About your BMW's safety features
Your BMW has a range of safety systems relying on sensors and safety mechanisms to ensure that your vehicle is working at its optimum performance while ensuring full protection for other road users and passengers.
We have created this simple guide to help you understand each of the common warning lights that may appear on your BMW. It is important that you know how to respond to each warning light to reduce any additional damage to your vehicle and to ensure that your vehicle is safe.
What the BMW warning light symbols mean
Red Lights
Seatbelt Reminder
Check if the driver’s seatbelt has been fastened correctly. This light could also come up to indicate that there is a heavy object in the front passenger’s seat.
Seatbelt reminder for rear seats
Red: Indicates that the seatbelt has not been fastened properly in the corresponding seat.Green: Lets you know that the seatbelt has been fastened in the back seat.
Airbag System
This light suggests that the airbag system and belt tensioner may not be working properly. Seek advice from an authorised BMW service centre immediately.
Park Brake
This light comes up to indicate that the park brake is engaged.
Brake System
This light indicates that the brake system may not be working properly. Continue to drive at a moderate speed and take the vehicle to an authorised service centre immediately.
Front-end Collision Warning
Illuminating: This light will come on if the system identifies a possible collision hazard or if you are driving with a short distance to the vehicle ahead.Flashing: This light will flash when the system identifies an immediate collision hazard ahead or if you are approaching a vehicle driving at a different speed than you.In both situations, engage by braking and swerving if needed.
Person Warning
The light will come up, and a sonorous sign will be triggered when your vehicle detects the risk of a collision with a person.
Yellow Lights
Anti-lock brake system, ABS
This symbol will light up to indicate that the braking force reinforcement could be faulty. Avoid abrupt braking when possible. Have your braking system checked by an authorised BMW Service Centre immediately.
Dynamic stability control DSC
Flashing: Signals that your vehicle is stabilised due to the DSC regulating the acceleration and braking forces.Illuminating: Indicates that the DSC system has failed.
Dynamic stability control DSC deactivated or Dynamic traction control DTC activated
The system guarantees maximum forward traction with simultaneous limited driving stability for special road conditions.
Tyre pressure monitor, TPM
Illuminating: Indicates when there has been a loss of tyre pressure. Reduce speed and stop the vehicle carefully.Flashing and then illuminating continuously: No flat tyres or loss of tyre pressure can be detected.
Steering System
Indicates when the steering system is faulty.
Engine Functions
Indicates when your engine is malfunctioning.
Lane Departure Warning
This light indicates that the system is turned on and can detect possible collision hazards when you change lanes without indicating.
Manual Speed Limiter
Illuminating: The system is turned on.Flashing: This light comes when you exceed the set speed limit.
Rear Fog Lights
This light indicates that the rear fog lights have been switched on.
Green Lights
Turn Indicator
This light indicates that the turn indicator is switched on.
Side lights, driving lights
Side lights or driving lights are switched on. These lights can drain the battery when left on for too long. Make sure to turn them off when you turn your vehicle off.
Cruise Control
Indicates that the system is on and the set driving speed is maintained.
Automatic Hold
Indicates that this function is activated, and the vehicle will be held at a standstill automatically.
Blue Lights
High-beam Headlights
Indicated when the high-beam is turned on.
White Lights
Check Control
At least one Check Control message is displayed or saved.