2011 BMW 3 SERIES parking sensors

Headlamp courtesy delay feature
The low beams stay lit for a short while if the
headlamp flasher is switched on after the igni‐
tion is switched off.
Setting the duration
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Pathway light.: s"
4.Set the duration.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Automatic headlamp control
Switch position : the low beams are switched
on and off automatically, e.g., in tunnels, in twi‐
light or if there is precipitation. The indicator
lamp in the instrument cluster lights up.
A blue sky with the sun low on the horizon can
cause the lights to be switched on.
The low beams always stay on when the fog
lamps are switched on.
Personal responsibility
The automatic headlamp control cannot
serve as a substitute for your personal judgment
in determining when the lamps should be
switched on in response to ambient lighting
conditions.
For example, the sensors are unable to detect
fog or hazy weather. To avoid safety risks, you
should always switch on the lamps manually un‐
der these conditions.◀
Daytime running lights
With the ignition switched on, the daytime run‐
ning lights light up in position 0, or .
After the ignition is switched off, the parking
lamps light up in position .
Activating/deactivating
1."Settings"
2."Lighting"
3."Daytime running lamps"
The setting is stored for the remote control cur‐
rently in use.
Roadside parking lamps
The vehicle can be illuminated on one side.
Switching on
With the ignition switched off, press the lever
either up or down past the resistance point for
approx. 2 seconds.
Switching off
Briefly press the lever to the resistance point in
the opposite direction.
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If --- appears briefly on the display for Check
Control messages, it is possible that the system
requirements for operation are currently not
met.
PDC Park Distance Control
The concept
In addition to the PDC Park Distance Control, the
backup camera, refer to page 123, can be
switched on.
PDC supports you when parking. Objects that
you are approaching slowly in front of or behind
your vehicle are indicated with:
▷Signal tones.
▷Visual display.
Measurement
Measurements are made by ultrasound sensors
in the bumpers.
The range is approx. 6 ft/2 m.
An acoustic warning is first given:
▷By the front sensors and two rear corner
sensors at approx. 24 in/60 cm.
▷By the rear middle sensors at approx. 5 ft/
1.50 m.
System limits
Check the traffic situation as well
PDC cannot serve as a substitute for the
driver's personal judgment of the traffic situa‐
tion. Check the traffic situation around the vehi‐
cle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an accident
could result from road users or objects located
outside of the PDC detection range.
Loud noises from outside and inside the vehicle
may prevent you from hearing the PDC's signal
tone.◀
Avoid driving quickly with PDC
Avoid approaching an object quickly.
Avoid driving away quickly while PDC is not yet
active.
For technical reasons, the system may other‐
wise be too late in issuing a warning.◀
Limits of ultrasonic measurement
The detection of objects can reach the physical
limits of ultrasonic measurement, e.g.:
▷With tow bars and trailer hitches.
▷With thin or wedge-shaped objects.
▷With low objects.
▷With objects with corners and sharp edges.
Low objects already displayed, e.g., curbs, can
move into the blind area of the sensors before or
after a continuous tone sounds.
High, protruding objects such as ledges may not
be detected.
False warnings
PDC may issue a warning under the following
conditions even though there is no obstacle
within the detection range:
▷In heavy rain.
▷When sensors are very dirty or covered in
ice.
▷When sensors are covered in snow.
▷On rough road surfaces.
▷In large buildings with right angles and
smooth walls, e.g., in underground garages.
▷In heavy exhaust.
▷Due to other ultrasound sources, e.g.,
sweeping machines, high pressure steam
cleaners or neon lights.
The malfunction is signaled by a continuous
tone alternating between the front and rear
speakers. As soon as the malfunction due to
other ultrasound sources is no longer
present, the system is again fully functional.
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▷Forward gear or transmission position D en‐
gaged: front area of the vehicle.
▷Reverse gear or transmission position R en‐
gaged: rear area of the vehicle.
Malfunction
A Check Control message is displayed.
On the Control Display, the areas in front of and
behind the vehicle are shaded. PDC has failed.
Have the system checked.
To ensure full operability:
▷Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.
▷When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the sensors for long periods and main‐
tain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.
Surround View
The concept
Surround View includes the following systems:
▷Backup camera, refer to page 123
▷Side View, refer to page 127.
▷Top View, refer to page 126.
It assists the driver when parking, maneuvering
and on blind driveways and intersections.
Backup camera
The concept
The backup camera provides assistance in park‐
ing and maneuvering backwards. The area be‐
hind the vehicle is shown on the Control Display.
System limits
Check the traffic situation as well
Check the traffic situation around the ve‐
hicle with your own eyes. Otherwise, an accident
could result from road users or objects located
outside the picture area of the backup camera.◀
Detection of objects
High, protruding objects such as ledges
may not be detected by the backup camera.◀
Switching on automatically
Select transmission position R with the engine
running.
The backup camera image is displayed if the
system was switched on via the iDrive.
Automatic deactivation during forward
travel
The system switches off when a certain driving
distance or speed is exceeded.
Switch the system back on if necessary.
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Special windshield
The windshield is part of the system.
The shape of the windshield makes it possible
to display a precise image.
A film in the windshield prevents double images
from being displayed.
Therefore, have the special windshield replaced
by a service center only.
Parking assistant
The concept
This system assists the driver in parking parallel
to the road.
Ultrasound sensors measure parking spaces on
both sides of the vehicle.
The parking assistant calculates the best pos‐
sible parking line and takes control of steering
during the parking procedure.
When parking, also take note of the visual and
acoustic information issued by the PDC and the
parking assistant and accelerate or brake ac‐
cordingly.
A component of the parking assistant is the PDC
Park Distance Control, refer to page 121.
Personal responsibility
The parking assistant does not relieve the
driver of responsibility for the vehicle during the
parking procedure.
Watch the parking space and parking procedure
closely and intervene if necessary; otherwise,
there is the danger of an accident.◀
Requirements
For measuring parking spaces
▷Maximum speed while driving forward ap‐
prox. 22 mph/35 km/h.
▷Maximum distance to row of parked vehi‐
cles: 5 ft/1.5 m.
Suitable parking space
▷Gap between two objects with a minimum
length of approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.
▷Minimum length: own vehicle length plus
approx. 4 ft/1.2 m.
▷Minimum depth: approx. 5 ft/1.5 m.
For parking procedure
Closed doors.
Switching on
Using the button
Press the button.
The LED lights up.
The current status of the parking space search
is indicated on the Control Display.
Parking assistant is activated automatically.
By engaging reverse
The current status of the parking space search
is indicated on the Control Display.
Activate: "Parking Assistant" Select the
symbol in the Control Display.
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movement after the gear change when the
vehicle is stationary.
▷When parking in parking spaces on the driv‐
er's side, the corresponding turn signal must
be set.
Interrupting manually
The parking assistant can be interrupted at any
time by:
▷Grasping the steering wheel and steering
yourself.
▷ "Parking Assistant" Select the symbol on
the Control Display.
Interrupting automatically
The procedure is interrupted automatically:
▷If the vehicle speed exceeds approx. 6 mph/
10 km/h.
▷On snow-covered or slippery road surfaces
if necessary.
▷If doors are open.
A Check Control message is displayed.
Continuing
An interrupted parking procedure can be con‐
tinued if necessary.
Follow the instructions on the Control Display to
do this.
Switching off
The system can be deactivated as follows:
▷Press the button.
▷Switch off the ignition.
Malfunction
A Check Control message is displayed.
The parking assistant failed. Have the system
checked.
System limits
Changes to the parking space
Changes to the parking space after it was
measured are not taken into account by the sys‐
tem.
Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐
vene; otherwise, there is the danger of an acci‐
dent occurring.◀
Transporting loads
Loads that extend beyond the perimeter
of the vehicle are not taken into account by the
system during the parking procedure.
Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐
vene; otherwise, there is the danger of an acci‐
dent occurring.◀
Curbs
The parking assistant may steer the vehi‐
cle over or onto curbs.
Therefore, always be alert and ready to inter‐
vene; otherwise, the wheels, tires, or the vehicle
may become damaged.◀
No parking assistance
The parking assistant does not provide assis‐
tance in parking.
▷In tight curves.
Functional limitations
The system may not be fully functional in the
following situations:
▷When sensors are dirty or iced over.
▷In heavy fog, rain or snowfall.
▷On bumpy road surfaces such as gravel
roads.
▷When leaves or snow has collected in the
parking space.
Limits of ultrasonic measurement
The detection of objects can reach the physical
limits of ultrasonic measurement, e.g.:
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▷With tow bars and trailer hitches.
▷With thin or wedge-shaped objects.
▷With elevated, protruding objects such as
ledges or cargo.
▷With objects with corners and sharp edges.
▷With objects with a fine surface structure,
such as fences.
The parking assistant may identify parking
spaces that are not suitable for parking.
Ultrasound sensors
The ultrasound sensors for measuring parking
spaces are located on the wheel arches.
To ensure full operability:
▷Keep the sensors clean and free of ice.
▷When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the sensors for long periods and main‐
tain a distance of at least 12 in/30 cm.
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Care
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not available in a vehicle,
e. g., because of the selected optional equip‐
ment or country variant. This also applies for
safety-related functions and systems.
Car washes
Notes
Steam jets or high-pressure washers
When using steam jets or high-pressure
washers, hold them a sufficient distance away
and use a maximum temperature of 140 ℉/
60 ℃.
Holding them too close or using excessively
high pressures or temperatures can cause dam‐
age or preliminary damage that may then lead to
long-term damage.
Follow the operating instructions for the high-
pressure washer.◀
Cleaning sensors/cameras with high-
pressure washers
When using high-pressure washers, do not
spray the exterior sensors and cameras, e.g.,
Park Distance Control, for extended periods of
time and only from a distance of at least 12 in/
30 cm.◀
Wash your vehicle frequently, particularly in win‐
ter.
Intense soiling and road salt can damage the ve‐
hicle.
Automatic car washes
Notes
Note the following:
▷Give preference to cloth car washes or those
that use soft brushes in order to avoid paint
damage.
▷Make sure that the wheels and tires are not
damaged by the transport mechanisms.
▷Fold in the exterior mirrors; otherwise, they
may be damaged, depending on the width of
the vehicle.
▷Deactivate the rain sensor, refer to page 65,
to avoid unintentional wiper activation.
▷In some cases, an unintentional alarm can be
triggered by the interior motion sensor of the
alarm system. Follow the instructions on
avoiding an unintentional alarm, refer to
page 41.
Guide rails in car washes
Avoid car washes with guide rails higher
than 4 in/10 cm; otherwise, the vehicle body
could be damaged.◀
Before driving into a car wash
In order to ensure that the vehicle can roll in a car
wash, take the following steps:
Manual transmission:
1.Release the parking brake.
2.Drive into the car wash.
3.Shift to neutral.
4.Switch the engine off.
5.Switch on the ignition.
Automatic transmission:
1.Release the parking brake, refer to page 63.
2.Drive into the car wash.
3.Depress the brake pedal as needed.
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Parking lamps 86
Passenger side mirror, tilting
downward 52
Pathway lines, backup cam‐
era 124
PDC Park Distance Con‐
trol 121
Permissible axle load 304
Personal information 238
Personal Profile 31
Pinch protection system, glass
sunroof 43
Pinch protection system, win‐
dows 42
Plastic, care 298
PlugIn 255
Position, storing 170
Postal code, entering in navi‐
gation 169
Power failure 288
Power output, engine 303
Power sunroof, glass 43
Power windows 41
Pressure, tire air pres‐
sure 263
Pressure warning FTM,
tires 97
Profile, refer to Personal Pro‐
file 31
Programmable memory but‐
tons, iDrive 21
Protective function, glass sun‐
roof 43
Protective function, win‐
dows 42
Push-and-turn switch, refer to
Controller 16, 17
R
Radiator fluid 276
Radio 190, 198
Radio-operated key, refer to
Remote control 30
Radio ready state 60
Radio stations buttons 197
Rain sensor 65
Random 199
Random playback 199
RDS 191
Reading out loud 245
Rear lamps 285
Rear socket 146
Rearview mirror 52
Rear window de‐
froster 135, 138
Recirculated-air filter 139
Recirculated air filter 136
Recirculated-air
mode 135, 138
Recommended tire
brands 270
Refueling 260
Remaining range 76
Reminders 245
Remote control/key 30
Remote control, malfunc‐
tion 36
Remote control, universal 141
Replacement fuse 288
Replacing parts 279
Replacing wheels/tires 269
Reporting safety defects 8
RES button 111
Reserve warning, refer to
Range 76
Resetting, Tire Pressure Mon‐
itor TPM 95
Retaining straps, securing
cargo 160
Retreaded tires 270
Roadside Assistance 251
Roadside parking lamps 87
Roller sunblinds 43
Roof load capacity 304
Roof-mounted luggage
rack 160
Rope for tow-starting/tow‐
ing 294
Route 177
Route criteria, route 176
Route, displaying 177
Routes, avoiding 176
Route section, bypassing 177
RPM, engine 303
RSC Run Flat System Compo‐
nent, refer to Run-flat
tires 271
Rubber components,
care 298
Run-flat tires 271
S
Safe braking 157
Safety 6
Safety belt reminder 49
Safety belts 48
Safety belts, care 298
Safety Package, refer to Active
Protection 102
Safety switch, windows 42
Safety systems, airbags 91
Satellite radio 192
Saving fuel 162
Scale, changing during navi‐
gation 179
Screen, refer to Control Dis‐
play 16
Screwdriver 279
Screw thread for tow fit‐
ting 294
Search, refer to BMW
Search 252
Seat and mirror memory 51
Seat belts, refer to Safety
belts 48
Seat heating, front 47
Seat heating, rear 48
Seating position for chil‐
dren 55
Seats 45
Selection list in instrument
cluster 80
Selector lever, automatic
transmission 67
Sensors, care 299
Service and warranty 7
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