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81n
IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
The conceptThe 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 range for the
sensors located at both rear corners
ends approx. 2 ft (60 cm) behind the
bumpers. The range for the two middle
sensors is slightly less than 4.9 ft
(1.50 meters).
The system starts to operate automati-
cally about one second after you select
reverse with the ignition key in posi-
tion 2. PDC is deactivated when you
shift back out of reverse.
Acoustical signalsThe distance to the nearest object is
indicated by a tone sounding at various
intervals. As the distance between
vehicle and object decreases, the
intervals between the tones become
shorter. A continuous tone indicates
the presence of an object less than 1 ft
(30 cm) away.
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 refer the problem to your
BMW center.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
detected. This applies especially in
those cases where the system
approaches the physical limits of ultra-
sonic measurement, 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 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 subject the sensors to high-
pressure washers for a prolonged
period of time. Always maintain a
distance of more than 4 in (10 cm).<
Park Distance Control (PDC)
*
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Brakes:
Do not drive with your foot resting
on the brake pedal. Even light but
consistent pedal pressure can lead to
high temperatures, brake wear, and
possibly to brake failure.
Aquaplaning:
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a
wedge of water may form between the
tires and the road surface. This
phenomenon is referred to as aqua-
planing or hydroplaning. It is character-
ized by a partial or complete loss of
contact between the tires and the road
surface. The ultimate results are loss of
steering and braking control.
Driving through water:
Do not drive through water on the road
if it is deeper than 1 foot (30 cm), and
then only at walking speed. Otherwise,
the vehicle's engine, the electrical
systems and the transmission may be
damaged.
Rear window shelf:
Never use it to store heavy or hard
objects, otherwise, occupants could
be injured if the vehicle is braked hard.
Clothes hooks:
When suspending clothing from the
hooks, be sure that they will not
obstruct the driver's vision. Do not hang
heavy objects on the hooks. If you do
so, they could cause personal injury
during braking or evasive maneuvers.
exhaust emissions.
It is designed for use with unleaded fuel
only. Even minute quantities of lead
would be enough to permanently
damage both the catalytic converter
and the system oxygen sensor.
To ensure efficient, trouble-free engine
operation and to avoid potential
damage:
>Be sure to comply with the scheduled
maintenance requirements.
>Fill the fuel tank well before it is
empty.
>Tow-start only when the engine is
cold. If you attempt to tow-start with
a warm engine, unburned residual
fuel in the catalytic converter could
ignite and cause damage. It is better
to jump-start the vehicle with outside
assistance.
>Avoid other situations in which the
fuel is not burned, or burns incom-
pletely, such as engaging the starter
frequently or for extended periods, or
repeated start attempts in which the
engine does not start (stopping and
restarting an engine which is running
properly does not present a problem).
Never allow the engine to run with
any of the spark plug cables discon-
nected.
Driving notes Catalytic converter
Page 196 of 203

Everything from A to ZPDC (Park Distance
Control)81
Performance184
Pocket flashlight102
Pollen93,100
Power seat50
Power steering121
Power windows44
safety feature44
Pressure monitoring,
tires85,179
Pressure, tires27,122 Q
Quality Grades123 R
Radiator187
Radio Data System
(RDS)176
Radio reception121,176
Radio, refer also to the
separate Owner's Manual
Rain sensor71,178
RDC (Tire Pressure
Control)85,179
RDS (Radio Data
System)176
Reading lamps89
Rear backrest, folding106 Rear lamps155
Rear window
defroster72,92,100
Rear-entry assist49
Rearview mirror52
Recirculated air mode92
Reclining seat47
Refueling26
Remote control35
Removing condensation
from the windows94,99
Replacement keys32
Reporting safety defects7
Restraint system56
Reverse17,66
Roller blind, sun
protection101
Roof load capacity186
Roof-mounted luggage
rack109
Rubber parts119
S
Safety belt tensioner176
Safety belts55
height adjustment55
Safety buttons38
Safety feature44
Safety terminal, battery164 Seats47
adjusting47
electric power50
heating101
mechanical47
memory51
sitting properly58
Securing the load108
Selector lever, automatic
transmission67
Self-defrosting mirrors52
Self-diagnostics180
Service and Warranty
Information Booklet140
Service Interval Display76
Shiftlock67
Side airbags57
Side impact Head Protection
System57
Side lamps87
bulb replacement154
Sitting properly with
airbag58
Ski bag107
Skid control120
Sliding/tilt sunroof45
closing following an
electrical malfunction167
convenience operation34
Slippery roads119
Snow chains119,126 Socket105
for flashlights105
for power supplies105
for vacuum cleaner105
Spare key32
Spare tire159
Spark plugs188
Speaker104
Specifications, fuel27
Speed control75
Speed display18
Speed, average80
Speedometer18
Sports seat49
Starting assistance168
Starting
problems113,168
Starting the engine63
Steel rim127
Steering121
Steering lock63
Steering wheel52
adjusting52
Steptronic67
Stopping the vehicle64
Storage compartments102
Storage facilities102
Storing your vehicle147
Stroke184
Summer tires125,127
Sun roller blind101
Sun visors53