Dashboard warning light – BMW M235i

By Farzana Chaumoo

These are the warning lights that appear on a BMW M235i. However, all BMW models will share these warnings lights. If you ever just wanted to know what a BMW driver sees or what these BMW warning lights mean, then take a look here.                

1. Steering System (Integral Active Steering) - when this comes on, you need to turn the steering wheel all the way to left and right several times in a uniform manner, approximately 6 times while the engine is running. Do that until the warning lamp disappears. If the light doesn’t go off, then your car needs to be checked.

2. Safety belts – the safety belt reminder is active from speeds above 8 km/h. it is also activated by heavy objects placed on the front passenger seat.

3. Airbag System – if this lights up then it means your belt tensioners or airbag system has failed. The system would need to be checked immediately.

4. ABS – Antilock Brake System. When this comes on it means your ABS has been deactivated in response to a system malfunction. However, conventional braking performance will be still available with no loss of efficiency.

5. DSC – Dynamic Stability Control

6. This activates in yellow and red. If in red, your brake fluid level is too low. You can continue driving but at a moderate speed and exercise caution until you can get your checked.

If it appears in yellow, your hill top feature (aka handbrake) has failed and your car will not hold in place if the brake is released. Also check immediately.

7. DSC – Dynamic Stability Control or DTC – Dynamic Traction Control

This light will come on when traction is activated.

8. Tyre Pressure Monitor – when it appears in red, it means a tyre has rapidly deflated. You need to stop and check.

If it appears in yellow, this means one or more of your tyre’s pressure is about 10 percent off. Temperature drops could also cause the light to come on.

9. General system information

10. Parking lamps, Headlights/headlamp control

11. Fuel empty – cruising range is roughly around 50 kilometres and a refuel is needed.

12. Warning alert for something that needs attention on the system, such as fuel or tyre pressure.

There are plenty more hidden lights that will only light up when there’s a more specific problem that requires attention. Such lights would include, but are not limited to, engine overheating or too hot, battery, window washer fluid level is low, temperature warning (indicated by a snowflake for temperatures lower 3 degrees Celsius), Service light for when servicing is required, Coolant levels are low, Cruise Control is activated, etc.