[Moel]

I have a strange question... on the dash underneath the speedo and mpg meter there is some lettering 'miles per gallon' I think, and then when you turn the car on...underneath that two almost 'bobbleheaded people' lights in red pop on for a few seconds, before then extinguishing again...

what are they? Any ideas?

[BMWZ4]

From your descrtiption sounds like airbag lights

[JChristie]

This came up before but I can't remember the correct answer. I think it had something to do with the back seats, possibly a warning light if the passengers are unbuckled.

Here's a poor quality screen grab of what I believe the OP is talking about.

[barfastic]

Yeah ive noticed thsoe two red figures too.... i still havent found what they mean. lol.... i assume its something along the lines of, 2 empty rear seats (like i wouldnt be able to tell) or 2 rear belts unbuckled.

[Moel]

That's the jobby, and it looks like you're right...took a look at the owners manual on my phone and the symbol has 3 of them...but obviously we only have 2 back seats, so two bobbly headed people appear instead

Cheers chaps..it's just been baffling me...however this morning here in England it is pissing it down, and this has taught me two things... 1) the traction control really is quite good at it's job of keeping you in a straight

2) under no circumstances apply pressure to the lcd screen for the heating controls...it goes white and you think you've broken it :-s

[ThreeToTwo]

Originally Posted by Moel

I have a strange question... on the dash underneath the speedo and mpg meter there is some lettering 'miles per gallon' I think, and then when you turn the car on...underneath that two almost 'bobbleheaded people' lights in red pop on for a few seconds, before then extinguishing again...

what are they? Any ideas?

They show the state of the rear seatbelts. They'll be green if the belt is fastened.

They're not smart enough to know whether you have a passenger in the back though, presumably that's why they always illuminate.

[BMWZ4]

That's weird, mine don't light up after I pull away.

[JChristie]

It is a European spec thing? I haven't seen the lights on my car either.

Edit: Quick Google search answered my question.

EuroNCAP has developed a seat belt reminder protocol along these lines (though requiring only a visual signal for the rear seat in the absence of seat occupancy information) and encourages their installation. Cars meeting the specification receive points which contribute to the star rating.

So bonus safety points in Europe if you add the reminder.