Check Control

If a fault should develop in the PDC, the function LED in the PDC button will flash with a frequency of 2 Hz.

In this situation, PDC cannot be switched on.

At the same time, a Check-Control message is displayed in the following form

• Symbol in the LCD display in the instrument cluster
• The following text appears in the status line of the Central Information Display:

"PDC failure!"

In the menu "BMW Service", the following text can be called up in the submenu "Check-Control messages":

"Park Distance Control

No acoustic warning available for Park Distance Control PDC.

Have the problem checked by BMW Service as soon as possible."

If a fault memory entry is recorded, the kilometer reading and the outside temperature are recorded along with the type of fault.

System limits 

PDC is not a substitute for the driver's personal judgement with respect to obstacles.

The ultrasonic sensors also have a "blind spot". In this blind spot, objects can no longer be detected.

The detection of objects can test the physical limits of ultrasonic measurements if the ultrasonic waves are reflected either poorly or not at all (e.g. due to trailer tow bars or narrow objects).

Objects close to the ground can suddenly "disappear", before  a continuous tone sounds (e.g. a high curb).

Loud noises outside and inside the vehicle can drown out the PDC signal tone.

It therefore remains the driver's responsibility to watch for obstacles, even in vehicles with PDC.

During operation, the following system functions, which require explanation, can occur due to the limits of the functional range (for the driver):

• Under the following conditions, it could happen that the PDC gives a warning, even though there is no obstacle within the effective range:
  • Ultrasonic sensor incorrectly located in its bracket
  • Heavy rainfall
  • Ultrasonic sensors covered in snow
  • Exhaust gases
  • Echo pulses caused by ground, e.g. extremely coarse road surface or high grass
  • Very smooth walls in large, enclosed, rectangular spaces, e.g. in underground car parks (interference from previously reflected echo pulses)
  • Protective cap for trailer coupling ball head incorrectly seated or objects being transported protruding into the effective range of the ultrasonic sensors.
• Under the following conditions, the PDC may not recognize an obstacle that is present:
  • Objects close to the ground (no reflection)
  • Objects with corners and sharp edges (no reflection)
  • If you drive alongside a wall for more than 3 seconds, the acoustic warning will be deactivated. Here, the distance must be greater than the effective range for the continuous tone (approx. 25 centimeters). As soon as the distance drops below 25 centimeters, the continuous tone will sound again.
  • If the vehicle approaches an object too fast
  • Starting up and moving away too quickly while PDC is starting