OT, but FYI... the symbology used is part of an internationally recognized standard, maintained by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) which has harmonized standards for the use of symbols across many fields. Consumer products, automobiles, aircraft, medical devices, etc, etc (ISO maintains standards for everything, from toys to planes to cars to power plants)
In fact every symbol you see in a car is likely listed in a standards document, not just 'used or developed by BMW'. (there may be some rare exceptions)
Like ISO 7000... Here:
ISO - Publications and e-products only CHF800 (~USD$817) for a year subscription...
the triangle exclamation is one, which means "warning, pay attention" I believe there is one that is a triangle with a book inside too, as an option- although not sure. (note that there may be 2,3,4 ways to use a symbol, or different versions of a symbol. And different MFGs may have different conceptual hierarchies for using different symbols. For example some may use the triangle/exclamation universally for all "pay attention" commands, and then further define it with a second symbol, as opposed to combining)
Since there are different options within the standards, each car has a little bit of a different look and feel.
Why use symbols? Easy- cost. You can take a product that will be used in 50 different countries with 20 different languages. You can label the PRODUCT with one set of symbols, and then print 20 different owners manuals....
In my line of work, if you have a word on the product in ANY language you must then translate that to EACH language where the product is sold. So "on" and "off" balloons into 20 different on off switches. The back panel label?? OMG. So to avoid 20 different versions of the product we make one, use intl symbols and put everything language specific into the op manual. (oh, when you have a screen and software, your life is easier- you can have all 20 language versions IN the one SW package, so no need to relabel the physical box...)
There is quite a bit of work involved with developing symbols, testing them, getting them recognized, etc, etc.
Anyway, OT...