BMW i3 Dashboard Warning Lights

The BMW i3 has been in production since 2014 and features an all electric version and a hybrid ‘Range Extender’ (known as REX) that increases the vehicle’s range by use of a small petrol engine. Here we cover the BMW i3 and i3s dashboard warning lights and icons for both electric and hybrid versions. Several warning lights initially illuminate temporarily, indicating function checks and go out when checks are complete to inform that operation is ready or activated.

Symbol	Warning Light Description and Action
	The anti-lock braking system (ABS) prevents locking of the wheels during braking. This in turn allows the vehicle to maintain its steering ability even during full brake applications. This is a safety feature as standard on most new vehicles. If the BMW i3 ABS warning light remains on or comes on when driving, the ABS is defective and will no longer function. Have the ABS system serviced as soon as possible. Note With ABS being defective, normal brake will remain operational. There is however a higher risk or locking wheels during heavy braking. Alternative warning light Depending on your region, the ABS warning light may display as:
	To indicate operation readiness of the BMW i3 airbag and belt tensioner, the airbag warning light briefly illuminates in the instrument display and goes out. Indication of a fault includes: ▷ Airbag warning light does not come on at all. ▷ The warning light illuminates continuously. In either of these instances, the airbag system and belt tensioner are defective and may not deploy during an accident.
	The parking brake is used to prevent the vehicle from rolling when parked. When applied, this warning light illuminates on the dashboard. If parking on a steep upward or downward incline, along with applying the parking brake, for additional security, turn the steering wheel towards the kerb.
	The BMW i3 active cruise control icon displays the number of bars as the selected distance from the vehicle driving ahead. A maintained selected speed can be set. Where possible, the system adjusts the speed based on the vehicle in front. A camera on the interior rear view mirror is used to detect vehicles ahead. Possible reasons why the BMW i3 active cruise control system may not be functioning correctly are: ▷ Poor weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, fog and glare may result in the camera not recognising vehicles correctly. ▷ In certain situations such as when the vehicle has been parked under direct sunlight in how weather, the camera may overheat and fail to operate. The system will resume once the camera has cooled. ▷ The windscreen directly in front of the camera is dirty or covered. Ensure the windscreen is kept clean. Vehicle detection Warning light illuminates on the instrument display for the following reasons: ▷ Car warning lights up red: pre-warning. Brake to increase distance from vehicle in front. ▷ Car warning light flashes in red along with an audible alarm: Acute warning. Brake immediately or take evasive manoeuvre.

	Red warning lights represent the most urgent due to safety issues. The red exclamation mark in a circle is the BMW i3 brake warning light. It indicates that a malfunction has occurred. You can continue driving at a moderate speed. Have vehicle inspected immediately. Alternative warning light Depending on your region, the brake warning light may display as:
	The BMW i3 front-end collision system can help to prevent accidents by alerting the driver by use of a warning light. If there is imminent danger of collision, the warning light will flash along with an audible signal. Automatic braking may be applied to reduce collision impact force. System Fault ▷ The system may be limited due to poor weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or extreme glare. ▷ If the front-end collision system is not operating correctly, ensure the area around the camera is clear. See active cruise control above. ▷ In certain situations such as when the vehicle has been parked under direct sunlight in how weather, the camera may overheat and fail to operate. The system will resume once the camera has cooled.
	The BMW i3 pedestrian warning system helps to prevent accidents with pedestrians by use of a camera mounted in the area of the rear view mirror. A warning is issued to the driver if imminent danger of a pedestrian collision is detected. The system may invoke automatic braking if not action is taken by the driver. The system operates in daylight and warns of possible pedestrian collision at speeds from approximately 6 mph (10 km/h) to 35 mph (60 km/h). ▷ The system may be limited due to poor weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or extreme glare. ▷ If the pedestrian warning system is not operating correctly, ensure the area around the camera is clear. See active cruise control above. ▷ In certain situations such as when the vehicle has been parked under direct sunlight in how weather, the camera may overheat and fail to operate. The system will resume once the camera has cooled.
	The BMW i3 Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) offers vehicle stability features that help to prevent: ▷ Loss of wheel traction when moving off or accelerating. ▷ Loss of control when going round corners. DCS does this by reducing engine power and/or applying the brakes on a per wheel basis. There are two instances where the DSC warning light illuminates: ▷ Flashes: This means that the system is currently operational and is attempting to stabilise the vehicle. ▷ Illuminated: DSC has malfunctioned. DSC uses the same sensors as ABS and may be related to this. Switching off DSC DSC is on by default, but can be switched off if required. This may prove beneficial if your vehicle is struggling with gaining traction on slippery surfaces such as mud or snow.

	The BMW i3 steering system warning light illuminates when a fault has been detected. This may be due to a fault in the power steering module. It may become more difficult to turn the steering wheel, especially at slower speeds. Have system serviced as soon as possible. Overheated system Occasionally, due to constant quick turning from left to right lock, the power steering motor may overheat and will temporarily deactivate. This is a temporary malfunction and normal steering will resume once the system has cooled.
	The BMW i3 flat tyre monitor (FTM) warning light illuminates when a significant loss of pressure has been detected in one or more tyres. Cautiously reduce your speed while avoiding sudden braking or steering movements. If available, use the mobility system. The mobility system is only appropriate for minor tyre damage. BMW i3 tyre pressure reset In order to preserve reliable pressure alerts, it's important that the tyre pressure system is reset after each pressure or wheel change. To reset the BMW i3 tyre pressure system, on the control display, select: ▷ Vehicle info ▷ Vehicle status ▷ Perform reset ▷ Switch on drive readiness – do not drive off ▷ Now start the initialisation with "Perform reset" ▷ Drive away The initialisation and tyre pressure system reset will be completed while you're driving. If the process is interrupted, such as when you come to a stop for example, the initialisation continues when driving resumes. Tyre pressure monitor malfunction The tyre pressure warning light will flash for approximately 1 minute then remain on when a malfunction is detected with the system. This may be due to: ▷ A tyre being fitted that does not have a pressure sensor fitted. ▷ A malfunction with the system. ▷ A system reset failed to complete (reset the system again). ▷ Being in an area with electronic interference. The system will resume when you leave the area.
	The BMW i3 check engine warning light applies to Range Extender versions of the i3 only. The warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ Illuminated: Exhaust emissions have deteriorated. This may result in poor engine performance and fuel economy. ▷ Flashing: This is an indication of engine misfiring and that unburned fuel is entering the exhaust system which may result in catalytic converter damage. Immediately reduce speed and have vehicle checked. Diagnostic equipment is required to fault-find the cause of the malfunction. Take your vehicle to a workshop that specialises in BMW i3.
	The warning triangle containing an exclamation mart is the BMW i3 check control warning light. It indicates that a check control message is displayed or available to read or stored.