The yellow or red BMW gear with an exclamation point can point to a few fault areas. In this article, we will explain the most likely causes and possible solutions.
BMWs are largely seen as very reliable cars. For over a century BMW has built its brand with a reputation for quality. But just like any car, over time they can suffer from faults. One of the most unsettling warnings is the dashboard gear with an exclamation point warning light.
We will also list some of the possible fault codes which accompany the warning light. These will help diagnose the particular area at fault.
What Does The Exclamation Point Mean in a BMW?
When the gear with an exclamation mark is displayed on the dashboard, this indicates a fault with the gearbox/transmission. The check engine warning light may also be displayed.
Whether the gear with an exclamation mark is red or yellow, it usually points to a transmission malfunction. The advice here is to ‘drive carefully’ until the car can be inspected. Unfortunately, this will incur costs. But it’s better to catch faults in the early stages, than having to pay for more serious issues down the line.
If the car is running fine and hasn’t entered ‘Limp mode,’ then the warning light may be down to an electrical issue. If you experience problems changing gears or hear unusual sounds, then stop driving immediately. A gearbox or transmission fault will need an immediate visit to your local dealer or mechanic.
Common symptoms
The common symptoms of a BMW gear with an exclamation point warning message include:
- Warning light on the dashboard: The gear with an exclamation point warning message will appear on the dashboard, alerting the driver to the issue.
- Difficulty shifting gears: The transmission may have trouble shifting gears, resulting in jerking or hesitation while driving.
- Grinding sounds: The vehicle may make unusual noises when shifting gears, such as grinding or whining.
- Reduced performance: The vehicle may have reduced power or acceleration, indicating an issue with the transmission or gearbox.
- Other Warning messages in the vehicle’s display: The driver may see warning messages such as “Transmission Fault” or “Drive moderately, transmission fault”
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other issues, so it’s best to have a qualified BMW technician diagnose the problem.
How Do I Reset the Exclamation Mark on My BMW?
If your BMW is running fine, but you see the exclamation mark warning, then try a quick reset. Simply turn the car off, then restart the engine. In many cases, this can reset the warning.
If the engine light, check engine, or gear with an exclamation mark reappears after a reset, then the car will need inspecting. An intermittent warning light can be due to a low battery voltage. However, any warning light should be checked out immediately.
With a quick diagnostics check, error codes can be generated such as P0174, P1347, or p0174. These codes generally indicate general engine problems such as a misfire.
You can perform this diagnostic check yourself using your own On-board Diagnostic (OBD) scanner. I would recommend picking up one of these devices, even if it is only to ensure you stay one step ahead of any unscrupulous mechanics who are giving you advice. We have put together a list of The 4 Best OBD-II Scanners for 2023 to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Once you have generated the error codes using your OBD-II scanner, you can decide on whether you are capable of carrying out the required work yourself or whether your vehicle will need checking by a local dealer or mechanic.
FAQs and Answers
BMW owners may have come across a warning message on their dashboard that displays a gear with an exclamation point. This can be a concerning issue for many BMW owners, as it may indicate a problem with the transmission or gearbox. In this article, we will discuss some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the BMW gear with an exclamation point warning message and provide answers to help better understand the issue.
What does the BMW gear with an exclamation point mean?
The BMW gear with an exclamation point is a warning message that indicates a problem with the transmission or gearbox. It may also be accompanied by other warning lights or messages.
What should I do if I see the BMW gear with an exclamation point warning message?
If you see the BMW gear with an exclamation point warning message, it is recommended to have a qualified BMW technician diagnose and repair the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
What are some common causes of the BMW gear with an exclamation point warning?
Some common causes of the BMW gear with an exclamation point warning message include low transmission fluid levels, faulty transmission control modules, and worn or damaged gears.
How much will it cost to repair the BMW gear with an exclamation point warning message?
The cost of repairing the BMW gear with an exclamation point warning message will depend on the specific cause of the problem. It could range from a simple fluid change to a more complex transmission repair.
Is it safe to drive?
It is technically possible to drive a vehicle with the gear with an exclamation point warning message, but it is not recommended. This warning message indicates that there is a problem with the transmission or gearbox, and driving the vehicle in this condition can cause further damage.
It is best to have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible by a qualified technician to avoid costly repairs or even putting yourself and others on the road at risk. If you are experiencing difficulty shifting gears, reduced performance or other warning sounds or messages, it is best to have the vehicle towed to a qualified service centre or dealership.
Which BMW models have this warning?
The gear with an exclamation point warning light can appear on a variety of BMW models. This warning light can appear on any model that utilizes manual, automatic or semi-automatic transmission. Fully electric EV’s do not have this message as they do not use a traditional gearbox.
This warning light can appear on all internal combustion models of BMW models including:
- 1 Series
- 2 Series
- 3 Series
- 4 Series
- 5 Series
- 6 Series
- 7 Series
- 8 Series
- i8
- X1
- X2
- X3
- X4
- X5
- X6
- Z4
Conclusion
In conclusion, the BMW gear with an exclamation point warning message can be a serious issue that requires prompt attention. If you see this warning message on your BMW dashboard, it is recommended to have a qualified BMW technician diagnose and repair the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Understanding the common causes and potential costs associated with this issue can help BMW owners better prepare for any necessary repairs.
Any dashboard warning light which has an orange or red exclamation mark should be checked out immediately. Even if your car is running fine, it’s worth taking it for an inspection to make sure problems are nipped in the bud. A warning light is an indication of some inherent problem that is likely to rear its ugly head in the future.
We hope you found this article informative in helping you diagnose this common BMW problem. Please comment below with your own findings and share this article on social media if you have found it useful.
