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The PDC assists you when you back 
into a parking space. A signal warns 
you of the distance to an obstacle. To 
do this, four ultrasonic sensors in the 
rear bumper measure the distance to 
the nearest object. The monitoring 
range of the two corner sensors ex-
tends to approx. 2 feet (60 cm) behind 
the bumper. The two center sensors 
cover a distance of approx. 4.9 feet 
(1.50 meters).
The system starts to operate automati-
cally about one second after you se-
lect reverse with the ignition key in po-
sition 2. PDC is deactivated when you 
shift back out of reverse.
Acoustical signalsThe distance to the nearest object is in-
dicated by a tone sounding at various 
intervals. As the distance between vehi-
cle and object decreases, the intervals 
between the tones become shorter. A 
continuous warning tone sounds if the 
distance to a recognized object is less 
than 1 foot (30 cm).
The warning signal is canceled after 
approx. three seconds if the distance to 
the obstacle remains constant during 
this time (if you are moving parallel to 
a wall, for instance).
System malfunctions will be indicated 
by a continuous high-pitched tone 
when the system is activated the first 
time. Please have your BMW center 
resolve the problem.The PDC does not remove the 
driver's personal responsibility for 
evaluating the distance between the 
vehicle and any obstacles. Even when 
sensors are involved, there is a blind 
spot in which objects cannot be de-
tected. This applies especially in those 
cases where the system approaches 
the physical limits of ultrasonic mea-
surement, as occurs with tow bars and 
trailer couplings, and in the vicinity of 
thin and painted objects.  
Certain sources of sound, such as a 
loud radio, could drown out the PDC 
signal tone.<
Keep the sensors clean and free 
of ice or snow in order to ensure 
that they continue to operate effec-
tively.
Do not apply high-pressure spray to the 
sensors for a prolonged period of time. 
Maintain an adequate distance of more 
than approx. 4 inches (10 cm).<
Park Distance Control (PDC)
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