BMW X3 Owners Manual: Indicator/warning lights

General information The indicator and warning lights in the instrument cluster can light up in a variety of combinations and colors.

Several of the lights are checked for proper functioning and light up temporarily when the engine is started or the ignition is switched on.

Red lights

Safety belt reminder

Flashing or illuminated: safety belt on the driver or passenger side is not buckled. The safety belt reminder can also be activated if objects are placed on the front passenger seat.

Make sure that the safety belts are positioned correctly.

Airbag system

Airbag system and belt tensioner are defective.

Have the vehicle checked by the service center immediately.

Parking brake

The parking brake is set.

For additional information, refer to Release parking brake.

Brake system

Continue to drive moderately.

Have the vehicle checked by the service center immediately.

Front-end collision warning

Illuminated: advance warning is issued, e.g., when there is the impending danger of a collision or the distance to the vehicle ahead is too small.

Increase distance.

Flashing: acute warning of the imminent danger of a collision when the vehicle approaches another vehicle at a relatively high differential speed.

Intervention by braking or make an evasive maneuver.

Pedestrian warning

Symbol in the instrument cluster.

If a collision with a person detected in this way is imminent, the symbol lights up and a signal sounds.

Orange lights

Active Cruise Control

The number bars shows the selected distance from the vehicle driving ahead.

For additional information, refer to Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, ACC.

Vehicle detection, Active Cruise Control

Illuminated: vehicle driving ahead detected.

Flashing: the conditions are not adequate for operating the system.

The system was deactivated but applies the brakes until you actively resume control by pressing on the brake pedal or accelerator pedal.

Yellow lights

Anti-lock Braking System ABS

Avoid abrupt braking if possible. Braking force boost in some cases defective.

Stop carefully. Take into account longer brake travel. Have this checked by the service center immediately.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control

Flashing: DSC controls the drive and braking forces. The vehicle is stabilized.

Reduce speed and adapt driving profile to the driving circumstances.

Illuminated: DSC failed. Have the system checked by the service center.

For additional information, refer to Dynamic Stability Control DSC.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated or DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated

Dynamic Stability Control DSC is switched off or Dynamic Traction Control DTC is switched on.

For additional information, refer to Dynamic Stability Control, and Dynamic Traction Control.

Flat Tire Monitor FTM

The Flat Tire Monitor signals a loss of tire inflation pressure in a tire.

Reduce your speed and stop cautiously.

Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.

For more information, see Flat Tire Monitor.

Tire Pressure Monitor TPM

Illuminated: the Tire Pressure Monitor signals a loss of tire inflation pressure in a tire.

Reduce your speed and stop cautiously. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.

Flashing and then continuously illuminated: no flat tire or loss of tire inflation pressure can be detected.

• Interference through systems or devices with the same radio frequency: after leaving the area of the interference, the system automatically becomes active again.
• TPM could not conclude the reset: perform the reset of the system again.
• A wheel without TPM electronics is fitted: have the service center check it if needed.
• Malfunction: have the system checked by your service center.

For more information, see Tire Pressure Monitor.

Steering system

Steering system in some cases defective.

Have the steering system checked by the service center.

Engine functions

Have the vehicle checked by the service center.

For additional information, refer to Onboard Diagnostics socket.

Lane departure warning

System is switched on and under certain circumstances warns if a detected lane is left without flashing beforehand.

For additional information, refer to Lane departure warning.

Green lights

Turn signal

Turn signal on.

Unusually rapid flashing of the indicator lamp indicates that a turn signal bulb has failed.

For additional information, refer to Turn signal.

Parking lights, headlight control

Parking lights or headlights are activated.

For additional information, refer to Parking lights/low beams, headlight control.

Front fog lights

Front fog lights are activated.

High-beam Assistant

High-beam Assistant is switched on.

High beams are activated and off automatically as a function of the traffic situation.

For additional information, refer to High-beam Assistant.

Cruise control

The system is switched on. It maintains the speed that was set using the control elements on the steering wheel.

Automatic Hold

The vehicle is automatically held in place when it is stationary.

On inclines, the system prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when driving off.

For more information, see Automatic Hold.

Blue lights

High beams

High beams are activated.

For additional information, refer to High beams.

General lamps

Check Control

At least one Check Control message is displayed or is stored. The symbol is shown in the display of the instrument cluster.

Text messages

Text messages in combination with a symbol in the instrument cluster explain a Check Control message and the meaning of the indicator and warning lights.