On the dashboard circle that shows the numbers that tell how the engine is revving (?), etc...a red light has been coming on and then going off a few minutes later...symbol: small black arrow pointing down over two wavy lines

It could be a number of things. Your oxygen sensor comes to mind first. It tells the computer it is too rich or lean and the computer tells the throttle body and injectors to either lighten up on the fuel or add more. If it isn't working properly it can be in a rich mode telling the computer to ease up on the fuel causing the engine to run lean and cooking the catalytic converter. DON'T PARK ON DRY WEEDS!

under the bonnet on the radiator is an automatic fan, now if the radiator is low or you need to replace the coolant in it or top it up but the car may need a service and let them know the problem.

okay let me tell you and i will try to show you them. first is the check engine light which is a yelloe symbol of a small engine, this means theres a problem with the engine operation or emmisions system. this you can go to an auto parts store and they will scan the cars computer for codes and give you a print out. i can help you further with the codes, next is the anti braking system which doesnt allow the wheels to skid in heavy braking or snow and ice, this symbol will say ABS.nextis the red brake light which will say BRAKE in red and will sometimes come on with the yellow ABS light this light if on alone means you are low on brake fluid, which means a leak or low brakes and you need to have the brake system checked asap, the rest of the light are low coolant, trac, which is in the ****** and controls the traction control, this light will come on if this cars has it when the abs or engine light is on because the computer shuts it done when theres a problem.hope this helps.heres a good site that will show you all lights and what they mean there are alot depending on the car. hope this is helpful.http://www.autoevolution.com/news/how-to-read-the-dashboard-lights-1370.html

it sounds like the esp/asr warning lamp indicating a fault with the stability system. Is your abs lamp on too?

IT SOUNDS LIKE THE IAC (IDLE AIR CONTROL) MOTOR IS BAD OR GOING BAD, BUT THE QUICK SOLUTION IS GO TO ANY AUTO ZONE,OR ADVANCE AUTO PARTS STORE, AND THEY WILL CHECK IT FOR FREE,& TELL YOU WHAT SIGNAL CODE MADE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON, I WOULD DO THAT JUST TO BE FOR SURE, BECAUSE THERE ARE A FEW OTHER THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE IT AS WELL,SUCH AS MAF SENSOR DIRTY,OXY SENSOR GETTING A BAD READING,ETC.

this sounds like the Traction/Stability control and ABS warning lights, they are art of the same system and come on together.

If it's the red circle with three lines on each side, it's something related to the brakes. If I remember correctly, the lining.

Hello!

A sign like this indicates that your parking brake pads(shoes) are worn, and are in need of replacement.

A sign like this indicates that there is problem with the ABS system (can be anythig from a faulty wheel speed sensor to a burnt out fuse)
A non functioning ABS could bring the tires to a lock up during extreme braking which could be rather dangerous.

Hope this helps!

hi, i have a 318i on a 98, that light came on on mine a while ago,its a brake pad warning light, tells you they're getting low, however, the light was orange, not red. hope this helps..