SymbolIndex

BMW Dashboard Symbols Explained: Warning Lights and Colors

Published · Reviewed by Rokas

Short answer: On BMW cars, color tells you how urgent a dashboard symbol is. Orange or red symbols are fault or hazard warnings that should be taken seriously, such as the airbag, brake or engine management lights. Green or blue symbols show a system that is switched on and working normally, such as cruise control, Automatic Hold or the headlights.[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

How do you read BMW dashboard symbol colors?

On BMW cars, an orange or red symbol is a fault or hazard warning that should be taken seriously. A green or blue symbol shows a system that is switched on and working normally, so it is a status light rather than a problem.[8, 2, 1, 5]

Some symbols change meaning with color. The Coolant temperature symbol, a thermometer in water, means the coolant temperature is in order when it is lit blue or green, but when it turns orange or red the engine is in danger of overheating. The High beam indicator lights up blue while the high beams are in use and is for information only.[9, 10, 11]

BMW warning lights that need action right away

These orange or red symbols on BMW cars point to an immediate hazard or a fault that should be dealt with as soon as possible.[10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 2, 3]

  • Coolant temperature warning (red) symbolCoolant temperature warning (red): the engine is in danger of overheating, which can cause severe engine damage. Stop safely and have the cooling system checked before driving on.[10]
  • Drive power / powertrain warning symbolDrive power / powertrain warning: there is a problem with the powertrain that needs immediate attention. Stop safely and get help.[12]
  • Engine oil sensor warning symbolEngine oil sensor warning: the oil sensor reports dangerously low engine oil pressure. Stop the engine as soon as it is safe and have the car checked before driving on.[13]
  • Intersection / collision warning symbolIntersection / collision warning, shown as a warning triangle: an accident is about to happen, so react immediately.[14]
  • Lane departure warning symbolLane departure warning: the car is drifting out of its lane or off the road. Steer back into the lane.[15]
  • Airbag warning symbolAirbag warning (SRS): the airbags may not deploy properly in an accident. Have the system checked as soon as possible.[2]
  • Brake warning (BRAKE) symbolBrake warning (BRAKE): the braking system needs to be inspected as soon as possible.[3]

BMW warning lights that mean check, top up or book a service

These are also orange or red warnings on BMW cars and should be taken seriously. Most point to a part that needs checking, topping up or servicing at a workshop.[16, 17, 18, 4, 19, 20]

  • Engine management warning symbolEngine management warning (check engine): a solid engine symbol can mean anything from a loose fuel cap to a severe engine problem. Check the fuel cap and have the engine diagnosed.[4]
  • Emissions warning symbolEmissions warning: an outlined engine, not filled in like the engine management light, points to an emissions problem. Have the car checked.[21]
  • Engine oil level / oil pressure warning symbolEngine oil level / oil pressure warning: an oil can symbol means the oil is low. Check the level and top up, or have the car checked.[19]
  • Low coolant warning symbolLow coolant warning: top up the coolant before the engine overheats.[20]
  • Charging / battery warning symbolCharging / battery warning: the battery is not being charged properly. Have the charging system checked by a workshop soon.[18]
  • Brake pad wear warning symbolBrake pad wear warning: the brake pads are probably worn and due for replacement. Book a brake service.[17]
  • Auto Start/Stop fault symbolAuto Start/Stop fault: the engine Stop/Start system is malfunctioning and needs attention at a workshop.[16]
  • Diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning symbolDiesel particulate filter (DPF) warning: the DPF needs attention. Have it serviced.[22]
  • Glow plug warning symbolGlow plug warning, shown as a diesel coil: have the glow plugs checked.[23]
  • Inspection needed symbolInspection needed, shown as a car on a lift: this light is typically about leaks or problems with belts or hoses. Have the car inspected.[24]
  • Headlamp fault warning symbolHeadlamp fault warning: glows orange or red when the headlights are not working. Have the lights checked and repaired.[25]
  • Information light symbolInformation light, an i in a circle: bring the vehicle in for a check-up.[26]
  • Check owner's handbook symbolCheck owner's handbook, a book with an i: look up the accompanying message in the owner's handbook to find out how serious it is.[27]

BMW driver assistance and cruise control symbols

Most driver assistance symbols on BMW cars show green or blue when the system is on and working normally. A few use orange or red to ask you to take over or drive carefully.[1, 8, 28]

  • Cruise control indicator symbolCruise control indicator: cruise control is set and holding the speed you chose.[5]
  • Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go indicator symbolActive Cruise Control with Stop&Go indicator: the adaptive cruise control is switched on.[1]
  • Active Cruise Control warning symbolActive Cruise Control warning, shown with hands on the wheel or a filled road: take over. Pay closer attention to the road or put your hands back on the steering wheel.[8]
  • Automatic Hold (AUTO H) symbolAutomatic Hold (AUTO H): in stop-and-go traffic the car applies the brake for you when it stops and releases it when you pull away.[6]
  • Extended Traffic Jam Assistant (ASSIST PLUS) symbolExtended Traffic Jam Assistant (ASSIST PLUS): the semi-autonomous assistant is helping you drive in stop-and-go traffic.[29]
  • Lane Change Assist indicator symbolLane Change Assist indicator, a steering wheel with an arrow: the system is helping you change lanes safely and smoothly.[30]
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) symbolDynamic Stability Control (DSC), a car on a swerving road: in orange or red, DSC is working hard to keep traction. Drive carefully.[28]

BMW headlight and lighting symbols

Lighting symbols on BMW cars are mostly green or blue confirmations that a light or lighting system is on.[7, 31, 32, 33, 34, 11]

  • Headlamp indicator symbolHeadlamp indicator (low or dipped beam): confirms that the headlights are switched on.[7]
  • High beam indicator symbolHigh beam indicator: lights up blue while the high beams are in use, for information only.[11]
  • High Beam Assist indicator symbolHigh Beam Assist indicator: with High Beam Assist on, the car switches the high beams on and off automatically.[33]
  • Automatic headlamp dimmer indicator symbolAutomatic headlamp dimmer indicator: this version of the High Beam Assist light shows that the headlights are being dimmed and raised automatically.[34]
  • Fog light indicator symbolFog light indicator: confirms that the fog lights are switched on.[31]
  • Daytime running lights indicator symbolDaytime running lights indicator: confirms that the daytime running lights are working.[32]

Looking for symbols on a BMW-branded home appliance?

The BMW symbols covered here are dashboard lights on BMW cars. If you are trying to identify a symbol on a home appliance, this guide does not cover it, so check the manual that came with your appliance.

Frequently asked questions

What does the orange engine light mean on a BMW?
On BMW cars, a solid engine symbol in orange or red is the engine management warning. It can mean anything from a loose fuel cap to a severe engine problem, so check the fuel cap and have the engine diagnosed.[4]
What is the difference between the outlined engine and the solid engine symbol on a BMW?
On BMW cars, the outlined engine that is not filled in points to an emissions problem. The solid engine symbol is the engine management light, which signals an engine fault.[21, 4]
What does AUTO H mean on a BMW dashboard?
AUTO H is Automatic Hold. When it shows green or blue on a BMW, the car applies the brake for you when it stops in stop-and-go traffic and releases it when you pull away.[6]
Is a blue thermometer light on a BMW a problem?
No. On BMW cars, when the thermometer-in-water symbol is lit blue or green, the coolant temperature is in order and no action is needed. If it turns orange or red, the engine is in danger of overheating.[9, 10]
What does the book symbol with an i mean on a BMW?
It is the check owner's handbook light. On BMW cars it is an orange or red warning that should be taken seriously, and you should look up the accompanying message in the owner's handbook to find out how serious it is.[27]

Symbols referenced

  1. 1.Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go indicator — Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go on (BMW cars).
  2. 2.Airbag warning — Airbag fault (BMW cars).
  3. 3.Brake warning (BRAKE) — Brake system fault (BMW cars).
  4. 4.Engine management warning — Engine fault detected (BMW cars).
  5. 5.Cruise control indicator — Cruise control set (BMW cars).
  6. 6.Automatic Hold (AUTO H) — Automatic Hold active (BMW cars).
  7. 7.Headlamp indicator — Headlights on (BMW cars).
  8. 8.Active Cruise Control warning — Active Cruise Control: take over (BMW cars).
  9. 9.Coolant temperature (blue) — Coolant temperature normal (blue or green) (BMW cars).
  10. 10.Coolant temperature warning (red) — Engine overheating (orange or red) (BMW cars).
  11. 11.High beam indicator — High beams in use (BMW cars).
  12. 12.Drive power / powertrain warning — Powertrain fault (BMW cars).
  13. 13.Engine oil sensor warning — Oil pressure dangerously low (BMW cars).
  14. 14.Intersection / collision warning — Collision imminent (BMW cars).
  15. 15.Lane departure warning — Leaving the lane (BMW cars).
  16. 16.Auto Start/Stop fault — Stop/Start system fault (BMW cars).
  17. 17.Brake pad wear warning — Brake pads worn (BMW cars).
  18. 18.Charging / battery warning — Battery not charging (BMW cars).
  19. 19.Engine oil level / oil pressure warning — Engine oil low (BMW cars).
  20. 20.Low coolant warning — Coolant level low (BMW cars).
  21. 21.Emissions warning — Emissions problem (BMW cars).
  22. 22.Diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning — Diesel particulate filter needs service (BMW cars).
  23. 23.Glow plug warning — Glow plugs need checking (BMW cars).
  24. 24.Inspection needed — Inspection needed (BMW cars).
  25. 25.Headlamp fault warning — Headlight not working (BMW cars).
  26. 26.Information light — Information message (BMW cars).
  27. 27.Check owner's handbook — Check the owner's handbook (BMW cars).
  28. 28.Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) — Stability control intervening (BMW cars).
  29. 29.Extended Traffic Jam Assistant (ASSIST PLUS) — Extended Traffic Jam Assistant active (BMW cars).
  30. 30.Lane Change Assist indicator — Lane Change Assist engaged (BMW cars).
  31. 31.Fog light indicator — Fog lights on (BMW cars).
  32. 32.Daytime running lights indicator — Daytime running lights on (BMW cars).
  33. 33.High Beam Assist indicator — High Beam Assist active (BMW cars).
  34. 34.Automatic headlamp dimmer indicator — Automatic headlamp dimming active (BMW cars).

How this guide was made: drafted with AI assistance strictly from Symbol Index's verified records, then checked and approved by a human reviewer. Each numbered reference links to the symbol page with the full meaning.