2006 BMW M3 COUPE brake warning light

18

Indicator and warning lamps

Technology that monitors itself

Indicator and warning lamps that are
identified by

●

are tested for proper
functioning whenever the ignition key is
turned. They each light up once for dif-
ferent periods of time.
If a fault should occur in one of these
systems, the corresponding lamp does
not go out after the engine is started, or
it lights up while the vehicle is moving.
You will see how to react to this below.

Red: stop immediately

Battery charge current

●

The battery is no longer being
charged. There is a malfunction
of the alternator drive belt or in the
charging circuit of the alternator. Please
contact the nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, stop
and switch off the engine immedi-
ately to prevent overheating and seri-
ous engine damage. If the drive belt is
defective, increased steering effort is
also required.

<

Engine oil pressure

●

An alarm sounds at the same
time. The engine oil pressure is
too low. Stop the vehicle immediately
and switch off the engine. It is not pos-
sible to continue driving. Please contact
the nearest BMW center.
Do not continue driving, as the
engine could sustain serious dam-
age from inadequate lubrication.

<

Flat Tire Monitor

●

In addition, an acoustic signal is
sounded: there is a flat tire.
Reduce speed and carefully come to a
stop. Avoid sudden braking and steer-
ing maneuvers.
For additional information, refer to
page 85.
Brake warning lamp

●

If the lamp comes on when the
parking brake is not engaged:
check the brake fluid level. It is very
important that you follow the instruc-
tions on page 125 before driving on.
Have the system checked immediately.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.

Red: an important reminder

Brake warning lamp

●

Comes on when the parking
brake is engaged – an additional
acoustic signal sounds when starting
off.
For additional information, refer to
page 64.
Brake warning lamp for Cana-
dian models.
Please fasten safety belt
●
Comes on together with an
acoustic signal until driver fas-
tens safety belt.
For additional information on safety
belts, refer to page 46.
Airbags

●

Have the system checked as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 54.

19

Red and yellow: continue driving
cautiously

The brake warning lamp lights
up together with the yellow indi-
cator lamps for ABS

●

and
DSC:
The entire ABS, CBC and DSC
control system has failed. Con-
tinue driving cautiously and
defensively and avoid full brake
applications. Please have the system
checked by your BMW center as soon
as possible.
For additional information, refer to
pages 82, 111.
ABS, CBC and DSC indicator
and warning lamps for Canadian
models.

Orange: consult the nearest BMW
center

Sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic
If the indicator lamp fails to go
out after the engine has been started,
or if it comes on during normal driving:
this indicates a malfunction in the sys-
tem. Have the system checked immedi-
ately.
Indicator lamp flashes: a system over-
load has occurred.
For additional information, refer to
page 70.

Yellow: check as soon as possible

Engine oil level
Comes on while driving and is
accompanied by an alarm: the
engine oil level has fallen to the abso-
lute minimum; refill as soon as possible.
Do not drive more than 30 miles/50 km
before refilling.
For additional information, refer to
page 122.

Engine oil level
Comes on after the engine has
been shut off and is accompa-
nied by an alarm: add engine oil at your
earliest opportunity, such as when you
stop to refuel.
For additional information, refer to
page 122.
Brake pads

●

Have the brake pads checked
immediately.
For additional information, refer to
page 110.
Flat Tire Monitor

●

The Flat Tire Monitor has been
deactivated, either at the button
or in response to a system malfunction.
If there is a malfunction, have the sys-
ten checked.
For additional information, refer to
page 85.

Indicator and warning lamps
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

20
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

●

The indicator lamp flashes and
an acoustic signal sounds: the system
is active and governs drive and braking
force.
If the indicator lamp fails to go out after
the engine has been started, or if it
comes on during normal driving and
stays on:
DSC has been deactivated, either at the
button or in response to a system mal-
function.
If there is a malfunction, have the sys-
tem checked as soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 82.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

●

Malfunction in DBC system.
Conventional braking efficiency
is available and unrestricted.
Have the system checked as soon as
possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 111.
Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
warning lamp for Canadian
models.

Add washer fluid
The washer fluid level is too low,
top it up at the earliest opportu-
nity.
For additional information, refer to
page 122.
SERVICE ENGINE SOON

●

If the indicator lamp comes on
either continuously or intermit-
tently, this indicates a fault in the emis-
sions-related electronic systems.
Although the vehicle remains opera-
tional, you should have the systems
checked by your BMW center at the
earliest possible opportunity.
For additional information, refer to
page 128.
Service Engine Soon indicator
lamp for Canadian models.
Engine electronics

●

There is a fault in the electronic
engine-management system.
You can continue to drive with reduced
engine output or engine speed. Please
have the system inspected at your
BMW center.

Add coolant
Coolant level too low, top up as
soon as possible.
For additional information, refer to
page 124.
CHECK GAS CAP*

●

This indicator lamp comes on
when the gas cap is loose or
missing.
Close the gas cap tightly: refer to
page 25.

Yellow: for your information

M Track mode
Lights up when M Track mode is
activated.
For additional information, refer to
page 83.

Green: for your information

Turn signal indicator
Flashes when turn signals are
on. Rapid flashing: indicates a
system malfunction.
For additional information, refer to
page 71.

Indicator and warning lamps

64
Switching off the engine
You should never remove the igni-
tion key when the vehicle is in
motion, as the steering lock could
engage.
When you leave the vehicle, always
remove the ignition key and engage the
steering lock.<
Always engage the parking brake
when parking on downhill roads.
Engaging a gear may not sufficiently
secure the vehicle against rolling.<
Manual transmissionTurn the ignition key to position 1 or 0.Sequential M gearbox with
DrivelogicIf you turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0 with the selector lever in the for-
ward or reverse position, a gear auto-
matically remains engaged.
If you turn the ignition key to position 1
or 0 with the selector lever in position
N, a warning tone and the flashing gear
indicator in the SMG Drivelogic display
remind you that no gear is engaged to
secure the vehicle against rolling.
The warning stops after approx.
10 seconds. If you move the selector
lever into a forward or reverse position
during this time, a gear is automatically
engaged.
Parking brakeThe parking brake is designed primarily
to prevent the vehicle from rolling when
it is parked. It operates against the rear
wheels.To engageThe detent engages automatically, and
the indicator lamp in the instrument
cluster comes on when the ignition key
is in position 2, refer to page 18.To releasePull up slightly on the lever, press the
button and lower the lever.

145
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Always observe all applicable
towing laws and regulations.<
Using the towing eyeletThe screw-in towing eyelet is stored in
the luggage compartment under the
floor panel and must remain with the
vehicle at all times. It can be attached
at the front or rear of your BMW.
Observe the following instruc-
tions in order to avoid damaging
the towing eyelet or the vehicle: use
only the towing eyelet supplied with the
vehicle, and screw it in firmly until it
stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing
on paved roads only. Avoid subjecting
the towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g.
do not lift the vehicle using the towing
eyelet.<
Access to the threaded socketPress out the cover in the front or rear
bumper with a screwdriver at the top of
the recess.Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, because the steering
lock could otherwise engage and the
vehicle could no longer be steered.
There is no power assist while the
engine is off. Therefore, you will need to
exert more force to brake and steer the
vehicle.<
Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed, e.g. by
placing a sign or a warning triangle in
the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
gearshift lever in idling position.
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
with Drivelogic: selector lever in posi-
tion N.Towing methodsIn some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow
rope on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in
which you are driving.With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being
towed; otherwise, vehicle handling can
no longer be controlled.<
The towing eyelets of both vehicles
should be on the same side.
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to Z
157
Blower
automatic climate
control 92
BMW Maintenance
System 126
BMW sports seat 44
Bore, refer to Engine
data 150
Bottle holders, see Bever-
age holders 96, 97
Brake fluid 125
indicator lamp 18, 125
level 125
Brake force display 86
Brake lamps
bulb replacement 135
indicator lamp, defective
lamp 77
Brake lamps, refer to Brake
force display 86
Brake pads
brake fluid level 18, 125
breaking in 108
Brake rotors
breaking in 108
Brake system
brake pads, indicator
lamp 19
Brake wear warning
indicator lamp 19Brakes
ABS 111
brake fluid 125
brake force display 86
brake pads 110
breaking in 108
driving notes 109
indicator/warning
lamp 18, 19
parking brake 64
Break-in procedures 108
Bridging, refer to Jump-
starting 143
Bulb replacement 133
Bulb replacement, refer to
Lamps and bulbs 133
Buttons in steering wheel 22
C
California Proposition 65
warning 6
Can holders, see Beverage
holders 96, 97
Capacities 153
Car battery 140
Car care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Car keys, refer to Keys 28
Car phone hookup
microphone 97
Car radio, refer to the
Owner's Manual for RadioCar telephone, refer to the
separate Owner's Manual
Car vacuum cleaner, con-
necting 98
Car wash, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Caring for headlamp cov-
ers, refer to the Caring for
your vehicle brochure 133
Carpet care, refer to the
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cassette operation, refer to
the Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CBC Cornering Brake Con-
trol 111
warning lamp 19
CD changer, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
CD operation, refer to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Center high-mount brake
lamp
bulb replacement 136
Central locking system 28
button 33
passenger
compartment 33
Charge indicator lamp 18Check Control 77
Check Gas Cap
indicator lamp 19
Child seats, refer to Child-
restraint systems 55
Child-restraint systems 55
Cigarette lighter 98
Cleaning chrome parts, refer
to the Caring for your vehi-
cle brochure
Cleaning light alloy wheels,
refer to the Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Cleaning the vehicle, refer to
the Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Cleaning windshield 73
Clock 78
12-/24-hour mode 78
setting, refer also to the
Owner's Manual for
Radio/Onboard Computer
Closing
from inside 33
from outside 29
Clothes hooks 99
Clutch
breaking in 108
Cockpit 14
Code, refer to the Owner's
Manual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex

Everything from A to ZCoin box 96
Cold start, refer to Starting
the engine 62
Compact disc operation,
refer to the Owner's Man-
ual for Radio/Onboard
Computer
Compartments 96
Compression ratio, refer to
Engine data 150
Computer 79
Condensation, refer to Air
conditioning mode 92
Configuring settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 59
Connecting a vacuum
cleaner, refer to Power
socket 98
Consumption, refer to Aver-
age fuel consumption 80
Control elements, refer to
Cockpit 14
Convenience operation
from outside 32
glass sunroof 30
windows 30
Coolant 124
indicator lamp 19, 76
level 124
temperature gauge 76Coolant water, refer to Cool-
ant 124
Cooling, refer to Tempera-
ture 92
Copyright 4
Cornering Brake Control
(CBC) 111
warning lamp 19
Cruise control 73
indicator lamp 20
Cup holders, see Beverage
holders 96, 97
Curb weight, refer to
Weights 152
Cylinders, refer to Engine
data 150
D
Dashboard, refer to
Cockpit 14
Data
capacities 153
dimensions 151
engine 150
weights 152
Daytime driving lamps 87
DBC Dynamic Brake
Control 111
warning lamp 19
Deep water, refer to Driving
through water 109Defrost position, refer to
Defrosting windows 92
Defrosting and demisting
windows
automatic climate
control 92
Defrosting windows 92
Defrosting windshield, refer
to Defrosting windows 92
Demisting windows
automatic climate
control 92
Differential
breaking in 108
Digital clock 78
Dimensions 151
Dipstick, engine oil 122
Displacement, refer to
Engine data 150
Display lighting, refer to
Instrument lighting 88
Displays, refer to Instrument
cluster 16
Disposal
oil 123
vehicle battery 141
Distance warning, refer to
Park Distance Control
(PDC) 81
Divided rear backrest 100
Door key 28
Door lock 32Doors
emergency operation 32
Draft-free ventilation 93
Drivelogic 69
Driving light, refer to Parking
lamps/Low beams 87
Driving notes 109
Driving through water, deep
water 109
Dry air, refer to Air condi-
tioning mode 92
DSC Dynamic Stability Con-
trol 82
indicator lamp 19, 82
Dynamic Brake Control
(DBC) 111
warning lamp 19
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC) 19, 82
Dynamic Stability Control
DSC
M Track mode 82
E
Easy entry, refer to Entering
the rear 46
Electric glass sunroof 40
Electric power windows 39
Electrical accessories, fail-
ure 141

Everything from A to ZGearbox
manual transmission 65
Gearbox malfunction
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 70
Gearbox, sequential 66
Gearshift lever
manual transmission 65
sequential M gearbox with
Drivelogic 66
General driving notes 109
Glass sunroof
closing following an elec-
trical malfunction 41
convenience operation
30, 32
remote control 29, 30
Glass sunroof, electric 40
Glove compartment 95
Gradient assistance 69
Grills, refer to Ventilation 90
Gross weight, refer to
Weights 152
H
Handbrake, refer to Parking
brake 64
Hands-free system 97
Harman Kardon premium
sound system 95
Hazard warning flashers 14
Hazard warning triangle 23Head airbags 52
Head restraints 45
Headlamp cleaning system
cleaning headlamps 73
washer fluid 122, 153
Headlamp control 87
Headlamp flasher 88
indicator lamp 21
Headlamps
bulb replacement 133
care, refer to the Caring
for your vehicle brochure
Heated mirror 50
Heated rear window
automatic climate
control 93
Heated seats 49
Heating
exterior mirrors 50
rear window 93
seats 49
Heating and ventilation 90
Heavy loads, refer to Cargo
loading 103
Height adjustment
seats 44
steering wheel 51
Height, refer to
Dimensions 151High beams 71, 88
bulb replacement 133
headlamp flasher 88
indicator lamp 21
Holder for
beverages 96, 97
litter bag 97
Hood release 119
Horn 14
Hydraulic brake assistant,
refer to DBC 111
Hydroplaning 109
I
Ice warning 79
Ignition 61
Ignition key 28
positions 61
Ignition lock 61
Imprint 4
Indicator lamps 18Indicator/warning lamp
airbags 18
alarm system 38
brakes 18, 19
Check Gas Cap 19
coolant 19, 76
DSC 19
Flat Tire Monitor
18, 19, 85
fog lamps 20
Please fasten safety
belts 18
reserve 76
Service Engine Soon 19
Individual air distribution 92
Individual settings, refer to
Vehicle Memory, Key
Memory 59
Inflation pressure monitor-
ing, refer to Flat Tire Moni-
tor 83
Inflation pressure, tires 112
INSPECTION 77
Instrument cluster 16
Instrument lighting 88
Instrument panel 14
Interface socket for onboard
diagnostics (OBD) 128
event data recorders 128
Interior lamps 89
remote control 30