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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Tire Pressure Control (RDC)
*
The conceptRDC monitors the tire pressures at all 
four wheels, even when the vehicle is 
moving. The system provides an alert 
whenever the inflation pressure drops 
significantly below the specified pres-
sure in one or more tires. 
In order for the system to "learn" the 
correct tire inflation pressure, check the 
inflation pressure in all tires according 
to the inflation pressure table (page 28) 
and make corrections if necessary. 
Then activate the system. 
This indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster will inform you if 
the tire pressure is not correct.
Activate the systemDepending on the type of equipment, 
the switch either has the letters RDC on 
it or the RDC-symbol.
1 Turn ignition key to position 2 (do not 
start the engine).
2 Press the switch long enough for the 
yellow indicator lamp in the instru-
ment cluster to light up for a few 
seconds.
3 After a few minutes driving time, RDC 
sets the current inflation pressure in 
the tires as the target values to be 
monitored.
You will only have to repeat this proce-
dure following a correction of the tire 
inflation pressure. Otherwise, RDC 
functions automatically when the igni-
tion key is in position 2, and thus oper-
ates whenever the vehicle is driven.46cus046
In the event of loss in tire 
pressureIf the inflation pressure has dropped 
significantly over a long period of time 
(which is normal for any tire), the indi-
cator lamp will come on with a yellow 
lamp.
This alerts you to have the tires inflated 
to the specified pressures as soon as 
possible.
If you are prompted to check the 
tire pressure shortly after a 
correction has been made, this indi-
cates that the corrected values were 
not accurate. Please check the inflation 
pressure again and make corrections 
according to the inflation pressure 
table. Then activate the system once 
again.<  
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Tire Pressure Control* Self-diagnostics This system regularly checks tire pres-
sure and monitors all four tires even 
while driving, so you do not have to. 
Behind the valve stem in every wheel, 
there is an extended-life electronic chip 
that contains a pressure sensor, a 
transmitter and a battery. The pressure 
is measured in extremely short time 
intervals and then transmitted by a 
radio signal. If an irregularity is 
detected, the transmission rate is 
increased. 
Located near each wheel and 
embedded in the vehicle body is an 
antenna that receives signals from the 
wheel. A central electronics system 
evaluates the quadruple signals and 
forwards any changes. 
The RDC provides an important contri-
bution to driving safety.46cde078
All 
of the important electrical and elec-
tronic systems in the vehicle are tested 
regularly and automatically Ð the driver 
does not have to perform any extra 
operations or adjustments.
The indicator lamps come on brießy 
after the ignition has been turned on, for 
example.
While you are driving, the functional 
status of the actuator motors (for the 
windshield wipers, power windows, 
seats, etc.) is constantly being analyzed 
by electrical measurements in the relays.
In the same manner, the electrical 
resistance of the airbag ignition genera-
tors and all of the remaining airbag 
components is measured at all times. Any 
fault in this system would be detected 
immediately by a current ßuctuation that 46cde052
would necessarily accompany it.
 The fault 
would be indicated immediately by the 
airbag warning lamp.
Even after you shut off the engine, the 
overall functional status of your vehicle is 
monitored. For example, all of the ßaps of 
the heating and ventilation system travel 
to the nearest limit position. This action 
ensures that the system will be able to 
provide defrosting, regardless of other 
circumstances, e. g. if a malfunction in the 
air conditioner/automatic climate control 
system
* should occur during the night 
while the vehicle is parked.
A calibration cycle runs every tenth time 
the engine is shut off. During this cycle, 
the actuator motors of all the heating and 
ventilation ßaps travel to their limit stops 
in both directions. The limit positions and 
the return travel paths are checked in this 
manner in order to ensure that appro-
priate adjustments for the operating 
elements can be made at any time.
You will hear the sounds of the air ßaps as 
the air conditioner/automatic climate 
control* carries out its self-diagnostic 
functions after the ignition has been shut 
off. All of the other self-diagnostics func-
tions operate silently in the background.
Any possible faults detected during these 
self-diagnostics can be read out and 
corrected by your BMW center
 during the 
next regularly scheduled maintenance.