Guide to BMW Warning Lights: What Do They Mean?

When you’re driving your new BMW in Chino Hills, you want to make sure you know what the BMW dash warning lights mean. These lights are meant to help you stay on top of any potential problems with your car so you can fix them before they cause serious safety issues. BMW of Ontario is here to help you understand your BMW warning lights’ meaning.

BMW Dashboard Warning Lights

No matter if you’re commuting in Corona or driving for fun near Upland, knowing these BMW warning lights meanings can save you a lot of time, money, and inconvenience:

BMW Dashboard Warning Lights — Red

• Front Safety Belt – Buckle up in the front seat!
• Braking System – There is a potentially serious problem with your braking system that requires professional attention.
• Parking Brake – You’ve engaged the parking brake.
• Airbag/Seatbelt Tensioner – This BMW warning light’s meaning is really important — it indicates problems with your car’s safety system that needs to be checked.
• Rear Safety Belt Off – Buckle up in the back seat!

BMW Dashboard Warning Lights — Yellow

• Antilock Braking System – There’s a potential problem with your ABS. This light sometimes comes on when the Brake Assist is activated.
• Engine – When this BMW warning light flashes or stays on, you will want to have your vehicle serviced immediately to have the powertrain system checked.
• Steering System – This indicates a steering system problem, potentially with the power steering.
• Tire Pressure Monitor – If this BMW warning light is triggered, it means that one or more of your tires is underinflated.
• Dynamic Stability Control – This BMW dashboard warning light indicates that the traction control system has been engaged.

BMW Dashboard Warning Lights — Green

Most BMW warning light symbols that are green simply indicate that you have turned on the function it indicates, such as:

• High Beam Assist

• Fog Lights

• Low Beams

• Parking Lights

• Turn Signals

• Rear Safety Belts

Others indicate a driver assist feature has been activated, like:

• Auto Hold

• Lane Departure Warning

Other BMW Warning Lights

• High Beams This blue symbol indicates that you’ve activated your high beam lights.
• Cruise Control has been activated.
• Check Control This light can indicate a variety of issues. Check your owner’s manual for details.
• Service Vehicle If this light is yellow, it means your BMW will be due for service soon. If your BMW becomes overdue for service the light will turn red.
• Light Bulb – If this BMW warning light symbol comes on, one or more external lights are out.
• Circle with Dotted Lines – This BMW warning light’s meaning involves your brake pads, which are showing too much wear.
• Empty or Low Fuel – This BMW dash warning light means you have approximately 30 miles before you run out of fuel.
• Oil Can – This symbol means your vehicle is due for an oil change soon.
• Thermometer – This indicates your engine is getting too hot and is potentially overheating. Bring your car to a stop so your engine can cool down, and then schedule a visit at our service center as soon as possible.
• Battery – There is an issue with your battery. You might need to tighten the connection, clean corroded posts, or have the charge checked.
• Exclamation Mark in Circle – If this light is red, your brake fluid is low. If it’s yellow, your Hill Assist isn’t properly functioning.

Keeping an eye on your warning lights is important, but they’re not the only part of your vehicle you should be checking regularly. If you’re ready to be more thorough, start by finding out what to do if water is leaking from your car.

Let the BMW of Ontario Service Center Help!

Now that you know your BMW dashboard warning lights meanings, contact the service department at BMW of Ontario with any further questions you have about BMW warning lights and what to do when you see one.