1987 BMW 325 instrument panel

The row of lights you may be referring to are service interval indicators. They start all green(5) then to yellow and then red. There is a possibility that considering the age of the car, these service indicators may be malfunctioning and it does no harm to treat this as an aggravation and not a threat. However, if you have maintenance items that require attention(timing belts, oil leaks, regular service) then I would recommend that these items be dealt with and documented.

We paid 450 for the car, already put about 1600 into it including all new brake system and tires.....well worth it drive shaft is next..but still a great car