symbols below, you can see the detailed description of the corresponding symbol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, let’s explain what are the meanings of lights which are located on Car Indicator Panel:

1. Bmw Engine Temperature Warning Light

BMW Engine Temperature Warning Light; Indicates that the engine is overheating the coolant. One of the three most important warning lamps in your car is the (Others Oil Lamp and Charging Lamp).

When you see this red lamp on your car’s instrument panel, you should stop your vehicle as soon as possible and wait for the engine to cool to its proper temperature. Even if your car is cold, it is not recommended that you continue in this situation. It is recommended that you take your car to the nearest service. If you keep driving your car while this lamp is on, you can cause great financial damage to your car’s engine.

Click for detailed information : What Does the Engine Temperature Warning Light Mean?

2. Bmw Oil Pressure Warning Light

BMW Oil Pressure Warning Light; Oil is the lifeblood of your car. The entire engine system works thanks to lubrication. It’s like the water need for the human body. The most important is the warning lamp, which requires immediate action. If this lamp lights up, your car’s oil level is low. You should stop your vehicle as soon as possible and check the oil level after you have cooled off your engine. You must not drive your vehicle with in this light.

Click for detailed information: Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light Meaning

3. Bmw Battery Charge Warning Light

BMW Battery charge warning light; This dashboard symbol means that your car’s charging dynamo is a problem and that your car only works with the battery.

Whatever the cause of the battery warning, the safest option is once again to take your car to the service station and to the car to check for the fault. When you are in trouble, turn off your radio and air conditioning system and consider going to the repair shop safely.

Click for detailed information: What Does The Car Battery Warning Light On The Dashboard Mean?

4. Bmw Hand Brake Warning Light

BMW Hand Brake Warning Light; It’s a warning light to show that the handbrake is ON.

5. Bmw Hand Brake Warning Light (Other)

BMW Hand Brake Warning Light; It’s a warning light to show that the handbrake is ON.

6. Bmw Electric Parking Brake Warning Light

BMW Electric parking brake warning light; On automatic-gear vehicles, lights up when you shift the gear position to park. (P)

7. Bmw Airbag Malfunction Warning Light

BMW Airbag malfunction warning light;  When this lamp is lit, the airbag system is not functioning. You are advised to go to the service.

8. Bmw Seat Belt Not On Warning Light

BMW Seat belt not on warning light; Warning light, which means that the seat belt is not attached.

9. Bmw Transmission Temperature  Warning Light

BMW Transmission Temperature  Warning Light; The gearbox is a warning symbol that means that it is operating at an improper temperature. Check the gearbox oil level and engine coolant level. Wait for 5 minutes to cool at idle while the vehicle is in gearshift N.

10. Bmw Car Security Warning Light

BMW Car Security Warning Light; This dashboard light flashes for about 15 seconds. It flashes because the vehicle security alarm is sounding and turns off automatically when the alarm goes away.

11. Bmw Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light

BMW Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light; This dashboard symbols illuminate to indicate a malfunction in the electronic Throttle Control system. If this light flickers for a long time, you should stop your vehicle immediately and put it in PARK. Contact the Dodge service station as soon as possible.

12 Bmw Car Ahead Indicator Warning Light

BMW Car Ahead Indicator Warning Light; This dashboard light flickers to show you that there is a vehicle in front of your car and you need to reduce your speed to avoid collision.

13. Bmw Lane Keep Assist Warning Light

BMW Lane keep assist warning light; It is a warning lamp that lights up when the lane change is made without using the signal in the vehicles produced by today’s technolgy.

14. Bmw Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

BMW Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL); Engine malfunction warning light. It is one of the most frequently lit lamps. Most vehicles have 2 levels. If the light keeps ON and remains stable, it should be taken at some serious level. However, if the light is flashing it indicates a more serious problem and it is advisable to take the service to the car without driving.

The engine malfunction lamp can be lit for a number of reasons. The most common is the advance setting and the engine system is switched on and the result is lit when the vehicle is not properly installed. Other common causes may include; poor quality fuel, lambda sensor malfunction, catalytic converter malfunction, egr malfunction.

Click for detailed information : Check Engine Light: What Does It Mean and How to Reset ? (The Complete Guide)

15. Bmw Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

BMW Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL); Engine malfunction warning light. It is one of the most frequently lit lamps. Most vehicles have 2 levels. If the light keeps ON and remains stable, it should be taken at some serious level. However, if the light is flashing it indicates a more serious problem and it is advisable to take the service to the car without driving.

The engine malfunction lamp can be lit for a number of reasons. The most common is the advance setting and the engine system is switched on and the result is lit when the vehicle is not properly installed. Other common causes may include; poor quality fuel, lambda sensor malfunction, catalytic converter malfunction, egr malfunction.

Click for detailed information : Check Engine Light: What Does It Mean and How to Reset ? (The Complete Guide)

16. Bmw Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light

BMW Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light: The particulate filter is the part of the exhaust gases that pollute the air that is blown out and allows the less harmful gas to be thrown out. This lamp is located on the diesel vehicle and shows that when it is lit, your vehicle is blocked by the exhaust system or due to different substances.

When the diesel particulate filter is on, you may notice that your car has fallen into a draft. If it is too clogged, your vehicle may stop occasionally. Your car’s exhaust emission values may rise. If you use the car for 10-15 minutes at high speeds while the car is running, the soot can be cleaned and the lamp may go out. If it does not go off, you are recommended to go to the service.

Click for detailed information: https://carwarninglights.net/warning-light/diesel-particulate-filter/

17. Bmw Glow Plug Warning Light

BMW Glow Plug Warning Light; This warning light is located on diesel vehicles and is the part that sets the ignition required for the vehicle to operate. The ignition in petrol vehicles is made by the spark plug while in diesel vehicles it is done by the heating plug in cold weather. If your vehicle does not work during cold weather and this fault lamp is lit, the heating busses are not functioning and must be replaced.

Click for detailed information: Glow Plug Warning Light: What does Glow Plug Light Mean?

18. Bmw Low Fuel Indicator Symbol

BMW Low Fuel Indicator Symbol; It is the warning light that goes ON when your car is low on fuel. When this lamp is lit, it indicates that you have fuel in your depot at varying rates depending on your brand name. This amount of fuel is written in the manual of your vehicle. The fuel in the depot is lit when the average is between 5 and 8 liters.

19. Bmw ABS Warning Light

BMW ABS warning light; If ignition does not come on when the ignition switch is “ON” position, it means that it is defective if it does not go ON after burning, and if it is on when driving, you must use your vehicle carefully, drive at medium speed and avoid braking hardly.

Click for detailed information: https://carwarninglights.net/warning-light/abs-warning-light/

20. Bmw SPORT Mode

BMW Sport Mode; This warning sign indicates that sport mode is activated.

21. Bmw Service 4wd Warning Light

BMW Service 4wd Warning Light; If the four-wheel drive warning sign on the instrument cluster and the 4WD lamp are on, there may be a malfunction in the system.

22. Bmw Electronic Stability Control Active Warning Light

BMW Electronic Stability Control Active Warning Light;  Illuminates when the car is in traction control/anti-slip or electronic stability system in use. It is usually an indicator light that indicates the conditions are slippery.

23. Bmw Car Triangle with Exclamation Point

BMW Car Triangle with Exclamation Point; The exclamation point in the yellow triangle that lights up on the dashboard of BMW cars is also known as the generic warning light or the service light. If this light came on the dashboard panel of your car, it usually indicates that it is not an emergency, but that there is a problem in your car that needs to be fixed. The color changes from white for a benign message, to yellow, needs attention, to red, critical.

Click for detailed information: https://carwarninglights.net/car-guide/triangle-with-exclamation-point/

24. Bmw Door Open Warning Light

BMW Door open warning light; A warning lamp that lights up when an individual door is open or closed, including luggage in your car.

25. Bmw Swing Gate Reminder Warning Light

BMW Swing gate reminder warning light; Signs with vehicle dashboard which mean that the luggage compartment is open.

26. Bmw Hood Open Warning Light

BMW Hood Open Warning Light; If the engine hood is open, this vehicle warning light will appear on the panel

27. Bmw Service Electric Parking Warning Light

BMW Service Electric Parking Warning Light; This warning symbol alerts you that there is a technical problem/defect in the parking brake system and needs emergency service.

28. Bmw All Wheel Drive Warning Light

BMW All Wheel Drive Warning Light; If this instrument cluster warning symbol illuminates, it indicates a problem with the AWD system. It would be best to take your vehicle to your service provider.

29. Bmw Steering Wheel Warning Light

BMW Steering Wheel Warning Light; In vehicles with hydraulic and / or electric steering systems, problems and failures that occur in the system can be seen on the instrument panel with the red steering wheel mark on the instrument panel.

30. Bmw Water in Fuel Filter Warning Light

BMW Water in Fuel Filter Warning Light; This motor warning light indicates that the water level in the fuel filter has increased.

31. Bmw Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light

BMW Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light; Check the fuel cap

32. Bmw Low washer fluid warning light

BMW Low washer fluid warning light; Car warning light informing the user that the windshield washer liquid has decreased or run out.

33. Bmw Service Adaptive Cruise Control Warning Light

BMW Service adaptive cruise control warning light; ACC is currently not available. When safe, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. Restart the vehicle and check the radar for dirt, ice, etc. Check for obstructions. If the warning lamp stays on, please visit your nearest authorized service facility for assistance.

34. Bmw Traction Off Light

BMW Traction off light; Most traction control systems illuminate the warning light when the system detects a loss of traction, such as in snow or rain. Typically, the light is seen when the system intervenes to maintain traction. It’s a good idea to read the chapter in your car owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with how your traction or stability system works.

If the traction control light comes on and stays on without flashing, it means that the traction control system is disabled and there is no traction control. A message may even be issued by the driver information centre, warning that the traction control system has been switched off and that extra care must be exercised, especially when driving on water, ice and snow.

The only way to properly resolve any of the above conditions is to properly diagnose the vehicle at a qualified repair shop. Always have the repair shop do a full computer system scan.

35. Bmw Electronic Stability Control Off Warning Light

BMW Electronic stability control off warning light; The ESC system does not work the same in all vehicles. That’s why it’s always important to consult your manufacturer’s manual to understand how yours works. Generally, the ESC light illuminates when the vehicle loses control and stays on when a malfunction is detected or the system is turned off manually.

36. Bmw Tire Pressure Monitoring System Tpms Warning Light

BMW Tire pressure monitoring system tpms warning light; The tire pressure in your car is low or there is a problem in the system.

Click for detailed information: https://carwarninglights.net/warning-light/tyre-pressure-monitoring-warning-light/

37. Bmw Lane Departure  Warning Light

BMW Lane Departure Warning Light; The lane change light means that it is detected that the vehicle is leaving its current lane without signaling. It can help keep you in your lane.

38. Bmw Smart Entry System Indicator Light

BMW Smart Entry System Indicator Light; Indicates a malfunction in the smart entry & start system or The warning lamp informs that the ignition key is faulty.

39. Bmw Lane Depature Warning Light

BMW Lane depature warning Light;  It is a warning lamp that lights up when the lane change is made without using the signal in the vehicles produced by today’s technolgy.

40. Bmw Suspension Control Warning Light

BMW Suspension Control Warning Light; This warning light will appear if the suspension system fails.

41. Bmw Automatic Gearbox Warning Light

BMW Automatic gearbox warning light; If there is a problem with the automatic transmission, this warning light is lit in yellow or red on the instrument panel. If the emergency warning lamp is illuminated when the emergency warning lamp ON, carefully drive the vehicle in the P, R, N, D (forward gears only 3rd and 5th gears) works. It is recommended that you drive your car at low speed and enter the nearest authorized service station.

 

42. Bmw Collision Mitigating Braking System Warning Light

BMW Collision mitigating braking system warning light; The light comes on when the system is turned off, when the radar sensor is dirty or clogged, or when there is a malfunction in the system. In the last case, take the vehicle to your dealer or authorized workshop for diagnosis and repair.

43. Bmw Blind Spot İndicator Light

BMW Blind spot indicator light; This light illuminates when a vehicle or obstacle is detected in your blind spot.

44. Bmw Pre sense warning light

BMW Pre sense warning light; Pre Sense, uses sensors that trigger the electronic stability control system when the driver applies the brake forcefully. In turn, electric motors tighten or tighten the front seat belts in preparation for a possible accident. In addition, Basic turns on the hazard warning flashers, closes the windows and closes the sunroof (if equipped). This version of Pre Sense does not help the driver avoid collision. Instead, it prepares the cabin for impact to reduce the chance of serious injury should it occur.

45. Bmw Hill Descent Control Warning Light

BMW Hill descent control warning light; If the hill descent control indicator light is steady ON, the system is ON and armed and is controlling the vehicle speed. If the hill descent control indicator light is flashing, the system is ON but is not activated and is not controlling vehicle speed.

46. Bmw Turn Signal Indicator Light

BMW Turn signal indicator light; Indicates that the signal is on. When you lower the signal arm, the left turn indicates the right turn when you lift it up.

47. Bmw Service Stop Start System Warning Light

BMW Service stop start system warning light; Many new car models are equipped with engine stop/start, which helps save fuel by turning your engine off when you’re at a red light. This warning light will appear if there’s something wrong with this system.

48. Bmw Cruise Control Indicator Light

BMW Cruise control indicator light; Indicator light to indicate that the cruise control is activated.

49. Bmw Headlight On Indicator Light

BMW Headlight on ındicator light; It indicates that the short headlamps and stop lights are on.

50. Bmw Dipped Head Lights

BMW Dipped head lights; This sign appears on the front panel when the short headlights are on

51. Bmw High Beam Indicator Light Warning Light

BMW High beam indicator light warning light; Indicates that the long beamed headlights are on.

 

 

Now, let’s explain what are the meanings of lights which are located on BMW Indicator Panel:

BMW Dashboard Symbols Meaning

1.BMW Headlight Warning Lights

1-) The front fog lamp is on.

2-) The rear fog lamp is on.

3-) Indicates that the signal is on. When you lower the signal arm, the left turn indicates the saga turn when you lift it up.

4-) It means that the long-distance headlights are turned on.

5-) It indicates that the short headlamps and stop lights are on.

6-) Indicates that any of the parking, brake, rear fog, signal, interior lighting or license plate lamps are faulty.

7-) The outer brake lamp indicates that the bulb is faulty.

8-) The symbol on the front panel of the vehicle means the malfunction of the headlight control system.

9-) This sign in the front panel is the adaptive light system warning light.

10-) This sign appears on the front panel when the short headlights are on

11-) Battery charge warning light. This warning lamp lights up when there is a dead battery, a battery fault, a charging dynamo (alternator) malfunction. It indicates that there is no charge of the battery. If the battery lamp is on while the engine is running, there is a problem.

12-) Indicator light resembling the sun. Indicates a faulty exterior lamp.

13-) O/D OFF warning light. Overdrive means that the drive system is off.

This symbol indicates that the vehicle’s overdrive system is turned off manually. The overdrive system is controlled by an on / off switch.

14-) Indicates a lighting or other electrical problem controlled by the body control module. Check all the lights. This symbol may also indicate a traction control or a communication problem between the modules.

2.BMW Engine Warning Lights

15-) If you see this warning lamp, press the brake pedal so that the engine starts.

16-) Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light: The presence of this fault lamp in diesel vehicles means that the diesel particulate filter is filled with excess air.

17-) Catalytic Convertor Warning Light: This auto warning lamp means that the catalyst system is faulty.

18-) This motor warning light indicates that the water level in the fuel filter has increased.

19-) The engine air filter is dirty or old.

20-) Engine Temperature Warning Light: The engine coolant is overheated. Burning the fuel warning indicator means that the engine is overheated. You should stop the car immediately and wait for the engine to cool when the warning light flashes.

21-) Indicator light, which means the vehicle engine fuel filter is dirty or faulty.

22-) If this indicator is light, it means that the fuel has decreased.

23-) Oil Pressure Warning Lamp: If this warning light is on your display panel, the engine oil pressure has dropped. It is recommended that you stop the car immediately, check the oil level from the dipstick, and add oil to the level until it reaches the proper level. The authorized service is advised.

24-) Check Engine or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL): This warning indicator turns on and off when the car is started for the first time. If this warning light is on when your car is moving or if the car does not go out after it is working, then your car needs to be taken to the service. If you are blinking, you should be more careful.

25-) Decrease in engine power. If you see this icon on the front panel of your car, it means the computer that controls the engine has limited engine power output. This problem is usually diagnosed by a professional scanning device.

26-) Change Engine Oil warning. Indicates that the engine oil life is full and the oil change time has come.

27-) The gas gauge control light indicates that the gas gauge is not properly tightened. If not handled, the Check Engine Light will also be on.

28-) DPF Light (Diesel particulate filter warning symbol for diesel vehicles)

The diesel exhaust particulate filter test has failed and the service has to be visible.

29-) DEF Light (for diesel vehicles):

The warning light means that the diesel exhaust fluid level is low.

3.BMW Warning Lights for Mechanical Components

30-) This warning light appears when the brake pads are worn. It also lights if the brake pad is replaced and the brake lining sensor is not changed (only for vehicles with brake lining sensor)

31-) This warning light is only available on automatic transmission vehicles. Indicates that you must press the brake pedal to operate the automatic shift lever.

32-) Air suspension warning light.

33-) This warning light will appear if the suspension system fails.

34-) Transmission fault

If there is a problem with the automatic transmission, this warning light is lit in yellow or red on the instrument panel. If the emergency warning lamp is illuminated when the emergency warning lamp ON, carefully drive the vehicle in the P, R, N, D (forward gears only 3rd and 5th gears) works. It is recommended that you drive your car at low speed and enter the nearest authorized service station.

35-) The gearbox is a warning symbol that means that it is operating at an improper temperature. Check the gearbox oil level and engine coolant level. Wait for 5 minutes to cool at idle while the vehicle is in gearshift N.

4.BMW Warning Lights about Weather Conditions

36-) Icon indicating weather outside.

37-) It is the light and rain sensor which calculates the reflection and reflection of the light during the rain and informs the control unit.

38-) If the defrost function of the windshield is active, this car will show the warning light.

39-) This warning light in your car appears when the defogger on the rear window is active.

40-) This warning lamp lights up when the rain sensor is active.

41-) If this warning light is on, it is an automatic glass wiper act.

42-) Warning lamp indicating heating bulbs. (For diesel vehicles)

In diesel vehicles, this light indicates that the engine glow plugs have warmed up and that the engine should not be run until this light is turned off. If the heating boiler malfunctions, white smoke may emerge from the exhaust as long as the engine is operating at the proper temperature. This means that the heating bulbs must be replaced.

43-) The winter mode button you need to use on snowy and slippery roads.

5.BMW Warning Lights For Safety Driving

44-) This vehicle warning symbol, Track distance warning sign.

45-) Warning that the speed limit has been exceeded (for vehicles with speed limit)

46-) Cruise control: Indicates that the drive control is set during driving.

47-) This warning symbol appears if you change the lane without giving a signal.

48-) Vehicle warning light telling that any one of the doors is open.

49-) A warning that a door (including the bonnet and luggage) is not closed. Open and close all doors including the baggage and baggage. If the car is left overnight in this case, it may drain the flow.

50-) Warning lamp, which means that the seat belt is not attached.

51-) The tire pressure in your car is low or there is a problem in the system.

52-) The warning lamp means the key is not in the car. At the same time, the key also means that the chip is not identifiable (see CCNZ: Immobilizer malfunction).

53-) This light comes on when you have parked your vehicle and stopped it completely and then brought the gear to “Park”. (in automatic vehicles), it is recommended that you take the gear to position N, pull the handbrake, then take it to position P to load the transmission.

54-) Parking assistance system signs with vehicle dashboard.

55-) Steering lock warning. If it is yellow, you should bring it to the service, but if it is red, you should not use it.

56-) Airbag and seat belt system defective.

57-) ECO indicator showing you are driving economically.

58-) This warning on the instrument display panel normally illuminates when you take the hand brake. If the brake fluid is continuously visible, there may be a problem with the brake system. In this case, check the brake fluid. However, this can take you as far as the service. If the fluid is missing, your brake pads have completed their life cycle or there is a leak in the system.

59-) This warning symbol appears if the airbag system is off.

60-) ABS warning light.

If ignition does not come on when the ignition switch is “ON” position, it means that it is defective if it does not go ON after burning, and if it is on when driving, you must use your vehicle carefully, drive at medium speed and avoid braking hardly.

61-) This warning light appears if the cruise control is on.

62-) If the engine hood is open, this vehicle warning light will appear on the panel

63-) Signs with vehicle dashboard which mean that the luggage compartment is open.

64-) If you see this symbol on the panel, there is a fault in the start system of the car.

65-) Symbol indicating that the car windscreen washer is running out and needs to be filled.

66-) Safety warning: If the symbol flashes momentarily, the ignition key is locked and requires a key equipped with the appropriate transponder to restart. If the symbol is visible when the vehicle is on, it typically indicates a fault in the safety system.

67-) Traction Control or ESP: Illuminates when the car is in traction control/anti-slip or electronic stability system in use. It is usually an indicator light that indicates the conditions are slippery.

68-) Warning indicating ESP malfunction: Indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle traction control/anti-skid or electronic stability system.

This content has been prepared in response to the following keywords and and was updated on 22.04.2022.

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