Is One of the Lights on Your BMW's Dashboard on?

Let our Team Translate what those Dashboard Lights Actually Mean

Here at BMW of Kansas City South, we understand that our customers aren't experts in their vehicles. That's why, it's no surprise to us that many of our customers don't have a clear understanding of their vehicle's dashboard warning lights. With this in mind, our team is here to explain what some of the most common warning lights actually mean.

What does my BMW dashboard light mean? Sometimes a warning light going off on your dashboard simply means that you may be low on fuel, and that you should be looking to stop at a gas station in the coming miles; or a light going off could mean that your BMW's emergency brake is engaged and must be released before you begin driving. Other warning lights - including the tire pressure light, battery light, or brake wear light, can be remedied by stopping by our Service Center.

Other lights, however, have the potential to indicate a much more serious problem. The ESC/ESP warning light could very well mean that your BMW would be unable to stabilize itself in the event of a skid. Beyond that, the airbag indicator warns of a malfunction in the SRS and could potentially fatal if your vehicle is involved in an accident. With this in mind, it's vitally important to understand what a light means when it goes off on your dashboard.

If you have questions about your vehicle's indicator lights, or if a light has recently gone on, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with the team in our Service Center. Conveniently located in Kansas City, MO and just a short drive away from Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee and Independence, our team members are here to ensure that your vehicle is running as safely as possible.

BMW DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS CHART: CHEAT SHEET FOR COLORS, SIGNS, AND SYMBOLS

• Red: once illuminated indicate an issue that required immediate attention.
• Orange will typically indicate a less urgent issue, for example a vehicle service required.
• Other symbol colors such as blue or green provide the driver with information such as lights and indicators.
• Flashing warning lights inform the driver of an urgent issue.

Feel free to contact our Hendrick BMW Service Experts at (888) 845-4263, or fill out this form.

Lighting Indicators and Symbols

The following are all related to your vehicle's lighting system. Many you have seen before, and most will be green or blue.

Turn Signal

Headlamp Indicator

Headlamp Out or Malfunction

High Beams On

Automatic Headlamp Dimmer Indicator

High Beam Assistant

Daytime Running Lights

Tail Light Indicator

Fog Lamp Indicator

BMW Warning Lights - the Truly Serious Ones

If you see any of the following symbols on your dashboard, take no chances. Stop you vehicle immediately and find an authorized repair facility.

Brake Warning Indicators

Engine Coolant Temperature Indicators

Engine Oil Level
or
Oil Pressure Warning Lights

Engine Oil Sensor and Level Indicators

Charging System Warning Lights

Routine and Common Indicators

The following symbols are intended to point out routine needs for your vehicle. For instance, the need to fill your windshield washer fluid, or close a door.

Low On Fuel
Requires Refueling.

Low Washer Jet Fluid
Requires Refilling.

Flashing Light
Parking Sensor Fault.

EML - Engine Management Light
Requires Investigation (Please book the vehicle in for diagnostic).

Parking Brake
On or fault with parking brake system.

Seat Belt
Reminder.

Service Light

Inspection Light

Vehicles With Stop, Start Technology
Fault with system.

Steering Lock
ELV Fault.

Traction Control
Off or Inactive (Faulty).

Traction Control
Off or Inactive (Faulty).

Tire Pressure Warning
Low pressure in at least one tire.

Airbag Warning
If light is on constant, all airbags are inactive due to fault.

Charging Light
Low Battery Power / Vehicle Not Charging.

Brake Pads Low
Will require replacement.

Cruise Control
On.

DPF Warning
Service / Failure.

DPF Warning
Service / Failure.

Oil Level Warning
Red - Stop.

Oil Level Warning
Yellow - Low.

Transmission Fault
Requires specialist attention.

Handbrake Light
On or fault with braking system.

Low Coolant Light
Do not continue journey until coolant is checked (from cold).

Glow Plug Light

ABS - Anti-lock Braking System
If light is on constant, ABS is inactive due to fault.

Information Light

See Owners Manual

Get the Inside Scoop on Your Vehicle's Check Engine Light

Here at BMW of Kansas City South, the team in our Service Center is committed to keeping your BMW in pristine condition. Unfortunately, the occasional problem does arise. One of these problems? Your BMW's check engine light. With this in mind, our team has developed a handy guide that will give you the inside scoop on why your vehicle's engine light may have been turned on...

The Most Common Reasons the Check Engine Light Goes Off

1. Your vehicle's oxygen sensor is what monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust, helping to monitor how much fuel is burned. If your engine light has gone off, it could be a sign that your BMW's oxygen sensor needs replacing.
2. Quite often, a vehicle's engine light goes off simply because your vehicle's gas cap is loose or faulty. While you may not think your BMW's gas cap is not important, it being loose or faulty could mean that fuel vapors are leaking out.
3. Your BMW's catalytic converter helps to protect the environment by converting harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. If your catalytic convertor is failing, not only will your check engine light of off but you'll also notice a decrease in gas mileage.
4. Your car's mass airflow sensor tells its computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air coming through to its engine. A faulty sensor can increase emissions and decrease gas mileage. Meaning, if your check engine light goes off, you should very well be checking this sensor.

Whether your check engine light is on or you have questions about what to do if it does turn on, we invite you to stop by our Service Center today. Conveniently located in Kansas City, MO and just a short drive away from Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee and Independence, we look forward to welcoming you in to our Service Center soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do The Different Dashboard Indicator Lights On My BMW Mean?

Dashboard indicator lights on your BMW serve as your vehicle's communication system, alerting you to everything from routine maintenance needs to potential safety concerns. Warning lights typically appear in yellow/amber for maintenance reminders and red for urgent issues requiring immediate attention. 

Our certified BMW technicians at BMW of Kansas City South can diagnose any dashboard warning light and provide expert service to keep your vehicle running safely. If you're unsure about a warning light, we recommend scheduling a service appointment right away to prevent potential damage.

When Should I Bring My BMW In For Service After A Dashboard Light Appears?

The urgency of service depends on the color and type of warning light displayed on your dashboard. Red warning lights indicate critical issues that require immediate attention and you should safely pull over and contact us or seek roadside assistance. Yellow or amber lights typically signal maintenance due soon or minor issues that should be addressed within 1-3 days to prevent escalation. 

Our service team is available to help you understand your specific warning light and can often accommodate same-day appointments for urgent concerns through our convenient online scheduling system.

Does BMW Of Kansas City South Offer Any Service Specials For Dashboard Light Diagnostics?

Yes, we regularly offer competitive service specials that can help you save on diagnostic services and repairs for dashboard indicator lights. Our current service specials include discounts on various maintenance services, and we also offer BMW Value Service packages for routine maintenance. Additionally, we offer flexible payment options through our buy now, pay over time program, making it easier to address warning lights promptly without financial stress.

Can I Ignore A Dashboard Warning Light If My BMW Seems To Be Running Fine?

Ignoring any dashboard warning light is not recommended, even if your BMW appears to be driving normally. Many dashboard indicators detect issues in their early stages before they become noticeable to the driver, and delaying service can lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the road. What starts as a simple sensor reading or minor fluid issue can escalate into major engine or transmission damage if left unaddressed. 

Our certified technicians use factory diagnostic equipment to accurately identify the root cause and provide expert BMW repairs that keep your vehicle performing at its best.

What Should I Do If A Dashboard Light Comes On While I'm Driving In Kansas City?

If a red warning light appears while driving in Kansas City, safely pull over as soon as possible and turn off your vehicle to prevent potential damage. For yellow or amber lights, you can typically continue driving to our service center in Comfort or Eco Pro mode rather than Sport mode, and monitor your BMW's performance closely through the digital instrument cluster.

Our dealership offers mobile service and roadside assistance for situations where your BMW cannot be safely driven. Contact our service department immediately at BMW of Kansas City South, and we'll guide you through the next steps to get you back on the road safely and quickly.