Brief description of components

PDC consists of the following components:

• Ultrasonic sensors 

  > E70

  8 ultrasonic sensors with option 508: Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear

  > E87, E90, E91, E92, E93

  4 ultrasonic sensors with option 507: Park Distance Control (PDC), rear

  8 ultrasonic sensors with option 508: Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear

  > R56

  4 ultrasonic sensors with option 507: Park Distance Control (PDC), rear

  There are 4 ultrasonic sensors in each of the front and rear bumpers.

  The ultrasonic sensors emit ultrasonic pulses. These ultrasonic pulses are reflected by obstacles (echo pulses).

  The ultrasonic sensors receive and amplify these echo pulses. The amplified echo pulses are then converted into a digital signal. Each ultrasonic sensor has its own electronics, its own power supply and its own data connection to the PDC control unit.

  IMPORTANT: Measuring range of ultrasonic sensors

  The measuring range of the ultrasonic sensors is between approx. 25 centimeters and a maximum of approx. 250 centimeters. A continuous warning tone sounds when the distance is less than about 25 centimeters.

  Dirty sensors, moisture, ice and snow can also cause the continuous warning tone to sound.

  NOTE: Cleaning the ultrasonic sensors

  To make sure the system remains fully operational, keep the ultrasonic sensors clean and free from ice. Do not clean by spraying high-pressure washers directly at the ultrasonic sensors. When cleaning, always maintain a minimum distance of at least 10 centimeters.

  NOTE: Make sure the decoupling element on ultrasonic sensor is correctly located.

  The respective decoupling element must be correctly located. Otherwise, transmission and reception will be impaired.

• PDC button 

  > E70, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93

  The PDC button is integrated in the center console switch cluster (no control unit). The signal from the PDC button is read by the IHKA (or IHKR/IHR control unit) control unit. In turn, the IHKA control unit sends a signal on the K-CAN.

  The PDC button is used to manually switch the Park Distance Control system on and off. When the PDC is switched on, the function LED in the PDC button lights up.

  If a fault develops in the PDC, the function LED in the PDC button flashes.

• PDC control unit 

  The PDC control unit controls the ultrasonic sensors for transmitting ultrasonic pulses. The PDC control unit also receives the digital signals from the individual ultrasonic sensors. From the individual digital signals, the PDC control unit calculates the minimum distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object.

  When an object is detected, an acoustic warning and a visual warning are given.

  > E70

  > E87, E90, E91, E92, E93

  > R56

  The PDC control unit is connected to various other control units via the bus system:

• RAD2, CHAMP, M-ASK or CCC: BMW "Professional" radio, Multimedia Platform, multi-audio system controller or Car Communication Computer 

  > E70, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93

  Depending on the equipment fitted, the audio master emits acoustic PDC warnings via the mid-range loudspeaker.

• Radio Wave CD, Radio Boost CD or CCC: Radio Wave CD, Radio Boost CD or Car Communication Computer 

  > R56

  Depending on the equipment fitted, the audio master emits acoustic PDC warnings via the mid-range loudspeaker.

• CID: Central Information Display 

  > E70, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93

  The visual PDC warnings are given in the Central Information Display (CID).

  In addition, information regarding a Check-Control message that may be present is shown.

• KOMBI: Instrument cluster 

  > E70, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93

  A current Check-Control message is indicated by a symbol in the LCD display in the instrument cluster. Moreover, the instrument cluster also provides the exterior temperature and the kilometer reading for the PDC control unit.

  The PDC control unit is then able to correct the calculated distance with a factor corresponding to the outside temperature.

• KOMBI and CID: Instrument cluster and Central Information Display 

  > R56

  The instrument cluster has two section. The instrument cluster itself is in the middle of the dashboard. The auxiliary instrument is on the steering column.

  The KOMBI and the CID are both control units. These control units are plugged into one another an installed together in the dashboard.

  All equipment versions are connected to the auxiliary instrument via a K-bus.

  The auxiliary instrument is the gateway to the K-CAN.

  A current Check-Control message is indicated by a symbol in the LCD display in the auxiliary instrument.

  The instrument cluster provides the exterior temperature and the kilometer reading for the PDC control unit. The PDC control unit is then able to correct the calculated distance with a factor corresponding to the outside temperature.

• EGS: Electronic transmission control 

  On vehicles with automatic transmission, the electronic transmission control (ESG) supplies the signal that reverse gear is engaged.

  The PDC control unit activates PDC after a short delay (approx. 1 second).

  This prevents PDC from being unexpectedly activated on vehicles with automatic transmission, fro example when the selector lever is moved from "P" to "N" via "R".

• DSC: Dynamic Stability Control 

  The DSC control unit supplies the PDC with information about the road speed and distance travelled.

• FRM: Footwell module 

  On vehicles with manual transmission, the footwell module (FRM) supplies the signal that reverse gear is engaged.

• CAS: Car access system 

  The CAS control unit supplies the PDC with the terminal status (e.g. terminal 15).

• AHM: Trailer module 

The trailer module (AHM) sends a signal indicating whether the vehicle is towing a trailer or if a rear carrier rack is fitted. If a trailer or rear carrier rack is recognized, the acoustic and visual warnings for the rear bumper are deactivated.