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When you see a light on your BMW dashboard, your initial thought is something is wrong with your car because you don’t know the meaning of the warning light. Seeing something out of the norm pop up can make your heart skip a beat, but if you understand what it all signifies, you’ll be ready to act.
Some of these are simply clues that something is happening, while others are symptoms of something wrong with your BMW. How then do you tell the difference between the two?
Every BMW is meticulously manufactured and meticulously planned to uphold the BMW reputation, and while unexpected roadside troubles are uncommon, it’s crucial to be prepared ahead of time.
BMW warning light symbols can signal a range of things, including the need for emergency service, the need for a service soon, or the need for a simple DIY remedy. While most of the warning lights are related to routine maintenance, we want to help you maintain your car with our BMW experts in Sydney.
Please call Automotive Hospital if you have any questions concerning warning lights and corresponding warning symbols, as well as what they could imply. We can explain how we can help you maintain your automobile or complete your service needs at the shop.
If you require frequent service in your out-of-warranty vehicle, please call ahead and speak with one of our Automotive Hospital consultants. These are high-end, luxury vehicles, and they’re probably one of your most valued assets, so let’s take good care of them together.
BMW Warning Lights And Meaning
Modern BMW automobiles, including popular models such as the 3 Series, X3, and 1 Series, are packed with sensors that track how each function in the vehicle operates. The dashboard lights indicate which systems are in operation and highlight when one of those systems is not functioning correctly.
A traffic light color system governs the lights on a BMW dashboard:
- Green: the system is working correctly or is in use currently.
- Yellow: something is not working properly – take extra care and check it out as soon as possible
- Red: there is a severe and potentially dangerous problem – stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so
BMW Brake System Warning Light
Because your car’s brakes are one of its most vital safety elements, it’s critical to respond quickly if you notice this warning lightly.
When the brake system warning light on a BMW becomes yellow, it implies the hill assist function has failed. This safety feature prevents the car from rolling back when you first remove the parking brake on an incline by automatically retaining the footbrake.
If there is a problem with hill assist, be especially cautious while starting up any steep hills and have it checked as soon as possible.
BMW Brake Pad Replacement Warning Light
If this light comes on, it signifies your brake pads are too thin, as detected by a sensor. This warning light should illuminate before your brake pads become dangerously thin, giving you plenty of time to replace them.
However, you should replace the brake pads as soon as possible since it could be hazardous if they entirely wear out.
BMW Engine Warning Light
The Engine Management Indicator (EMI) or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may be used in BMW vehicles, although you’ll most likely recognise it as the check engine light.
When the check engine light comes on, it’s usually followed by telltale symptoms that the engine isn’t running correctly, such as losing power or stuttering when you press the accelerator.
This light could indicate various problems, ranging from minor issues such as a damaged electrical sensor to more mechanical severe difficulties such as a problem with your emission control system or catalytic converter.
It is best to bring your BMW to the Automotive Hospital for expert advice and repairs.
BMW Coolant Warning Light
Coolant fluid absorbs heat from the engine and disperses it through the radiator to keep your engine from overheating.
This yellow warning light will illuminate when coolant levels are low to alert you to top them up.
Avoid making long trips without enough coolant, if you don’t stop and top up as soon as possible, your car could suffer significant harm. Before topping up, let the engine cool down. If this light turns on frequently, have your car serviced to prevent a leak.
BMW Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
The yellow oil warning light illuminates when either your oil temperature gets too high, or your oil level or pressure is too low.
If your oil is not lubricating the engine well enough, it could lead to major engine damage, so it’s important to act quickly.
BMW Battery Charging System Warning Light
This indicator warns that the battery is not charging if it comes on while you’re driving.
This might be the consequence of an electrical system problem, which a malfunctioning alternator could cause, a broken battery, a poor electrical connection, or damaged cabling, among other things.
BMW Airbag Warning Light
When this light turns red, it means that at least one component of the airbag safety system is malfunctioning: the airbag system itself, the front passenger occupant classification system (which detects the front passenger’s weight and position to deploy the airbag safely), or the seat belt pre-tensioner system which tightens the belt in the event of a collision.
BMW Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Warning Light
This warning light indicates a traction control issue.
If it’s flashing, it signifies the DSC system is intervening, such as when driving on a slick road. If the LED remains illuminated, the DSC system is malfunctioning.
The DSC light will light up with the word ‘Of’ if the system has been deactivated, in which case you may have mistakenly switched it off. Stop and restart the engine to see if this is the case.
If the light stays on after restarting, take it to a garage to be checked out, as the DSC system is a critical safety element.
BMW Transmission Fault Warning Light
This warning light could indicate a transmission problem, such as a higher-than-normal transmission fluid temperature, or it could be a reminder that your transmission fluid levels are low and need to be replenished.
You may check and top up the transmission fluid yourself if you have the expertise and confidence. Still, it’s best to get any problems checked by a professional because continuing to drive could cause more significant damage, and automatic gearboxes are expensive to replace.
BMW Tyre Pressure Warning Light
Many BMW vehicles now have tyre pressure monitoring devices that alert you if the pressure drops. This could occur over time or as a result of a puncture.
Low tyre pressure can generate dangerous driving circumstances, in any case, so slow down and avoid abrupt braking or aggressive steering maneuvers.
You can check your tyre pressure with an air compressor at most gas stations and garages. Fill the tyres with air according to the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual.
BMW Steering Lock Warning Light
The steering lock is an anti-theft feature that prohibits anyone without the keys from driving the vehicle. If someone tries to move the steering wheel while the ignition is turned off, it effectively locks it in place.
A yellow warning light means a problem with the system has to be fixed as soon as feasible.
If the light turns red while you’re driving, you should pull over to the side of the road and ask for help since the steering wheel could lock into place and pose a life-threatening situation.
BMW DPF Warning Light
The DPF warning light is only relevant if you have a diesel BMW.
This light will come on if there is a problem with your Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), which removes harmful dirt from your exhaust gases to reduce your car’s emissions. Your filter more than likely has become blocked with dirt.
Besides releasing toxic black smoke every time you push your accelerator, driving with a blocked DPF could cause more serious damage to your car.
You should let one of our BMW expert technicians check it as soon as you can, as DPFs can be expensive to replace.
Have Your BMW Warning Lights Checked By An Expert
Maintaining your BMW regularly is a great strategy to avoid unforeseen difficulties on the road. Although BMW cars are famed for their dependability, you’re likely to encounter more than a few BMW warning lights throughout your vehicle’s lifetime.
Schedule service with the qualified technicians at Automotive Hospital if you need help with your BMW warning light.
If you’re confused about a warning light, always consult your owner’s handbook – after all, the BMW dashboard warning lights may not be the same across all models. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions concerning your BMW warning lights.
