BMW 316 dash warning light

Eoin087

Recently bought a BMW 316 coupe (1998), started the car this morning and noticed a warning light is illuminated on the dash, it looks like the handbrake symbol without the "P" in the middle of the circle. I got no manual with this car so I can't check what it means in that and all online searches have turned up nothing Can anyone tell me what this sign means and if it's gonna cost a lot to have sorted, and help is much appreciated

The symbol looks something like this one http://www.carbibles.com/images/brakewarning1.jpg
Minus the the exclamation mark in the middle and instead of two lines along the side, there is a few squares along both sides

I'll try to u/l a pic of it shortly

JohnCleary

Is the car auto or manual?

Is the yellow or red?

Usually red means that the handbrake is up
Usually yellow means the traction is off

Eoin087

JohnCleary wrote: »

Is the car auto or manual?

Is the yellow or red?

Usually red means that the handbrake is up
Usually yellow means the traction is off

It's a manual and the symbol is red

Pic attached, sorry for the bad quality...its the symbol furthest left

TJJP

It sounds like a brake pad warning light. Many BMW's have a sensor in the brake pads to indicate brake pad wear. When the pad wears to a certain level a sensor is broken and the light comes on to tell you to get the pads replaced. Light can be reset when the pads are replaced.

Sometimes key to position 1 for 20 seconds, turn off for 20 seconds, then start the engine, will reset the light but you still need brakes...

JohnCleary

Thats the brake pad warning light IIRC. Although on my car it was a yellow light? May be differeent to yours though

E92

Thats exactly what it is(a brake pad light). Older BMWs had a red light for brake pads.

JohnCleary

E92 wrote: »

Thats exactly what it is(a brake pad light). Older BMWs had a red light for brake pads.

Well OP you're not in trouble so. Replacement part is about 18euro from the dealers. You prob need to change your brake pads too

DublinDilbert

Some times its just the wire gone on the sensor and your brake pads don't need to be changed, best check the condition of the pads and see...

The sensor clips onto one of the front brake pads, and is fairly easily changed, you might be able to change it without removing the caliper / pads..

I'm not sure about the coupe, but it might also have a sensor on one of the rear pads, this could also be causing the same light.

JohnCleary

OP: Can't speak for your own car, but on my 2002 320d there is a brake pad sensor on both front and back, opposite sides.

IIRC it's the Front passenger side and the Rear drivers side

kikel

The sensor comes on before the pads need to be replaced. But change them asap as their is only 1 sensor on the front and 1 on the back. One side could have worn quicker. On the front it is on the passenger side and the rear it's on the drivers side. When replacing the pads make sure you get a sensor too. the sensor is only 8 quid. Pads and sensor can be gotten in GSF.

Eoin087

Thanks for the help guys, very much appreciated