"EP" appears on gear indicator on speedo of my CVT. what does this mean?

[mini_macky]

ey guys, i was driving home tonight & i noticed that the letters EP appeared on the gear indicator on the speedo just below the odometer & trip meter. what does EP mean? if it's in the manual, sorry, i don't have one hehehe.

[retired00]

Malfunction
EP appears on the display. The transmission
system is malfunctioning. Avoid high loads.
All selector lever positions can still be
engaged; in the forward driving positions,
however, the vehicle can only be driven
with a limited gear selection.
Have the system checked immediately.

[K 1950]

Hi

My mini continually went into EP (Emergency Program) and after my fourth visit back to the dealer BMW had to replace both computers on my car at a considerable cost to BMW . Everything is going well now except I have developed a severe rattle in my door since having the work done so it looks like I will have to take my car back yet again. Only had it since May so this will be it's fifth visit back.

FOOTNOTE: When I first let the dealer know ( within a few days of picking up my car) and right up until they eventually fixed my car BMW have denied this ever happening to another car anywhere in the world and virtually said that if the replacement of both computers didn't work then I would be stuck with the problem - you can imagine what I told them - have not been impressed with the dealers lack of sympathy for my problem - noticed they are not interested in giving you anything to compensate for the inconvienence they have caused - that only happens BEFORE they get your money!