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EnglishOverview -> Indicator and warning lamps for your BMW 3 Series 1997-2006
18 Indicator and warning lamps
Engine oil pressure ●
An alarm sounds at the same
time. Stop vehicle immediately
Technology that monitors itself
Red: an important reminder
Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by ● are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
Brake warning lamp ●
Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off. For additional information: refer to
page 69
and switch off engine. Check the
engine oil level and top up as required.
If the oil level is correct, please contact
the nearest BMW center.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.<
Lock backrest/Please fasten
safety belts ●
Flat Tire Monitor ●
In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: a tire failure has
occurred. To come to an immediate
stop, reduce speed, while avoiding any
sudden, jerky braking or steering
maneuvers.
comes on together with an
acoustic signal until the safety belts are
fastened. Flashes when the backrest is
not locked.
For additional information on locking
the backrest, refer to page 51
For additional information on safety
belts: refer to page 52
Red: stop immediately
Battery charge current ●
The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. please
contact the nearest BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 88
Airbags ●
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.<
Brake warning lamp ●
If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
Please have the system
inspected at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 57
check the brake fluid level. Before driv-
ing further, be sure to comply with the
instructions on pages 112 and 127.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Indicator and warning lamps
19
Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompa-
Red and yellow: continue driving Orange: consult the nearest BMW
cautiously
center
The red brake warning lamp
Sequential M gearbox SMG II
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine has been
nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your
earliest opportunity such as when you
stop to refuel
For additional information: refer to
page 124
lights up together with the yel-
low indicator lamps for ABS ●
and DSC:
started, or if it comes on during normal
driving: this indicates a malfunction in
control system has failed. Con- the system. Please consult the nearest
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
Brake pads ●
tinue to drive; drive cautiously
and defensively and avoid full
brake applications. Please have the
system checked by your BMW center
as soon as possible.
BMW center.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information: refer to
page 75
Have the brake pads checked.
For additional information: refer
to page 112
Flat Tire Monitor ●
For additional information: refer to
pages 87, 111
The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
In the event of a malfunction, have the
system checked by your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
pages 25, 88
Yellow: check as soon as possible
Indicator and warning lamps
CBC, ABS and DSC for Cana-
dian models.
Engine oil level
Comes on while driving and is
accompanied by an alarm: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km
before refilling.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) ●
For additional information: refer to
page 124
The indicator lamp flashes and
an acoustic signal sounds: the system
is active and governs drive and braking
force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine is started, or if it comes on
during normal driving and stays on:
DSC has been deactivated, either at the
20 Indicator and warning lamps
button or in response to a system mal- Although the vehicle remains opera-
function. In the event of a malfunction, tional, you should have the systems
have the system checked by your near- checked by your BMW center at the
Rollover protection system
●
The rollover protection system is
deactivated due to a malfunc-
tion. Please have the system inspected
immediately at your BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 63
est BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 87
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information: refer to
page 130
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) ●
Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked and repaired
at your BMW center as soon as possi-
ble.
Service Engine Soon warning
lamp for Canadian models.
Green: for your information
Turn signal indicator
Flashes when turn signals are
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information: refer to
page 76
Engine electronics ●
There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.
For additional information: refer to
page 88
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.
Cruise control
Lights up when the cruise con-
trol is activated. Ready for oper-
ation via the steering wheel with multi-
function buttons.
For additional information: refer to
page 78
Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
Add washer fluid
The washer fluid is too low. Top For additional information: refer to
off the fluid at the earliest page 126
opportunity.
CHECK FILLER CAP ●
For additional information: refer to
page 124
Front fog lamps
Lights up whenever the fog
lamps are on.
This indicator lamp comes on
when the fuel filler cap is loose
or missing.
Close the filler cap tightly: refer to
page 24
SERVICE ENGINE SOON ●
If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
For additional information: refer to
page 94
Indicator and warning lamps
21
Blue: for your information
High beams
Comes on when the high beams
are on or the headlamp flasher
is actuated.
For additional information: refer to
pages 76, 93
