Check Control

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

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."

Conditions for switching on and off 

PDC is switched on under the following conditions:

• PDC button pressed (PDC switched on manually)
• Reverse gear engaged (PDC switched on automatically)

PDC is switched off under the following conditions:

• PDC button pressed (PDC switched off manually)
• Ignition switched off (PDC switched off automatically
• After driving approx. 50 meters
• After exceeding a speed of 30 km/h

When a trailer is being towed, the acoustic and visual warnings for the rear bumper are deactivated. For this to happen, the trailer must be electrically connected to the vehicle.

Problematic conditions for switching on and off 

In borderline situations, PDC may give a warning even though there is no object within the effective range (reflection from the ground, e.g. on coarse gravel).

In borderline situations, it could happen that objects that are present are not detected (no or insufficient reflection due to geometric form).

Under the following conditions, it could happen that the PDC gives a warning, even though there is no object within the effective range: 

• Ultrasonic sensor incorrectly located in its bracket
• Heavy rain
• Severe dirt contamination or icing of the ultrasonic sensors
• Ultrasonic sensors covered in snow
• 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 earlier, reflected echo impulses)

Under the following conditions, the PDC may not recognize an obstacle that is present: 

• Low objects or objects with corners and sharp edges (no reflection)
• If you drive alongside a wall while you are parking, the acoustic warning will be deactivated so long as you are moving parallel to the wall.