[Kimber K]

Need some help here with this code. Red exclamation point in a red triangle in the cluster. E92 car.
Found that it is meant as a Needs Service code but no where does it say what kind of service?
Is it just oil and filter?

[MR.BLUECOLLARMAN]

You'd have to scan for a code. An Oreillys or Autozone should be able to for free. If they can't you can try looking nearby for a BMW specialist. Usually it will mean you need some sort of maintenance. Whenever you have a "malfunction" that's when the check engine will come on; but you'd definitely want to get it checked before then.

[Kimber K]

Originally Posted by MR.BLUECOLLARMAN

You'd have to scan for a code. An Oreillys or Autozone should be able to for free. If they can't you can try looking nearby for a BMW specialist. Usually it will mean you need some sort of maintenance. Whenever you have a "malfunction" that's when the check engine will come on; but you'd definitely want to get it checked before then.

An Oreillys or and Autozone does this? They have the tool for scanning on our cars? They that trust worthy with this?
If not, I'd think my BMW mechanic would be the place for the right scanning tool, no?
Sorry I if I sound forward but I usually do my own oil changes but I do understand what you meant about the code and it sounds like it's NOT a "Change Your Own Oil" type code.
Thank you

[MR.BLUECOLLARMAN]

Reading codes is not a problem with a generic OBD2 scanner. If it's something more serious especially with sensors, then yeah I would definitely go to a specialist. I'm actually learning how to do this all myself. Bought the program that the dealers use. But hey if the dealer won't charge you then by all means go to them. But I feel like they'd suck you in to getting something else repaired just to write up a bill. Up to you though

[Kimber K]

Originally Posted by MR.BLUECOLLARMAN

Reading codes is not a problem with a generic OBD2 scanner. If it's something more serious especially with sensors, then yeah I would definitely go to a specialist. I'm actually learning how to do this all myself. Bought the program that the dealers use. But hey if the dealer won't charge you then by all means go to them. But I feel like they'd suck you in to getting something else repaired just to write up a bill. Up to you though

You're going to be a king around here once you know all the codes my friend. Ha!
Ok thanks, I'll try Autozone, get there word then take it to my regular mechanic.

Thanks!

[patents]

I don't think there is a light as you described. Could you post a photo of it?

[MR.BLUECOLLARMAN]

There is; it usually lights up for maintenance reasons. Check engine lights up for issues and faults.

[VTECaddict]

You mean the little one that pops up on the upper right hand corner of the trip computer/odometer display?

That just means you have a check control message. It could be anything from low fuel to a check engine light. If you don't have any other lights or warnings on, it might be a maintenance service due or a light bulb is burnt out.

Use the toggle on your turn signal stalk and scroll to check control, press the button on the end to select, and scroll through to see what check control messages you have.

[Efthreeoh]

So this thread is just full of fail...

There is no need to go to an auto parts store to "read codes"; that is a completely different subject matter.

The exclamation point in a red triangle means there is a service due that is tracked by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Either read the owners manual that came with the car, or if it is missing, go to BMW USA website and download the owners and service manuals for you car. Read the manual and it will explain how to delve into the service system menu to find out exactly which service(s) are due. It could be an oil change or just a simple inspection. If the service is past due, the icon for it will show up right after the triangle goes away. However you can use the turnsignal stalk (or iDrive if you car has it) to determine the service due.

Check Control messages come up as an orange triangle with an exclamation point. Check Control messages are for notification that the car has something that needs attention, like a burned out bulb, low coolant, low fuel, low windshield washer fluid, etc.

[Air Drop]

Originally Posted by VTECaddict

Use the toggle on your turn signal stalk and scroll to check control, press the button on the end to select, and scroll through to see what check control messages you have.

+1.

OP, fantastic car collection you have going there (2 x E30 M3 = )

[Boland01]

This might help. Please see the attached code symbols and their generic meaning. It at least can help to point you in the right direction.

[patents]

Originally Posted by MR.BLUECOLLARMAN

There is; it usually lights up for maintenance reasons. Check engine lights up for issues and faults.

The maintenance/control message light is a black exclamation point in an orange triangle. He said the exclamation point was red in a red triangle. I understand the closeness of red and orange, but the exclamation point for the maintenance light is black, not even close to red.

There's a yellow exclamation point in a yellow triangle when traction control activates.

[MR.BLUECOLLARMAN]

Originally Posted by patents

The maintenance/control message light is a black exclamation point in an orange triangle. He said the exclamation point was red in a red triangle. I understand the closeness of red and orange, but the exclamation point for the maintenance light is black, not even close to red.

There's a yellow exclamation point in a yellow triangle when traction control activates.

[MR.BLUECOLLARMAN]

Mine lights up orange triangle with exclamation point for the maintenance notifications and then red triangle when there's some kind of issue. Sorry for the misdirection

[patents]

I think there's an indicator that I just haven't seen before. Maybe I'm confused.

It's still probably best if OP posts a picture of what he's seeing.

[wren57]

Originally Posted by patents

I think there's an indicator that I just haven't seen before. Maybe I'm confused.

It's still probably best if OP posts a picture of what he's seeing.

Having trouble picturing a red exclamation point inside a red triangle?

OP I get the same thing when maintenance is overdue. Just scroll through the CBS and see what maintenance is overdue. There's your answer.

[luv135i]

Maintenance is due. If youve been doing your own oil changes, you should know how to scroll through the service items that are due.

[patents]

Originally Posted by wren57

Having trouble picturing a red exclamation point inside a red triangle?

I can picture it, I've just never seen one on my dash, and I can't find one by googling through images of E90 instrument clusters.

[DJtoad]

A yellow triangle with an exclamation point means service is due and the car has automatically sent a notification to BMW using BMW Teleservices. A red triangle means service is due but the car can't automatically notify BMW:

[Efthreeoh]

From the 2006 owners manual....

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

From the 2006 owners manual....

Exactly. As I'm a bit overdue for a brake fluid change, my dash has been showing the red "!" inside the red triangle for a couple of months. The car seems very unhappy it can't contact my dealer as I did not continue the "SOS" system after the warranty expired - thanks to Djtoad for the explanation as to why the warning is red and not yellow.

The OP needs to go to Check Control, either thru iDrive or the dash computer. And then, to find out which service is overdue, should pull up the service intervals as described under "Service Requirements" in the manual.

Tom

[lichtgelb]

Could be as simple as low washer fluid. BMW's are good at nagging...