BMW 3: Indicator/warning lights

Concept

Indicator/warning lights in the instrument cluster display the status of some functions in the vehicle and indicate when a malfunction is present in the monitored systems.

General information

The indicator/warning lights can light up in a variety of combinations and colors.

Several of the lights are checked for proper functioning and light up temporarily when drive-ready state is switched on.

Red lights

Safety belt reminder

Indicator light flashes or is illuminated: safety belt on the driver or passenger side is not buckled. The safety belt reminder can also be activated if objects are placed on the front passenger seat.

Make sure that the safety belts are positioned correctly.

Safety belt reminder for rear seats

The safety belt is not buckled on the corresponding rear seat.

Airbag system

Airbag system and belt tensioner may not be working.

Have the vehicle checked immediately by a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

Parking brake

The parking brake is set.

For releasing the parking brake.

Brake system

Braking system impaired. Continue to drive moderately.

Have the vehicle checked immediately by a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

Yellow lights

Anti-lock Braking System ABS

The Brake Assistant function may not activate. Avoid abrupt braking. Take the longer braking distance into account.

Have the system immediately checked by a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control

The indicator light flashes: DSC controls the drive and braking forces. The vehicle is stabilized. Reduce speed and modify your driving style to the driving circumstances.

The indicator light lights up: DSC has malfunctioned.

Have the system immediately checked by a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated or DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated

DSC is deactivated or DTC is activated.

Flat Tire Monitor FTM

The Flat Tire Monitor signals a loss of tire inflation pressure in a tire.

Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.

Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.

Tire Pressure Monitor TPM

The indicator light lights up: the Tire Pressure Monitor reports a low tire inflation pressure or a flat tire. Follow the information in the Check Control message.

The indicator light flashes and then continuously lights up: no flat tire or loss of tire inflation pressure can be detected.

• Interference caused by systems or devices with the same radio frequency: after leaving the area of the interference, the system automatically becomes active again.
• A wheel without TPM wheel electronics is mounted: have it checked by a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop as needed.
• Malfunction: have the system checked by a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

Tire Pressure Monitor.

Steering system

Steering system may not be working.

Have the system checked by a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

Emissions

• The warning light lights up: Emissions are deteriorating. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible.
• The warning light flashes under certain circumstances: This indicates that there is excessive misfiring in the engine.

  Reduce the vehicle speed and have the system checked immediately; otherwise, serious engine misfiring within a brief period can seriously damage emission control components, in particular the catalytic converter.

Socket for Onboard Diagnosis.

Green lights

Safety belt reminder for rear seats

The safety belt is buckled on the corresponding rear seat.

Turn signal

Turn signal switched on.

Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator light indicates that a turn signal bulb has failed.

Parking lights

Parking lights are switched on.

Parking lights/low beams.

Low beams

Low beams are switched on.

Parking lights/low beams.

Lane departure warning

The indicator light lights up: the system is activated. A lane marking was detected on at least one side of the vehicle and warnings can be issued.

Lane departure warning.

Front fog lights

Front fog lights are switched on.

High-beam Assistant

High-beam Assistant is switched on.

High beams are switched on and off automatically depending on the traffic situation.

Automatic Hold

Automatic Hold is activated. The vehicle is automatically held in place when it is stationary.

Blue lights

High beams

High beams are switched on.

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