Indicator and Warning Lamps

Self-monitoring technology. The indicator and warning lamps marked with the symbol, are checked for function when the ignition key is turned. All of them light up once, for different durations.

If a fault has occurred in one of the monitored systems, its lamp does not go out after the engine starts or lights up again while driving.

See the indicated pages for information on how to act in such a situation.

Red: stop the vehicle immediately

Battery Charging CurrentThe battery is not charging.

Defective generator drive belt or malfunction in the generator charging circuit. Contact the nearest BMW Service Center.

Do not continue driving if the generator drive belt is defective. Otherwise there is a risk of engine damage due to overheating. With a defective belt, greater effort is also required to turn the steered wheels.

Engine Oil Pressure
Stop the vehicle and switch off the engine. Check the oil level and top up if necessary. If the oil level is within the specified range, contact the nearest BMW Service Center.

Do not continue driving.

Otherwise there is a risk of engine damage due to oil starvation.

Parking Brake, Brake Hydraulic System

Lights up when the parking brake is applied.

Lights up with the parking brake released: stop driving immediately. Low brake fluid level in the reservoir. The brake pedal travel may also increase noticeably.

Contact the nearest BMW service center.

Greater force may be required on the brake pedal when driving further. Pedal travel may increase noticeably. Take this into account when choosing your driving style.

Before continuing to drive, be sure to read and follow the instructions.

Also lights up when the automatic diagnostic system displays the message "CHECK BRAKE LININGS".

Tire Pressure Control System (RDC)

The warning lamp lights up and a warning tone sounds: a puncture or excessive pressure loss in one of the tires. Reduce speed immediately and stop completely, avoiding sudden steering or braking inputs.

Transmission Temperature

The transmission has overheated.

Reduce speed, stop in a suitable place and allow the transmission to cool down. Contact the nearest BMW service center.

Red or yellow: you may continue driving with caution

The red brake system warning lamp lights up together with the ABS and DSC/xDrive warning lamps and a warning tone sounds: the ABS, DSC, HDC and xDrive systems have failed. Drive torque may be transmitted only to the rear wheels. Have the system checked at a BMW service center as soon as possible.

Continue driving with caution and anticipate the situation. Avoid poor road surfaces and do not fully depress the accelerator or brake pedals. This may damage the drivetrain or cause an accident.

If the brake system warning lamp lights up yellow in the combination described above, the Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBV) system is still functional.

Red: important reminder

Parking brake lamp lights up when the parking brake is applied.

Please fasten your seat belt

Lights up shortly after the vehicle starts moving and stays on until the driver and front passenger fasten their seat belts. At the same time a warning signal sounds and, depending on equipment, a message appears on the automatic diagnostic system display.

These signals also sound if the driver or front passenger unfastens the seat belt while the vehicle is moving.

Airbags

A fault has occurred in the system. Have the system checked at a BMW service center as soon as possible.

Yellow: have the system checked at a service center

Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

Fault in the DBC system.

Have the system checked at a BMW service center as soon as possible.

Engine Oil Level: The lamp lights up while driving: the oil level is at minimum. Add engine oil as soon as possible (no later than 50 km).

Engine Oil Level: The lamp lights up after the engine is switched off: add engine oil at the first opportunity, for example when refueling.

Automatic Transmission: Due to a fault, the transmission operates in emergency mode only. Contact the nearest BMW service center.

Brake Pads

Have the brake pads checked at a BMW service center.

Tire Damage Indicator (RPA)

The tire damage indicator has failed. Have the system checked at a BMW service center as soon as possible.

Ride Height Control

Ride height control is not working. Have the system checked at a BMW service center as soon as possible.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)/xDrive

The warning lamp lights up continuously and a warning tone sounds: the DSC and HDC systems or the xDrive system have failed.

The stabilizing effect of DSC or xDrive is not available. Drive torque may be transmitted only to the rear wheels.

Have the system checked at a BMW service center as soon as possible.

Continue driving with caution and anticipate the situation. Avoid poor road surfaces and do not fully depress the accelerator or brake pedals. This may damage the drivetrain or cause an accident.

Electronic Engine Management

Fault in the electronic engine management system. The vehicle can continue to be driven, but engine power or engine speed will be reduced. Have the system checked at a BMW service center as soon as possible.

Engine

Deterioration of exhaust emission values. Have the system checked at a BMW service center as soon as possible.

Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE)

Lamp lights up while driving:

have the system checked at a BMW service center as soon as possible.

Yellow: note

Rear Fog Lamps

Lights up when the rear fog lamps are switched on.

Diesel Engine Glow Plug Preheating

Start the engine only after the lamp has gone out.

Green: note

Turn Signals: Flashes when the turn signals are switched on. Rapid flashing: fault in the system.

Cruise Control

Lamp lights up when the system is on: ready for operation with the steering wheel buttons.

Fog Lamps: Lights up when the fog lamps are switched on.

High Beam: The lamp lights up when the high beams are switched on and when the headlamp flasher is used.