Park Distance Control: Introduction
Park Distance Control (PDC) is an item of special equipment (option 508). Park Distance Control (i.e.: parking-aid) supports the driver in maneuvering in tight spaces.
For the BMW 5-Series (E60, E61) and the BMW 6-Series (E63, E64), the PDC was taken from the E65.
On the E60 PDC has the following new features:
- The PDC button is in the center console switch cluster. The signal from the PDC button is transferred to the PDC control unit through the K-CAN.
- The signal from the reverse-light switch (reverse gear engaged) on vehicles with manual transmission is transferred from the light module to the PDC control unit via the K-CAN.
- Display form of the optical warnings on the Central Information Display (display image).
The PDC measures the distance to objects within its range with ultrasonic sensors.
The driver is warned of an object that could cause a collision as follows:
- Acoustic warning (via multi-audio system controller, M-ASK, and mid-range loudspeaker)
- Visual warning (via Central Information Display)
The PDC uses these two 2 warning functions to offer a degree of comfort for drivers who are hard of hearing or physically impaired.
A fault in the PDC is indicated by a Check-Control message.
IMPORTANT:
Responsibility remains with the driver at all times
PDC is unable to take the place of the driver's personal assessment of obstacles.
The ultrasonic sensors have a blind spot. Objects in this blind spot cannot be detected.
The ability to detect objects can stretch the physical limits of ultrasonic measurements (no or poor reflection of ultrasonic impulses, e.g. trailer tow bars or narrow objects).
Low objects that have already been indicated can "disappear", before a continuous tone sounds (e.g. a high curbstone).
The evaluation of obstacles is thus the responsibility of the driver, even with PDC.
PDC is unable to take the place of the driver's personal assessment of obstacles.
The ultrasonic sensors have a blind spot. Objects in this blind spot cannot be detected.
The ability to detect objects can stretch the physical limits of ultrasonic measurements (no or poor reflection of ultrasonic impulses, e.g. trailer tow bars or narrow objects).
Low objects that have already been indicated can "disappear", before a continuous tone sounds (e.g. a high curbstone).
The evaluation of obstacles is thus the responsibility of the driver, even with PDC.