[Tallest]

I turned on the car this morning. A red sign came up on dash, which looks like car on a ramp. I switched car on-off and it was still there. Since I had to be elsewhere so I just drove anyway. The sign didn't come back after I restarted the car the next time.

I did Check Control and it came out OK. So what was this, anyone have ideas?



I can mention couple of things may be that would help:
1. I started the car with putting the key into hole quite quickly and forcefully (i was late and rushing).
2. Sometime when I do that my 'steering wheel lock' orange sign comes on as well. When I do things and not rush, all is ok...
3. Yesterday I drove through a nasty puddle at about 10mph (it was DEEP) ... car shook but didn't seem to be any issues at time, but shocks bottomed out I'm sure. (wheels I hope are ok, since they are winter 16s with big sidewall).

I never seen the red car on ramp sign, so before I go to dealer if this reappears, did anyone have this or it's just some general sign that means inspect car OR this is some glitch in electronics (it's been awful wet around here lately).

Thx to all replies, I know this is probably very general Q.

[Arustik1]

Its a car on a lift right? If so check the owners manual...cause it describes everything there.

[Tallest]

yeah, i forgot to add --- the manual is in german.

i guess ill have to check this with the dealer if it shows up again. in manual it shows quite many possibilities but dont understand the text..

[djsolution]

I also have that red car on a lift icon. The manual says it's either the brake pads or some sort of ignition issue. Pretty big disparity between possible problems. I'm taking it to the dealership next week so we'll see. My pads are at about 70%, by the way.

[Jurisprudent]

Originally Posted by 320what

yeah, i forgot to add --- the manual is in german.

i guess ill have to check this with the dealer if it shows up again. in manual it shows quite many possibilities but dont understand the text..

http://www.e90fanatics.com/pdf/E90_OwnersManual.pdf

Problem solved.

[smallseafishie]

Is it the sunroof error message?

[Silvr&Blk]

That symbol means bring your car in for service. Mine came on last month and they found that my rear brake sensor was faulty and had to be replaced. Since your's came off, you prob don't have to worry and can just keep an eye on it. But if you happen to have a maintenance schedule due, have the service tech run the code since the service code is stored in your car's memory and they can pull it up and determine the source of the problem.

The steering wheel lock is a known problem, mine was finally fixed with a CPU flash, other in the forum had to have their steering column replaced.

You're still under warranty right? If so, get both issues done on the next visit! Good luck!

[bimmerlex]

Most probably brake pad sensors. Have the dealer check them up.

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by Silvr&Blk

That symbol means bring your car in for service. Mine came on last month and they found that my rear brake sensor was faulty and had to be replaced. Since your's came off, you prob don't have to worry and can just keep an eye on it. But if you happen to have a maintenance schedule due, have the service tech run the code since the service code is stored in your car's memory and they can pull it up and determine the source of the problem.

The steering wheel lock is a known problem, mine was finally fixed with a CPU flash, other in the forum had to have their steering column replaced.

You're still under warranty right? If so, get both issues done on the next visit! Good luck!

no, im in europe, 2 year warranty run out just recently. next service is due in april 2009.

if this is a know problem how come BMW didn't issue a recall? Oh wait, sorry, stupid me, I still assume they build cars to last... noone does these days.

the steering column needing replacement --- i would think shit like should be addressed by dealer not just under warranty. what if this thing locks up on me at 110kmh?? can be rather lethal. any more clues as to how to avoid this going from annoyance to something potentialy much worse?

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by Jurisprudent

http://www.e90fanatics.com/pdf/E90_OwnersManual.pdf

Problem solved.

hmm... idrive only? i have no idrive.

[ENINTY]

The icon you are talking about is a 30,000 mile inspection that calls for the dealer to hook the car upto the GT1 scan tool and scan the car. They don't do anything but scan the computers in the car. It's a BS way to get you into the dealer. It is part of the "free" maintenance in the US. You can clear the icon if you want to. Search for resetting the oil icon. It's the same procedure.

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by ENINTY

The icon you are talking about is a 30,000 mile inspection that calls for the dealer to hook the car upto the GT1 scan tool and scan the car. They don't do anything but scan the computers in the car. It's a BS way to get you into the dealer. It is part of the "free" maintenance in the US. You can clear the icon if you want to. Search for resetting the oil icon. It's the same procedure.

I'm at 21000 miles right now. (car will be 3 years old in april... yup, that's what happens when it takes 5 minutes to walk to work..)

[ENINTY]

I drive 80 miles one way. 64,000 miles since May '06. I wish I had your car. Why BMW won't import the 320d is beyond my comprehension.

GL

[Tallest]

i thought i'd be driving a lot but i ended up moving near work when opportunity presented. .... i should have bought not a commuter motor, but a 3 litre Z4.

come to think of it, the more shit like this happen, the more unreliable it gets, i just might shelve all the carbon interior-blacklines plans and get a used Z4. they are nice and cheap these days and reliable if roof is manual. and milage is low sicne they are rarely commuter cars.

[ENINTY]

Once they stop selling the E90 here in the US, I may import a low mileage 320d.