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Technical features for driving comfort and
safety
Park Distance Control PDC*
The principle
PDC assists you with manoeuvring into
a parking space. Acoustic signals and a visual
indicator
warn you of the presence of an object
in front of
*
or behind your car. Four ultrasonic
sensors in each bumper measure the distance
to the nearest object.
The sensors cover a range of approx. 2 m,
approx. 6 ft 7 in. However, an acoustic warning
does not sound until an object is approx. 60 cm,
approx. 2 ft from the front sensors
*
or rear cor-
ner sensors, and approx. 1.5 m, approx. 5 ft
from the rear centre sensors.
PDC is a parking aid which is capable of
registering objects approached at low
speed, as is usually the case when the car is
being parked. Avoid approaching an object rap-
idly, otherwise the system may be unable to
alert you in sufficient time due to the physical
principles involved.<
If the car is towing a trailer, the rear sensors will
be unable to supply meaningful signals. They
therefore do not come on.
Switching on automatically
With the engine running or the ignition switched
on, the system is activated after approx.
1 second when you engage reverse gear or
move the gear selector lever to position R. Wait
briefly before starting to drive; this allows the
system to become active.
Switching off automatically
If you drive for approx. 50 m, approx. 55 yards,
or at a speed exceeding approx. 30 km/h,
approx. 20 mph, the system is deactivated and
the LED goes out.
Switching on manually*
Press the button; the LED comes on.
Switching off manually
Press the button again; the LED will go out.
Audible warning signals
An intermittent tone indicates the position of an
object as the car approaches it. For example,
the tone sounds at the rear if the system
detects an object behind the car. The closer the
car approaches the object, the more rapid the
sequence of signals. When the distance to a
detected object is less than approx. 30 cm,
approx. 12 in, the signal becomes continuous.
An intermittent tone is interrupted after approx.
3 seconds:
> If you stop in front of an object that was
detected by only one of the corner sensors
> If you are driving parallel to a wall
Malfunction
The indicator light in the instrument
cluster comes on. PDC has failed. A
message appears on the Control Dis-
play. Have the system checked.
As a precautionary measure, keep the sensors
clean and free from ice, so that they always
operate reliably. Do not direct high-pressure
cleaners at the sensors for sustained periods
and maintain a distance of at least 30 cm,
approx. 1 ft.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 602 816 - © 08/09 BMW AGOnline Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 602 816 - © 08/09 BMW AG