
BrakesDisplay messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
ABS and ESC
Currently
Unavailable See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP ®
(Electronic Stability
Program), BAS (Brake Assist), PRE-SAFE ®
, HOLD and hill start
assist are temporarily unavailable. The on-board voltage may be
insufficient, for example. BAS PLUS (Brake Assist PLUS) and PRE-
SAFE ®
Brake may be inoperative as well. In addition, the ä,
å and ! warning lamps light up in the instrument cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.
If the display message disappears, the functions mentioned
above are available again.
If the display message continues to be displayed:
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
ABS and ESC
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-SAFE ®
, HOLD and hill start assist are
unavailable due to a malfunction. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake
may also have failed. In addition, the ä, å and !
warning lamps light up in the instrument cluster.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.220Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 220

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
EBD, ABS, and ESC
Inoperative See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), ABS, ESP ®
, BAS, PRE-
SAFE ®
, HOLD and hill start assist are unavailable due to a
malfunction. BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE ®
Brake may also have
failed. In addition, the ä, å and ! warning lamps in the
instrument cluster light up and a warning tone sounds.
ATTENTION ASSIST is deactivated.
The brake system continues to function normally, but without the
functions listed above. The wheels could therefore lock if you
brake hard, for example.
XDrive on carefully.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop immediately.#
Check Brake Pad
WearThe brake pads/linings have reached their wear limit.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Release Park. BrakeYou are driving with the parking brake engaged. A warning tone
also sounds.XRelease the parking brake.Display messages221On-board computer and displaysBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 221Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Brake ImmediatelyA malfunction has occurred while the HOLD function or
DISTRONIC PLUS is active.
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. The tone becomes
louder if you attempt to lock the vehicle.
You cannot start the engine.XPaying attention to the traffic situation, immediately depress the
brake pedal firmly and hold until the display message
disappears.XPrevent the vehicle from rolling away before you leave it
( Y page 289).
You can restart the engine.$ (USA only)
J (Canada only)
Check Brake Fluid
LevelGRisk of accident
There is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.
Additionally, the red $ (USA only)/ J (Canada only)
warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster and a warning
tone sounds.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions. Do not continue driving
under any circumstances.XEngage the parking brake.XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.XDo not add brake fluid. This will not rectify the malfunction.GWarning
Driving with the message Check Brake Fluid Level displayed can result in an accident. Have
your brake system checked immediately.
Do not add brake fluid before checking the brake system. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts and the brake fluid catching fire. You can be
seriously burned.
Lights
i Display messages about LEDs:
This display message will only appear if all LEDs have failed.
222Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 222

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions?
Coolant Level Low
Stop Vehicle Turn
Engine OffThe coolant is too hot.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XMake sure that the air supply to the radiator is not blocked, e.g.
by snow, slush or ice.XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XIf the temperature increases again, visit a qualified specialist
workshop immediately.The poly-V-belt may have torn.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XOpen the hood.XCheck whether the poly-V-belt is torn.
If the poly-V-belt is torn:
! Do not continue driving. The engine could otherwise overheat.
XConsult a qualified specialist workshop.
If the poly-V-belt is OK:
XWait until the display message disappears before restarting the
engine. There is otherwise a risk of engine damage.XPay attention to the coolant temperature display.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.GWarning
Driving when your engine is overheated can cause some fluids which may have leaked into the
engine compartment to catch fire. You could be seriously burned.
Steam from an overheated engine can cause serious burns which can occur just by opening the
engine hood. Stay away from the engine if you see or hear steam coming from it.
Stop the vehicle in a safe location away from other traffic. Turn off the engine, get out of the
vehicle and do not stand near the vehicle until the engine has cooled down.
! If the coolant temperature exceeds 248 ‡(120 †) do not continue driving. The engine will
otherwise be damaged.
Display messages227On-board computer and displaysBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 227Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutionsh
Check Tire PressureGRisk of accident
The tire pressure in one or more tires has dropped significantly.
XStop the vehicle without making any sudden steering or braking
maneuvers. Pay attention to the traffic conditions as you do so.XIf necessary, change a wheel ( Y page 320).XCheck the tire pressure. If necessary, correct the tire pressure
( Y page 311).h
Correct Tire
PressureThe tire pressure is insufficient in at least one of the tires or the
tire pressure difference between the wheels is too great.XCheck the tire pressures at the next opportunity. If necessary,
correct the tire pressure ( Y page 311).
Vehicle
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsShift to 'P' or 'N'
to Start EngineYou have attempted to start the engine with the transmission in
position R or D. XShift the transmission to position P or N.P
Shift to 'P'You turned off the engine with the Start/Stop button and opened
the driver's door while the transmission was in position N.
or
You have attempted to turn off the engine with the Start/Stop
button while the transmission was in position R or D.XShift the transmission to position P.While the HOLD function or DISTRONIC PLUS is active, you have:
R opened the driver's door and released the seat belt or
R switched off the engine or
R opened the hood
A tone may also sound at regular intervals. The tone becomes
louder if you attempt to lock the vehicle.
You cannot start the engine.XShift the transmission to position P.
You can restart the engine.NThe trunk lid is open. XClose the trunk lid.236Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 236

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsMGRisk of accident
The hood is open.
XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XClose the hood.CAt least one door is open. XClose all doors._
Rear Lt. Backrest
Not Latched
or
Rear Rt. Backrest
Not LatchedGRisk of injury
The backrest in the rear is not engaged on the left-hand and/or
right-hand side.
XPush the backrest back until it engages._
Lock Seat Backrest
Front Left
or
Lock Seat Backrest
Front RightThe seat backrest is not engaged. A warning tone also sounds.XPush the backrest back until it engages.J
Trunk Partition
OpenThe trunk partition is open. XClose the trunk partition ( Y page 96).D
Power Steering
Malfunction See
Operator's ManualGRisk of accident
The power steering assistance is faulty. You will need to use more
force to steer.
A warning tone also sounds.
XCheck whether you are able to apply the extra force required.XIf you are able to steer safely: carefully drive on to a qualified
specialist workshop.XIf you are unable to steer safely: do not drive on. Contact the
nearest qualified specialist workshop. No ServiceYour vehicle is outside the network provider transmitter/receiver
range. XWait until the mobile phone operational readiness symbol
appears in the multifunction display.Display messages237On-board computer and displaysBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 237Z

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M SolutionsK
Convertible Top
Operation Possible
to 25 mphIf you are driving at speeds of more than 25 mph (40 km/h), you
cannot open or close the soft top.XFully open or close the soft top ( Y page 90).K
Convertible Top
Opening/ClosingThe soft top is not fully opened or closed. The hydraulics are
depressurized.XFully open or close the soft top ( Y page 90).K
Open/Close
Convertible Top
Completely The roof is not locked. If you are driving at speeds of more than
25 mph (40 km/h), you cannot open or close the soft top.XIf you are driving faster than 25 mph (40 km/h), slow down.XPush or pull the soft-top switch (Y page 90) until the soft top is
fully open or closed.K
Convertible Top in
Operation Please
WaitThe on-board voltage is too low.XStart the engine.The soft top has been opened and closed several times in a row.
The soft-top drive has been switched off automatically for safety
reasons.
You can open and close the soft top again after approximately ten
minutes.XSwitch off the ignition and turn it back on.XRepeat the opening or closing procedure ( Y page 90).¥
Check Washer FluidThe washer fluid level in the washer fluid reservoir has dropped
below the minimum. XAdd washer fluid ( Y page 275).
SmartKey
Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Key Does Not
Belong to VehicleYou have put the wrong SmartKey in the ignition lock.XUse the correct SmartKey.+
Take Your Key from
IgnitionThe SmartKey is in the ignition lock.XRemove the SmartKey.238Display messagesOn-board computer and displays
BA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 238

Display messagesPossible causes/consequences and M Solutions+
Obtain a new keyThe SmartKey needs to be replaced.XVisit a qualified specialist workshop.+
Replace Key BatteryThe batteries of the KEYLESS-GO key are discharged.XChange the batteries ( Y page 77).+
Don't Forget Your
KeyThe display message is displayed for a maximum of 60 seconds
and is just a reminder.
You have opened the driver's door with the engine switched off.
The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the ignition lock.XTake the KEYLESS-GO key with you when leaving the vehicle.+
Key Not Detected
(red display message)The KEYLESS-GO key is not in the vehicle.
A warning tone also sounds.
If the engine is switched off, you can no longer lock the vehicle
centrally or start the engine.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XLocate the KEYLESS-GO key.The KEYLESS-GO key is not detected while the engine is running
because there is interference from a strong source of radio waves.
A warning tone also sounds.XPull over and stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible, paying
attention to road and traffic conditions.XEngage the parking brake.XOperate the vehicle with the KEYLESS-GO key in the ignition
lock if necessary.+
Key Not Detected
(white display
message)The KEYLESS-GO key cannot be detected at present.XChange the location of the key with the KEYLESS-GO functions
in the vehicle.
If the KEYLESS-GO key is still not detected:
XChange the location of the key with the KEYLESS-GO functions
in the vehicle.XOperate the vehicle with the KEYLESS-GO key in the ignition
lock if necessary.Display messages239On-board computer and displaysBA 207 USA, CA Edition B 2011; 1; 3, en-USd2sboikeVersion: 3.0.3.62010-05-20T10:38:09+02:00 - Seite 239Z