Yellow Warning Lights
Check Engine Light
Variations:
Can you continue to drive?: It really depends on what the underlying issue is and the feel of the vehicle. We would recommend that you stop driving your BMW if when the light comes on the drive feels different. You will need to book in for diagnostics and repairs as your vehicle will need to be professionally investigated with the correct tools and knowledge.
If the drive of the vehicle doesn’t feel different when the light comes on, it is still important to get it booked in as soon as possible to avoid further damage. However, you can continue to drive.
Information:
In the event that your BMW check engine light comes on, you will more than likely already be aware that something isn’t quite right. You will probably be feeling a loss of power when applying the accelerator, or feeling like the car is stuttering.
The difficulty with your check engine light is that it could range from a minor fault to a serious issue.
Tyre Pressure Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
You will need to check and top up your tyre pressure. The majority of petrol stations have air compressors available for use. To find the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle, you should check your owner’s handbook. Some vehicles also have the correct tyre pressure on the inside of either the passenger or driver’s door.
In the event that your tyre is actually punctured, you will need to get a replacement tyre. Your BMW will either come with a spare wheel which you will need to put on, or a puncture repair kit.
Information:
Tyre pressure reduces over time naturally as you drive. The longer and more frequent the journeys, the more often you should check your tyre pressure. However, sometimes it can be caused by a puncture.
Check Engine Light
Variations: You may also find this BMW warning light is referred to as the Engine Management Light (EML) or the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
Can you continue to drive?: It really depends on what the underlying issue is and the feel of the vehicle. We would recommend that you stop driving your BMW if when the light comes on the drive feels different. You will need to book in for diagnostics and repairs as your vehicle will need to be professionally investigated with the correct tools and knowledge.
If the drive of the vehicle doesn’t feel different when the light comes on, it is still important to get it booked in as soon as possible to avoid further damage. However, you can continue to drive.
Information:
In the event that your BMW check engine light comes on, you will more than likely already be aware that something isn’t quite right. You will probably be feeling a loss of power when applying the accelerator, or feeling like the car is stuttering.
The difficulty with your check engine light is that it could range from a minor fault to a serious issue.
Tyre Pressure Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Driving with low tyre pressure is never a safe choice. If the BMW tyre pressure light does come on, make sure you drive at slower speeds as well as driving more cautiously. We advise you avoid braking sharply or steering quickly.
You will need to check and top up your tyre pressure. The majority of petrol stations have air compressors available for use. To find the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle, you should check your owner’s handbook. Some vehicles also have the correct tyre pressure on the inside of either the passenger or driver’s door.
In the event that your tyre is actually punctured, you will need to get a replacement tyre. Your BMW will either come with a spare wheel which you will need to put on, or a puncture repair kit.
Information:
Tyre pressure reduces over time naturally as you drive. The longer and more frequent the journeys, the more often you should check your tyre pressure. However, sometimes it can be caused by a puncture.
Brake Pad Replacement Light
Can you continue to drive?: You will still be able to drive with this light on. However, not far. It is important that as soon as this light comes on, you arrange for your brake pads to be replaced. If the light turns red, this means the brakes pads have become dangerously thin and are significantly reducing the effectiveness of your brakes.
Information:
If your BMW brake pad light comes on, it means the sensor has detected that your brake pads are becoming too thin and it is time to get them booked in for a replacement.
ABS Light
Can you continue to drive?: You can still drive, but you will need to be extra cautious as you won’t have the assistance of the vehicle in the event of sudden braking. This could lead to the vehicle skidding, especially in challenging weather conditions.
The time you should not drive with this light illuminated is if the brake system warning light is also on.
Information:
It is normal for the ABS light to appear when it is actively assisting you whilst braking. However, if it remains on, this is an indication of an underlying issue.
In the event that the light does remain on, you will need to get your vehicle booked in for a diagnostic appointment to solve the issue before it progresses.
An illuminated ABS light will fail an MOT.
Oil Level/Pressure Light
Variations: The light will either be red or amber
Can you continue to drive?:
Once the red oil light appears on your BMW dashboard, you need to stop as soon as possible. Turn off the engine and then check your oil levels, along with any signs of an oil leak. If your oil is low, top it up as necessary. However, if your levels are ok, this could indicate there may be an issue with the oil pump. In this situation, you would need your car recovered to prevent any damage to the engine.
If the oil light is amber, you will just need to top up the oil level as it is an indication that the oil is low.
Information:Your BMW oil light will come on in the event that the oil pressure or oil levels are too low.
Change Oil Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
You will be safe to continue driving, however, it is still important that you address the warning light. Failing to change the oil when it is due can result in costly repair bills, so it is best to get your oil change booked in as soon as possible to prevent any unnecessary problems.
It is best to get your oil change completed at a garage rather than doing it yourself as the on-board computer will require resetting. This ensures your BMW will continue to monitor the oil effectively.
Information:
Engine oil requires changing periodically as old oil becomes inefficient for your vehicle, resulting in it running less smoothly. This can then escalate and cause damage to the engine and other components such as the turbo. Therefore, it is best to get it done as soon as possible.
DPF Light
Appearance:
Variations:
Can you continue to drive?:
If your DPF is blocked, continuing to drive could cause serious damage as the exhaust gases are being blocked and unable to release properly. You may notice that black soot comes out of the exhaust when accelerating. If this is the case, you do need to get your vehicle booked into a garage as soon as possible before incurring more expensive repair bills. You will not need to get your vehicle recovered, but we do advise you finish your journey, providing it is short, and stop further use until it has been repaired.
Information:
The BMW DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) warning light will only apply to diesel vehicles. The purpose is to reduce emissions caused by diesel vehicles. This is done by filtering out most of the harmful soot before being released from the exhaust. Sometimes this filter can become blocked. The DPF light coming on may be indicating this.
DEF Light
Appearance:
Variations:
Can you continue to drive?:
You can continue to drive with this warning light on, however, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything about it. You will need to check and top up your diesel exhaust fluid as necessary.
Information:
This warning light only applies to diesel vehicles. Your BMW DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) light will be indicating that the levels are too low. As a result of this, you can cause secondary issues to your DPF.
Brake Pad Replacement Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Information:
If your BMW brake pad light comes on, it means the sensor has detected that your brake pads are becoming too thin and it is time to get them booked in for a replacement.
ABS Light
Can you continue to drive?:
The time you should not drive with this light illuminated is if the brake system warning light is also on.
Information:
It is normal for the ABS light to appear when it is actively assisting you whilst braking. However, if it remains on, this is an indication of an underlying issue.
In the event that the light does remain on, you will need to get your vehicle booked in for a diagnostic appointment to solve the issue before it progresses.
An illuminated ABS light will fail an MOT.
Oil Level/Pressure Light
Variations:
Can you continue to drive?:
Once the red oil light appears on your BMW dashboard, you need to stop as soon as possible. Turn off the engine and then check your oil levels, along with any signs of an oil leak. If your oil is low, top it up as necessary. However, if your levels are ok, this could indicate there may be an issue with the oil pump. In this situation, you would need your car recovered to prevent any damage to the engine.
If the oil light is amber, you will just need to top up the oil level as it is an indication that the oil is low.
Information:Your BMW oil light will come on in the event that the oil pressure or oil levels are too low.
Change Oil Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
It is best to get your oil change completed at a garage rather than doing it yourself as the on-board computer will require resetting. This ensures your BMW will continue to monitor the oil effectively.
Information:
Engine oil requires changing periodically as old oil becomes inefficient for your vehicle, resulting in it running less smoothly. This can then escalate and cause damage to the engine and other components such as the turbo. Therefore, it is best to get it done as soon as possible.
DPF Light
Appearance:
Variations:
Can you continue to drive?:
If your DPF is blocked, continuing to drive could cause serious damage as the exhaust gases are being blocked and unable to release properly. You may notice that black soot comes out of the exhaust when accelerating. If this is the case, you do need to get your vehicle booked into a garage as soon as possible before incurring more expensive repair bills. You will not need to get your vehicle recovered, but we do advise you finish your journey, providing it is short, and stop further use until it has been repaired.
Information:
The BMW DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) warning light will only apply to diesel vehicles. The purpose is to reduce emissions caused by diesel vehicles. This is done by filtering out most of the harmful soot before being released from the exhaust. Sometimes this filter can become blocked. The DPF light coming on may be indicating this.
DEF Light
Appearance:
Variations:
Can you continue to drive?:
You can continue to drive with this warning light on, however, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything about it. You will need to check and top up your diesel exhaust fluid as necessary.
Information:
This warning light only applies to diesel vehicles. Your BMW DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) light will be indicating that the levels are too low. As a result of this, you can cause secondary issues to your DPF.
Bulb Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Changing a light bulb isn’t a difficult job, however some BMWs will be more challenging than others. If you need assistance with replacing a bulb, give us a call.
Information:
Your BMW bulb warning light will simply be informing you that you have an exterior bulb out. There may also be a message indication which bulb requires attention.
Fuel Cap Light
Can you continue to drive?:
You may need to book your car in just to get it sorted. It isn’t a big job, but it is important that you get it looked at rather than leaving it too long.
Information:
Your fuel system will need to be completely sealed to effectively work. Therefore, if you leave your fuel cap open or it isn’t properly shut, you will receive a fuel cap warning light. Sometimes there can be a slight delay before the light goes off. However, if after closing the fuel cap the light remains on, it is likely there is a leak.
Bulb Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
It is perfectly safe for you to continue driving. However, you will need to get it replaced as soon as possible, especially if it is a more serious light such as an indicator or a brake light. As lights are a key safety feature, this would cause an MOT failure.
Changing a light bulb isn’t a difficult job, however some BMWs will be more challenging than others. If you need assistance with replacing a bulb, give us a call.
Information:
Your BMW bulb warning light will simply be informing you that you have an exterior bulb out. There may also be a message indication which bulb requires attention.
Fuel Cap Light
Can you continue to drive?:
If it has been a couple of days and the light is still on, you may need to get a replacement fuel cap. Check inside the fuel cap to see if there is any visible damage.
You may need to book your car in just to get it sorted. It isn’t a big job, but it is important that you get it looked at rather than leaving it too long.
Information:
Your fuel system will need to be completely sealed to effectively work. Therefore, if you leave your fuel cap open or it isn’t properly shut, you will receive a fuel cap warning light. Sometimes there can be a slight delay before the light goes off. However, if after closing the fuel cap the light remains on, it is likely there is a leak.
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) Light
Can you continue to drive?: You will still be able to drive with this light on. However, it is important that you take extra caution when driving in conditions which would normally make use of the Dynamic Stability Control. For example if you are driving in icy conditions.
Information:
If you get a yellow BMW DSC light appear, it is telling you that there is a fault in your traction control system. When it flashes, it means it is actively working. However, if it is continuously on, there is an issue that needs looking into.
If you have accidentally turned it off, it should show up with the words ‘OFF’, in which case you would just need to turn it back on. Alternatively you could turn off the engine and turn it back on. This should reset it if you have turned it off.
Lane Departure Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
It is safe to continue driving with the BMW Lane Departure light on providing you are alert and fit to do so. This light will come on if you are travelling at over 40mph and you begin straying from the lines without indicating. This light will illuminate at the same time as the steering wheel vibrating.
Information:
Lane departure warning make use of ADAS (automated driver assistance systems) via cameras and sensors which monitor the lines on the road. This helps warn you of any potential danger, and assists you in preventing accidents.
Glow Plug Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
We wouldn’t advise that you continue doing much driving. It is best that you finish the journey you are doing (providing it is short) and book it in to a garage as soon as possible. You may feel a loss of power as the BMW may go into safe mode until the problem is solved.
Information:
With most diesel BMWs, the glow plug light will illuminate whilst the engine is warning up. As a best practice, it is usually best to wait for the glow plug light to disappear before starting your journey. However, if it begins to flash, this is an indication of an issue. This will more than likely require further diagnostics.
Start/Stop Light
Can you continue to drive?:
You will be perfectly fine to carry on driving. But it is still important that you get your car booked in to resolve the issue. A diagnostics appointment will allow the technician to read any fault codes, carry out relevant tests, diagnose the issue and get it resolved.
Information:
The purpose of your start/stop system on your BMW is to save fuel and reduce emissions by cutting the engine when you are stationary and out of gear.
Air Suspension Fault
Can you continue to drive?:
We wouldn’t advise that you continue to drive. Depending on how serious the issue is, and which component is faulty will depend on whether it is safe to drive. You should especially stop driving if you feel it is particularly difficult to handle.
Furthermore, in the event that the suspension is not working correctly, this means your car will not be protected from uneven ground and potholes which can sometimes be difficult to avoid. As a result, this could cause permanent damage to other parts of your BMW. We would advise that you get it booked in as soon as possible to get the suspension back to normal.
Information:
If your BMW Air Suspension light comes on, it is an indication that there is a fault in the air suspension system. This could range from one of the inflatable bags leaking to a faulty air compressor. You will notice a difference in the drive of the vehicle. It will probably be more difficult to handle, be lower to the ground and feel quite hard when on uneven ground.
If you have a severe leak, you may find one corner of your vehicle will drop once the vehicle is turned off. If this happens, the vehicle will take longer to raise once re-started, so be sure to not start driving until the vehicle has raised fully otherwise it may cause the wheel to rub on other components and cause damage.
Coolant Level Light
Can you continue to drive?: When this light comes on, you can still drive. However, you do not want to be driving for too long without topping up the coolant. If you do, you are risking the health of your engine.
Information:
The purpose of your coolant is to prevent your engine from overheating by being evenly distributed throughout your radiator. A yellow BMW coolant level light will simply be indicating that you need to top up your coolant. You should do this as soon as the light comes on. Running too low on coolant can severely damage your engine, resulting in expensive repairs or even replacement bills.
It is important that before opening your coolant cap that you let your vehicle cool down. Failure to do this can result in serious burns from the steam inside the engine.
If after you have topped up your coolant the light is still present, or you find that the light keeps coming on, there may be an underlying issue. You will need to get this diagnosed to ensure you protect your engine. Give us a call and get your car booked in with one of our BMW specialists.
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Information:
If you get a yellow BMW DSC light appear, it is telling you that there is a fault in your traction control system. When it flashes, it means it is actively working. However, if it is continuously on, there is an issue that needs looking into.
If you have accidentally turned it off, it should show up with the words ‘OFF’, in which case you would just need to turn it back on. Alternatively you could turn off the engine and turn it back on. This should reset it if you have turned it off.
Lane Departure Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
It is safe to continue driving with the BMW Lane Departure light on providing you are alert and fit to do so. This light will come on if you are travelling at over 40mph and you begin straying from the lines without indicating. This light will illuminate at the same time as the steering wheel vibrating.
Information:
Lane departure warning make use of ADAS (automated driver assistance systems) via cameras and sensors which monitor the lines on the road. This helps warn you of any potential danger, and assists you in preventing accidents.
Glow Plug Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Information:
With most diesel BMWs, the glow plug light will illuminate whilst the engine is warning up. As a best practice, it is usually best to wait for the glow plug light to disappear before starting your journey. However, if it begins to flash, this is an indication of an issue. This will more than likely require further diagnostics.
Start/Stop Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Information:
The purpose of your start/stop system on your BMW is to save fuel and reduce emissions by cutting the engine when you are stationary and out of gear.
Air Suspension Fault
Can you continue to drive?:
Furthermore, in the event that the suspension is not working correctly, this means your car will not be protected from uneven ground and potholes which can sometimes be difficult to avoid. As a result, this could cause permanent damage to other parts of your BMW. We would advise that you get it booked in as soon as possible to get the suspension back to normal.
Information:
If your BMW Air Suspension light comes on, it is an indication that there is a fault in the air suspension system. This could range from one of the inflatable bags leaking to a faulty air compressor. You will notice a difference in the drive of the vehicle. It will probably be more difficult to handle, be lower to the ground and feel quite hard when on uneven ground.
If you have a severe leak, you may find one corner of your vehicle will drop once the vehicle is turned off. If this happens, the vehicle will take longer to raise once re-started, so be sure to not start driving until the vehicle has raised fully otherwise it may cause the wheel to rub on other components and cause damage.
Coolant Level Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Information:
The purpose of your coolant is to prevent your engine from overheating by being evenly distributed throughout your radiator. A yellow BMW coolant level light will simply be indicating that you need to top up your coolant. You should do this as soon as the light comes on. Running too low on coolant can severely damage your engine, resulting in expensive repairs or even replacement bills.
It is important that before opening your coolant cap that you let your vehicle cool down. Failure to do this can result in serious burns from the steam inside the engine.
If after you have topped up your coolant the light is still present, or you find that the light keeps coming on, there may be an underlying issue. You will need to get this diagnosed to ensure you protect your engine. Give us a call and get your car booked in with one of our BMW specialists.
Red BMW Warning Lights
Brake System Warning Light
Variations:
Can you continue to drive?: We do not recommend you drive if this light comes on. Brakes are a vital safety component. Driving without a fully functioning braking system can be dangerous and even put lives at risk.
As soon as it is safe to do so, find somewhere to pull over. Ensure whilst doing so that you are driving slowly and keeping your distance from other vehicles to reduce any need for sudden braking.
Once you have pulled over, you will need to organise for your vehicle to be recovered and brought in to a garage.
Information:
When this light comes on, you are going to want to get it solved as soon as possible. If this light stays on after you have released the handbrake, the likeliness is that there is a serious fault in your braking system. However, it could be telling you that your brake fluid level is low. Checking and topping up your brake fluid can be more difficult than other fluids in your vehicle. You may want to give us a call so we can help you out.
If after you have topped up the brake fluid, it is still illuminated in red, then it is time to get the issue diagnosed. Another tell-tale sign that there is a bigger problem will be the presence of the BMW ABS light alongside this one.
Airbag Warning Light
Can I still drive with the airbag warning light on?:
Information:
If your red BMW airbag warning light comes on, it means there is a fault in the airbag system. This could either be anything from the seatbelt pretensioner system to the actual airbag.
Brake System Warning Light
Variations: If the yellow version of the BMW brake system warning light illuminates then it is alerting you to the fact that your hill assist function is faulty. So be careful when driving on inclines and ensure you are correctly performing safe hill starts.
Can you continue to drive?: We do not recommend you drive if this light comes on. Brakes are a vital safety component. Driving without a fully functioning braking system can be dangerous and even put lives at risk.
As soon as it is safe to do so, find somewhere to pull over. Ensure whilst doing so that you are driving slowly and keeping your distance from other vehicles to reduce any need for sudden braking.
Once you have pulled over, you will need to organise for your vehicle to be recovered and brought in to a garage.
Information:
When this light comes on, you are going to want to get it solved as soon as possible. If this light stays on after you have released the handbrake, the likeliness is that there is a serious fault in your braking system. However, it could be telling you that your brake fluid level is low. Checking and topping up your brake fluid can be more difficult than other fluids in your vehicle. You may want to give us a call so we can help you out.
If after you have topped up the brake fluid, it is still illuminated in red, then it is time to get the issue diagnosed. Another tell-tale sign that there is a bigger problem will be the presence of the BMW ABS light alongside this one.
Airbag Warning Light
Can I still drive with the airbag warning light on?: If you continue to drive, you are doing so whilst at risk of not being fully protected in the event of a collision. This means you will be putting yourself, and any passengers at risk. We recommend you get this checked out and resolved as quickly as possible.
Information:
If your red BMW airbag warning light comes on, it means there is a fault in the airbag system. This could either be anything from the seatbelt pretensioner system to the actual airbag.
Battery Charging Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?: We would recommend that you do not stop driving and that you drive straight to the nearest garage. If your battery is no longer charging there is only a limited length of time you have left before your BMW battery runs out!
Information:
When your BMW battery charging warning light comes on, it means the battery is not charging as you drive. If the battery has stopped charging, it could be that there is an electrical fault with your vehicle, or a faulty battery. Get your vehicle in for a diagnostic appointment as soon as possible to get this issue resolved quickly.
Temperature Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?: No, it is vital that you find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible. Continuing to drive can cause serious or further damage.
Once you have stopped, let the engine cool down before checking the coolant. If you check it too soon, you risk being burnt on the steam built up and pressurised in the system.
If once you have topped up the coolant, the light goes off, you can continue to drive. If the light does not go off, you will need to get your BMW recovered and taken to a garage.
Information:
If the red BMW temperature warning light comes on, it means your vehicle has overheated. This could be due to a few reasons, one of which being your coolant levels being far too low. This could be an indication of a serious leak in your coolant system. However, it could also be an indication of something bigger such as the head gasket failing.
Steering Lock Warning Light
Variations: The light could either be yellow or red. There may also be a padlock rather than a key
Can you continue to drive?:
You can continue to drive if the BMW Steering Lock light illuminates yellow. This means there is a fault with the system which you will need investigating in a diagnostic appointment.
However, if the light illuminates red, you will need to stop immediately as the steering lock could lock the steering wheel whilst you are driving, leading to a potentially dangerous, even life-threatening situation. At this point you will need to arrange your vehicle being recovered and taken straight to a garage as your vehicle will not restart once it has been tuned off.
Information:
The purpose of your steering lock is to add extra security. If you turn the steering wheel once the ignition is off, the steering wheel will lock. This is only unlocked by inserting the key into the ignition. This helps prevents anyone attempting to steal the car.
Steering System Light
Variations:
This is also known as the Integral Active Steering (IAS) light.
Can you continue to drive?:
If this BMW Steering System light illuminates, find a safe place to pull over as you will need to test the system. Once you have pulled over, don’t turn off the ignition. Begin the test by turning the steering wheel full lock to the left and then full lock to the right. Continue to repeat this until the warning light disappears.
However, if the light remains on after numerous steering tests, it is likely there is a fault. You will need to get it booked into a garage as soon as possible.
Information:
Your BMW may have an IAS feature. This allows for dynamic steering, which enables optimum steering in a variety of conditions. When driving at higher speeds, the steering wheel will feel looser, and able to steer more freely. This is to allow greater control.
Frontal Collision Warning
Can you continue to drive?:
If this warning light comes on, it is an indication of danger if you continue driving in the manner you are doing so. This means you should be braking or rectifying the issue by braking.
Information:
The BMW Frontal Collision system also uses ADAS to scan the road and continuously monitor the distance between your vehicle and the one in front. The sensors also pick up on the speed of the vehicle ahead. The warning light will then come on if you get too close.
Simultaneously, the brakes will be prepared for an emergency in the event the sensors detect danger, braking with a force and reaction time much greater than yours. The Frontal Collision warning light will flash if a crash is about to take place.
If you are in a residential area, driving at lower speeds, your BMW may also be detecting pedestrians. If a red warning light in the shape of a person illuminates, it means you are in danger of hitting someone.
Service Light
Can you continue to drive?:
You can continue driving with your service light on. However, we would recommend that you book your vehicle in for a service as soon as possible to ensure everything is working safely and correctly as it should. Components get tested in your service that are not checked during an MOT. Your service is where any potential issues will be highlighted, allowing you address them prior to expensive repairs bills.
Information:
Your BMW Service light will appear when your vehicle is due a service. This is automatic and should be reset by the technician completing the service.
Transmission Fault Light
Variations: This can sometimes be a yellow BMW warning light, but the same information applies
Can you continue to drive?:
We would advise that you do not continue to drive with this warning light on. Doing so has the potential to cause irreversible damage to your BMW transmission.
We would also recommend booking into a garage to ensue it does correctly and to avoid any complications.
Information:
In the event that your BMW transmission fault light illuminates I would advise getting the vehicle recovered to potentially save more costly damage to your transmission.
Battery Charging Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Information:
When your BMW battery charging warning light comes on, it means the battery is not charging as you drive. If the battery has stopped charging, it could be that there is an electrical fault with your vehicle, or a faulty battery. Get your vehicle in for a diagnostic appointment as soon as possible to get this issue resolved quickly.
Temperature Warning Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Once you have stopped, let the engine cool down before checking the coolant. If you check it too soon, you risk being burnt on the steam built up and pressurised in the system.
If once you have topped up the coolant, the light goes off, you can continue to drive. If the light does not go off, you will need to get your BMW recovered and taken to a garage.
Information:
If the red BMW temperature warning light comes on, it means your vehicle has overheated. This could be due to a few reasons, one of which being your coolant levels being far too low. This could be an indication of a serious leak in your coolant system. However, it could also be an indication of something bigger such as the head gasket failing.
Steering Lock Warning Light
Variations:
Can you continue to drive?:
However, if the light illuminates red, you will need to stop immediately as the steering lock could lock the steering wheel whilst you are driving, leading to a potentially dangerous, even life-threatening situation. At this point you will need to arrange your vehicle being recovered and taken straight to a garage as your vehicle will not restart once it has been tuned off.
Information:
The purpose of your steering lock is to add extra security. If you turn the steering wheel once the ignition is off, the steering wheel will lock. This is only unlocked by inserting the key into the ignition. This helps prevents anyone attempting to steal the car.
Steering System Light
Variations:
Can you continue to drive?:
If this BMW Steering System light illuminates, find a safe place to pull over as you will need to test the system. Once you have pulled over, don’t turn off the ignition. Begin the test by turning the steering wheel full lock to the left and then full lock to the right. Continue to repeat this until the warning light disappears.
However, if the light remains on after numerous steering tests, it is likely there is a fault. You will need to get it booked into a garage as soon as possible.
Information:
Your BMW may have an IAS feature. This allows for dynamic steering, which enables optimum steering in a variety of conditions. When driving at higher speeds, the steering wheel will feel looser, and able to steer more freely. This is to allow greater control.
Frontal Collision Warning
Can you continue to drive?:
Information:
The BMW Frontal Collision system also uses ADAS to scan the road and continuously monitor the distance between your vehicle and the one in front. The sensors also pick up on the speed of the vehicle ahead. The warning light will then come on if you get too close.
Simultaneously, the brakes will be prepared for an emergency in the event the sensors detect danger, braking with a force and reaction time much greater than yours. The Frontal Collision warning light will flash if a crash is about to take place.
If you are in a residential area, driving at lower speeds, your BMW may also be detecting pedestrians. If a red warning light in the shape of a person illuminates, it means you are in danger of hitting someone.
Service Light
Can you continue to drive?:
Information:
Your BMW Service light will appear when your vehicle is due a service. This is automatic and should be reset by the technician completing the service.
Transmission Fault Light
Variations: This can sometimes be a yellow BMW warning light, but the same information applies
Can you continue to drive?:
We would advise that you do not continue to drive with this warning light on. Doing so has the potential to cause irreversible damage to your BMW transmission.
We would also recommend booking into a garage to ensue it does correctly and to avoid any complications.
Information:
In the event that your BMW transmission fault light illuminates I would advise getting the vehicle recovered to potentially save more costly damage to your transmission.
In Summary
More modern BMWs are generally fitted with more advanced warning lights to ensure you keep your vehicle in top condition. It is important to remember that these lights illuminate for a reason. They are not there to make you spend unnecessary money, they are actually there for your safety and to help you save money in the long run. To find out more about the professional services our BMW experts can provide you with, click the button below.
