2020-2023 BMW 5 Series Warning Lights and Indicators User Guide
The 2020–2023 BMW 5 Series’ warning lights and indicators are covered in this guide. Understanding these dashboard indicators helps you fix problems quickly and precisely while maintaining your vehicle’s performance, safety, and reliability.
2023 BMW 5 Series Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
Video: 2020-2023 BMW 5 Series Warning Indicators
Indicator and Warning Lights
Principle
Indicator/warning lights in the instrument cluster display the status of some functions in the vehicle and indicate when a fault is present in the monitored systems.
General information
The indicator/warning lights can light up in a variety of combinations and colors.
Several of the lights are checked for proper functioning and light up temporarily when drive-ready state is switched on.
Red lights
Safety belt reminder
Indicator light flashes or is illuminated: safety belt on the driver or passenger side is not buckled.
Make sure that the safety belts are positioned correctly.
Safety belt reminder for rear seats
The safety belt is not buckled on the corresponding rear seat.
The displays may vary depending on the equipment version and country variant.
Airbag system
Airbag system and seat belt tensioner may not be working.
Have the vehicle checked immediately by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
Parking brake
The parking brake is set. Additional information:
Brake system
Have the vehicle checked immediately by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
Approach control warning with light braking function
The indicator light is illuminated: pre‐warning. Brake and increase distance.
Indicator light flashes and an acoustic signal sounds: acute warning. Brake and make an evasive maneuver, if necessary.
Intersection collision warning
The indicator light is illuminated: risk of collision with crossing vehicle.
Indicator light is illuminated: risk of collision with vehicle without detectable driving direction or prewarning for vehicles
that cross own driving direction.
Intervene yourself, for instance by braking. Indicator light flashes and an acoustic signal sounds: acute warning when vehicles cross own driving direction.
Brake and make an evasive maneuver, if necessary.
Additional information:
Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation
Indicator light flashes and an acoustic signal sounds: imminent collision with a detected person or a cyclist.
Intervene immediately by braking or make an evasive maneuver.
Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
Indicator light flashes and an acoustic signal sounds: braking and evading.
Steering Assistant
Drive power
Reduced drive power due to an over‐heated drivetrain.
Yellow lights
Steering Assistant
The indicator light lights up and an acoustic signal may sound: a system interruption is imminent.
The indicator warning light flashes: lane marking driven over.
The Brake Assistant function may not activate. Avoid abrupt braking. Take the longer braking distance into account.
Have the system immediately checked by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control
The indicator light flashes: DSC controls the drive and braking forces. The vehicle is stabilized. Reduce speed and modify your driving style to the driving circumstances.
The indicator light lights up: DSC has malfunctioned.
Have the system immediately checked by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
DSC Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated or DTC Dynamic Traction Control is activated
Additional information:
- DSC Dynamic Stability Control
- DTC Dynamic Traction Control
Flat Tire Monitor FTM
- The FTM signals a tire pressure loss in a tire.
- Reduce your speed and stop cautiously. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers.
Tire pressure monitor
The indicator light illuminates: the Tire Pressure Monitor reports a low tire pressure or a flat tire. Follow the information in the Check Control message.
The indicator light flashes and is then illuminated continuously: flat tires or tire pressure losses cannot be detected.
- Fault caused by systems or devices with the same radio frequency: after leaving the area of the interference, the system automatically becomes active again.
In the case of tires with special approval: the tire pressure monitor was unable to complete the reset. Reset the system again. - A wheel without wheel electronics is mounted: have it checked by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop as needed.
- Malfunction: have the system checked by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
Steering system
Steering system may not be working. Have the system checked by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
Emissions service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
Emissions
The warning light lights up: Emissions are deteriorating. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible.- The warning light flashes under certain circumstances:
This indicates that there is excessive misfiring in the engine.
Reduce the vehicle speed and have the system checked immediately; otherwise, serious engine misfiring within a brief period can seriously damage emission control components, in particular the catalytic converter.
Green lights
Safety belt reminder for rear seats
The safety belt is buckled on the corresponding rear seat.
The displays may vary depending on the equipment version and country variant.
Turn signal
Unusually rapid blinking of the indicator light indicates that a turn signal bulb has failed.
Parking lights
Parking lights are switched on. Additional information:
Low beams
Low beams are switched on.
Additional information:
Lane departure warning
Automatic High Beam Assistant
Automatic High Beam Assistant is switched on.
High beams are switched on and off automatically depending on the traffic situation.
Additional information:
Automatic Hold
Automatic Hold is activated. The vehicle is automatically held in place when it is stationary.
Manual Speed Limiter
The indicator light flashes: the set speed limit has been exceeded.
Cruise control
light is illuminated: the system is active.
Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
The indicator light lights up: the system is switched on.
Additional information:
Speed Limit Assistant
Indicator light illuminates: the detected speed limit can be applied with the SET button. As soon as the speed limit has been applied, a green checkmark is displayed.
Steering Assistant
Indicator light lights up: the system sup‐ports the driver in keeping the vehicle within the lane.
Lane change assistant
Arrow symbol for lane change green: the system carries out a lane change.
Arrow symbol for lane change gray: lane change not possible; functional requirements not met.
Additional information:
Extended Traffic Jam Assistant
Indicator light is illuminated: the system is active.
Blue lights
High beams
High beams are switched on.
Drive power
Reduced drive power due to a cold drive‐train.
Gray lights
Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function
Indicator light flashes: the conditions are not adequate for the system to work or the system has been deactivated.
Steering Assistant
Indicator light is illuminated: the system is ready.
Extended Traffic Jam Assistant
Indicator light is illuminated: the system is interrupted.
White lights
Extended Traffic Jam Assistant
Indicator light is illuminated: the system is ready.
Fuel gauge
Principle
The current fill level of the fuel tank is displayed.
General information
Vehicle inclination may cause the display to vary.
Display
The current range is displayed as numerical value.
FAQs
Why is the check engine light on in my 2023 BMW 5 Series?
An issue with the engine or emission system may be indicated by the check engine light. It can be brought on by a variety of problems, from minor to serious ones. To find the precise cause, it is advisable to have the car diagnosed by a mechanic.
What does the 2023 5 Series ABS warning light mean?
An issue with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) system is indicated by the warning light for the ABS. This system aids in preventing wheel locking during braking, which improves control. To solve the problem, have the car examined by a mechanic.
Why is the 5 Series tire pressure warning light on?
Low tyre pressure is indicated by the tyre pressure warning light on one or more tyres. Utilising a tyre pressure gauge, check the tyre pressures and inflate the tyres to the recommended levels. If the light stays on, there might be a tyre problem, such as a puncture.
Useful Links
View Full User Guide: BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 User Manual | Auto User Guide
2023 BMW 5 Series Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)