<p>The car is running well (at least I think so :)), and all of a sudden I get the warning light on the dashboard, the light that is a circle surrounded by broken lines on each side. </p>
<p>What is that warning signal trying to tell me?</p>
<p>Look at your manual. It means something! If it is yellow, it is not immediate disaster, but if it is red, do not drive until you figure it out.</p>
<p>I can’t find my manual. :)</p>
<p>I think that is the brake lining warning light.</p>
<p>Sounds like the brakepad sensor, which means that your brakepads are probably in need of replacement. Not an emergency, but something that you should have serviced promptly.</p>
<p>Thanks…</p>
<p>Tire pressure. That is, if I’m remembering correctly. I sold my BMW two years ago.</p>
<p>^Don’t think so. I’m almost certain that it’s the brakepad sensor. OP, you ought to be able to find the answer with a simple Google image search like “BMW warning lights”</p>
<p>I don’t know what it means exactly, but it will translate into at least $1,000…</p>
<p>if your brakes need checking wouldnt you be able to hear the difference?</p>
<p>[United</a> Bimmer](<a href=“http://www.unitedbimmer.com/]United”>http://www.unitedbimmer.com/)</p>
<p>From BMW repair website:
"I have a warning light coming on spasmotically (flickering)The symbol is a circle with three dashes on each side. on my 520i it is the farthest symbol to the left of the oil brake etc warning symbols. I bought the car with no manual. Can you tell me what the light is for. Sorry for such a trivial question.
Many Thanks
Bob Jordan </p>
<p>Answer
Bob, what color is the light? It sounds like you are describing the yellow brake lining light warning. Does it come on with hard braking? Check your brake lining thicknesses. You have one sensor on the front left inner brake pad and one on the rear right inner brake pad. The warning tells you that you have 3mm left of pad life left and they need to be changed and measure the thickness of the rotors."</p>
<p>The sensor comes on when there is still 3mm of brakepad left.</p>
<p>My light is red. All my lights are red. I have never seen a yellow warning light on this car’s dashboard.</p>
<p>“I don’t know what it means exactly, but it will translate into at least $1,000…”</p>
<p>My next car is going to be less expensive and cheaper to maintain.</p>
<p>I’ve owned exactly one European sports sedan. I still have nightmares about the repair bills. Since then, I’ve been a devout Honda Accord owner, and I’ve never looked back . . .</p>
<p>Having spent over $3,000 fixing my Honda in the last three months, I wouldn’t get to feeling too smug about that…</p>
<p>EDITED: Actually, our Honda has had – by far – the most frequent and expensive repairs of any car we’ve owned in the last 20 years. I doubt I’ll buy another one.</p>
<p>^Sorry you’ve had bad luck. As for my current Honda, 129,000 miles on my six year old Accord and not a single major repair. Two more Accords before that – both retired with well over 200,000 miles and no major repair issues. But I agree with you that no one brand is bulletproof.</p>
<p>Checked my H’s BMW manual and it is, indeed, the brake pads which should be checked.</p>
<p>If you have free maintenance with your BMW, brake pads replacement should be included.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone. I appreciate it.</p>
<p>I was thinking of a Honda.</p>
<p>What I really want is for the BMW to last for a couple of more years until the 100 mpg cars show up.</p>
<p>What does it mean? It’s a sign that you should buy an American car! 
(Sorry … couldn’t resist … I live in Michigan)</p>