Controls, Instruments and Warning Lamps

Controls and Instruments

* Items marked with an asterisk (*) in this section denote special accessories, optional equipment or export model equipment. All models and equipment versions offered by BMW to the customer are described.

Description:
1. Light switch (see Lights section)
2. Turn signal switch (later in this section)
Parking lights (see Lights section)
High beam (see Lights section)
Light signal (see Lights section)
Trip computer control* (see Trip Computer section)
3. Fog light switch (see Lights section)
4. Windshield wiper/washer switch lever (later in this section)
5. Central locking system button (see Locks and Anti-Theft Alarm section)
6. Hazard warning flasher button (later in this section)
7. Rear window defroster button (later in this section)
8. Horn, entire pad
9. Steering wheel power adjustment switch lever* (see Interior Equipment section)

Depending on the equipment, one of two instrument cluster versions is installed in the vehicle.

Instrument Panel. Version 1

Instrument Cluster. Version 2 1. Fuel level indicator with fuel reserve warning lamp
2. Turn signal indicator lamps
3. Speedometer
4. High beam indicator lamp
5. Tachometer and economy indicator
6. Coolant temperature gauge with "Coolant temperature too high" warning lamp
7. Indicator and warning lamps:
- parking brake
- ABS
- brake fluid level / brake pad wear
- airbags
- cruise control
- fasten seat belt reminder*
- AT*
8. Selector lever position and selected shift program indicator for AT* (see Automatic Transmission (AT)* section)
9. Service interval indicator
10. Outside temperature indicator and trip computer display*:
average fuel consumption, approximate driving range and average speed - controlled by the turn signal stalk, see Trip Computer section.
11. Ride height control indicator lamp*
12. ASC+T indicator lamp*
13. Odometer and trip odometer
14. Self-diagnosis display* (see Self-Diagnosis System* section)
15. Trip odometer reset button
16. Indicator and warning lamps
- fog lamps*
- rear fog lamps*
- engine oil level
- battery charge
- engine oil pressure
- glow plug*/Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE)*
17. Indicator and warning lamps:
- parking brake
- brake fluid level / brake pad wear
- ABS
- airbags
- cruise control
- fasten seat belt reminder*
18. Self-diagnosis display call button
(see Self-Diagnosis System* section)
19. Selector lever and selected shift program indicator for AT* (see Automatic Transmission (AT)* section)
20. Outside temperature indicator
21. Self-diagnosis system, trip computer display and, when equipped with multifunction steering wheel, radio and telephone display (see Self-Diagnosis System* section)
22. Indicator lamps:
fog lamps*
rear fog lamps*
battery charge
engine oil pressure

Indicator and Warning Lamps

Lamp Check

Indicator and warning lamps marked with "-" light up briefly to check their function when the ignition key is turned to position 2, and go out almost immediately after the engine starts.

LAMP CHECK

Turn Signal Indicator, green
The lamp flashes when the turn signals are on. When towing a trailer, the lamp also flashes when the trailer turn signals are on. A rapid flashing rate indicates a fault in the system.

High Beam Indicator, blue
The lamp is on when the high beams are on and when flashing the headlights. For details refer to the Lights section.

Parking Brake, red -
The lamp lights when the parking brake lever is applied. For details refer to the Parking Brake section.

Brake Fluid Level / Brake Pad Wear*, red -
If the lamp lights, check the brake fluid level or the condition of the brake pads. If the brake fluid level has dropped below the minimum (the self-diagnosis display shows the message "Bremsflüssigk. prüfen")
or
The brake pads are worn (the self-diagnosis display shows the message "Bremsbelag prüfen")

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), yellow -
If the lamp lights while driving, the ABS has been switched off due to a system fault. Normal braking effectiveness is maintained without restriction. Have the system checked at a BMW service center. For details refer to the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) section.

Airbags, red -
The lamp check is performed only after the ignition key is turned to position 1. If the lamp does not light or lights while driving, have the system checked at a BMW service center. For details refer to the Safety Systems section.

Cruise Control*, green
The lamp is on when the system is on. The system can be operated from the multifunction steering wheel. For details refer to the Cruise Control section.

Please Fasten Seat Belts*, red -
Depending on equipment, when the lamp lights, an audible signal* or a message* on the self-diagnosis display may appear. Depending on equipment, the lamp remains on until the seat belt is fastened. For details on seat belts refer to the Safety Systems section.

Automatic Transmission*, yellow
Due to an AT fault, gear shifts are performed in emergency program only. Please visit the nearest BMW service center. For details refer to the Automatic Transmission (AT)* section.

Ride Height Control*, yellow
If the lamp lights or the message "Niveauregel inaktiv" appears on the self-diagnosis display, the ride height control is faulty. Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear of the vehicle is significantly lower than the front, or the vehicle is standing at an angle (compare the right rear and left rear), go to the nearest BMW service center. Continue driving carefully.

Ride Height Control*, yellow
If the lamp lights or the message "Niveauregel inaktiv" appears on the self-diagnosis display, the ride height control is faulty. Stop and inspect the vehicle. If the rear of the vehicle is significantly lower than the front, or the vehicle is standing at an angle (compare the right rear and left rear), go to the nearest BMW service center. Continue driving carefully.

ASC+T Stability Control with traction control, yellow
The system is switched off by pressing the button or due to a malfunction. If a malfunction occurs, please contact a BMW service center. For details, refer to the section Automatic Stability Control with Traction Control (ASC+T).

Fog lamps*, green
The lamp illuminates when the fog lamps are switched on. For details, refer to the section Lighting.

Rear fog lamps*, yellow
The lamp illuminates when the rear fog lamps are switched on. For details, refer to the section Lighting.

Engine oil level*, yellow
If the lamp illuminates, check the oil level. For details, refer to the section Checking Fluid Levels.

Battery charge, red
Illumination of the lamp indicates that the battery is not being charged. The cause may be a faulty drive belt on the alternator or an interruption in the charging circuit in the alternator.
Do not continue driving, as the engine may be damaged by overheating. If the drive belt is faulty, the steering effort required at the steering wheel increases.

Engine oil pressure, red
If the lamp illuminates while driving and the message "Stop! Oldruck Motor" (Stop! Engine oil pressure) appears in the display of the automatic diagnostic system* (if the vehicle is equipped with this system), stop immediately, switch off the engine, check the oil level and top up if necessary. If the level is correct, consult a BMW service center.
Do not continue driving, as the engine may be damaged due to insufficient lubrication.

Glow plug preheating*, yellow
Start the engine only after the lamp goes out. For details, refer to the section Refueling, Starting and Stopping the Engine. If the DDE system warning lamp illuminates while driving, or the message "Einspritzanlage" (Injection system) appears in the automatic diagnostic system display, a fault has occurred in the electronic injection system. If the engine has not stalled, you may continue driving, as engine management will switch to an emergency program. However, engine output will be reduced. Therefore, have the injection system repaired at the first opportunity.

Odometers, outside air temperature indicator

The design of the odometers and indicator varies depending on the equipment of your vehicle.

Total odometer

With the ignition key in position 0, you can display the odometer reading by pressing the button on the instrument cluster (shown by arrow).

Trip odometer

The trip odometer is reset to zero by pressing the button shown by the arrow when the ignition key is in position 1 or 2.

Outside air temperature indicator

Starting from when the key is set to position 1, the outside air temperature is displayed. To display it with the ignition switched off*: press the button.

Ice warning

When the temperature drops below +3°C, an audible warning sounds and the display flashes for some time.

The warning is repeated if, after the last warning, the temperature has risen to at least +6°C at least once and then dropped again to +3°C.

Despite the ice warning system, ice may still form (for example, on bridges and shaded road sections) at temperatures above +3°C.

Tachometer

Avoid running the engine speed into the red zone of the scale.
In this range, fuel supply is interrupted to protect the engine, which is noticeable as a drop in power.

Economy meter

The economy meter shows the current fuel consumption in l/100 km. You can monitor at any time how economical and environmentally friendly your driving style is.
When the vehicle is stopped, the needle returns to zero.

Fuel level indicator

To check the gauge operation, its indicator lamp illuminates briefly when the ignition is switched on.
If the lamp remains lit, the fuel remaining in the tank is approximately:
approx. 8 L - BMW 520i, 523i, 528i, 525tds
approx. 10 L - BMW 535i, 540i
Fuel tank capacity data is given in the Specifications.

Different vehicle inclinations (for example, during prolonged driving on mountain roads) may cause slight fluctuations in the gauge reading.
Refuel in good time, as driving until the tank is completely empty may damage the engine or catalytic converter.

Coolant temperature gauge

Needle in the blue sector
The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate engine speeds and speeds.
Needle in the red sector
If the warning lamp flashes or the message "Kuhlwassertemperatur" (Coolant temperature) appears in the automatic diagnostic display*, the engine is overheated. In this case, stop immediately and allow the engine to cool down.


Scale zone between the colored sectors
Corresponds to normal operating temperature. At high outside air temperatures or under heavy engine load, the needle may approach the red sector closely.
Check the coolant level as described in the section Checking Fluid Levels.

Service interval indicator

The design of the indicator varies depending on the equipment of your vehicle.

Green indicators
The fewer green indicators remain lit, the closer the service due date.
Yellow indicator
This indicator appears together with the OILSERVICE or INSPECTION message. It lights up when the corresponding service is due.
Red indicator
The scheduled service is overdue.
Clock symbol
Reminder that the brake fluid must be replaced.

The indicator does not take into account the time the vehicle is parked with the battery terminals disconnected.

However, to maintain the specified brake fluid replacement interval, this time must be taken into account.

Turn signal and high beam switch

The switch has the following operating positions:
1 — High beam (blue indicator lamp illuminates when switched on)
2 — Headlight flasher
3 — Turn signals (green indicator lamp flashes and the relay clicks when switched on)

A rapid flashing of the indicator lamp and clicking of the relay indicate a malfunction of one of the turn signal lamps (when towing a trailer, a malfunction of the trailer turn signal lamp is also possible).

Non-latching turn signal operation
Lightly press the lever without moving it past the detent. If the lever is released, it returns to its original position.

Windshield wipers and washers

0 — Off position (wipers not operating)
1 — Intermittent wiper operation / rain sensor*
2 — Normal speed wiper operation
3 — High speed wiper operation
4 — Single wiper cycle
5 — Automatic washer operation
6 — High intensity washer operation*
7 — Intermittent wiper interval adjustment / rain sensor sensitivity adjustment

1. Intermittent mode / rain sensor*

The interval between wiper cycles can be adjusted in four steps using knurled wheel 7. In addition, the interval is automatically adjusted according to the actual vehicle speed.

Rain sensor

The sensor automatically adjusts the wiper operating frequency according to the intensity of rain and, of course, snowfall. This means that once the sensor is switched on, you no longer need to switch the wipers on and off or change from one operating mode to another. You can concentrate fully on the road. This is especially convenient in bad weather conditions.

The emitter directs infrared light onto the windshield surface so that, when the glass is dry, this light is reflected completely. The sensor measures the intensity of the reflected light.

If the glass is covered with water droplets, the degree of reflection decreases, since infrared light partially passes through the glass. The intensity of the reflected light makes it possible to determine the degree of wetness of the windshield.

If the wipers are switched on in intermittent mode, they respond immediately, for example, if water from the wheels of the vehicle ahead gets onto the windshield of your vehicle. In this way, the rain sensor contributes to greater driving safety and improved convenience when operating the vehicle.

Activating the sensor

PROCEDURE

1. After turning the ignition key to position 1 or 2, move the switch lever from position 0 to position 1. In either case, the wipers will operate once as confirmation that the sensor is activated.
2. You can also activate the sensor by moving the switch lever to position 1 from any other position, or by selecting automatic (5) or intensive mode (6) in position 1 of the switch.
3. Turn the knurled wheel 7 to adjust the sensor sensitivity as required.
4. Switching off the ignition deactivates the sensor.

If you want to keep the switch lever in the "Rain sensor" position for an extended period, you can activate the sensor by turning the knurled wheel 7 after turning the ignition key to position 1.

When washing the vehicle in a car wash, deactivate the sensor, since unintentional operation of the wipers may damage them.

2. Wiper operation at normal speed

When the vehicle is stopped, the wipers automatically switch to intermittent operation (this does not apply to vehicles with a rain sensor).

3. Wiper operation at high speed

When the vehicle is stopped, the wipers operate at normal speed (this does not apply to vehicles with a rain sensor).

5. Windshield washer operation in automatic mode

Spraying washer fluid onto the windshield is accompanied by brief activation of the wipers.

(A brief movement of the switch lever sprays washer fluid onto the windshield, but the wipers do not switch on.)

6. Windshield washer operation in intensive mode*

The washers operate in the same way as with the switch lever in position 5, but the windshield is sprayed in advance with a high-power cleaning agent.

Headlamp washers*

If the vehicle lights are on, the headlamps are washed automatically every fifth time the windshield washers operate in automatic or intensive mode.

To avoid reduced visibility, use the washers only when there is no risk of washer fluid freezing on the windshield. Use special antifreeze washer fluid (refer to Specifications). To prevent damage to the washer pump, do not operate the washers when there is no fluid in the reservoir.

Washer nozzle heating

Heating is automatic when the ignition key is in position 2.

Rear window defroster

Activation
Press the button. While the indicator lamp is on, the rear window defroster operates at increased output (fast defrosting).
When the lamp goes out, the heating output is reduced, and the defroster switches off automatically.
If necessary, press the button again. Fast defrosting will be switched on again while the indicator lamp is on.
Deactivation
With the indicator lamp on, press the button.

Multifunction steering wheel (MFL)*

1 — Telephone: answer/end call, start dialing, end conversation
2 — Radio/telephone: switching
3 — Radio/telephone: seek station/phone number down the band/phone book list
4 — Radio/telephone: volume
5 — Radio/telephone: seek station/phone number up the band/phone book list
6 — Horn, entire panel
7 — Cruise control: activation
8 — Cruise control: set current speed as target speed and then increase (+) or decrease (-) speed and store the reached value in memory
9 — Cruise control: deactivation
10 — Switching air recirculation mode or steering wheel heating on and off

Buttons are built into the multifunction steering wheel that allow quick operation, without taking your attention off the road, of:
• certain radio functions
• air conditioning in recirculation mode
or
• steering wheel heating system
• cruise control
• certain telephone functions

To operate the various systems from the multifunction steering wheel, they must first be switched on.

The illustration shows a possible example of full equipment. Details are given in the descriptions of the specific variants.

Hazard warning lights

The button indicator flashes periodically while the alarm is armed.
When the vehicle lights are on, the button is illuminated, which makes it easier to find.