BMW X5: PDC Park Distance Control

Principle

Park Distance Control (PDC) helps with parking.

Acoustic and visual warnings signal obstacles in front of or behind the vehicle.

Depending on the equipment version: obstacles that are detected by the side ultrasonic sensors may also be reported by the side protection.

General information

The range of the system, depending on obstacles and environmental conditions, is approx.

6 ft/2 m.

An acoustic warning sounds in case of an impending collision at a distance to the object of approx. 27 in/70 cm.

For objects behind the vehicle, the acoustic warning is already issued at a distance to the object of approx. 5 ft/1.50 m.

Safety information

Warning

The system cannot serve as a substitute for the driver's personal judgment in assessing the traffic situation. Based on the limits of the system, it cannot independently react to all traffic situations. There is a risk of accident. Adjust driving style to traffic conditions. Watch traffic closely and actively intervene where appropriate.

Warning

Due to high speeds when PDC Park Distance Control is activated, the warning can be delayed due to physical circumstances. There is a risk of injury or risk of damage to property.

Avoid approaching an object too fast. Avoid driving off fast while PDC Park Distance Control is not yet active.

Overview

Button in the vehicle

Park assistance button

Sensors

The system is controlled by the following sensors:

• Ultrasound sensors in the front/rear bumpers.
• Depending on the equipment: ultrasonic sensors on the side.

Additional information: Sensors of the vehicle.

Turning on/off

Turning on automatically

The system switches on automatically in the following situations:

• If selector lever position R is engaged when the engine is running.
• Depending on the equipment version: while approaching detected obstacles at a speed slower than approx. 2.5 mph/4 km/h. The activation distance depends on the situation in question.

You may switch automatic activation when obstacles are detected on and off.

1. "CAR".

2. "Settings".

3. "Driver Assistance".

4. "Parking and Maneuvering".

5. If necessary, "Automatic PDC Activation".

6. "Automatic PDC Activation".

Depending on equipment, an additional camera view is also switched on.

Automatic deactivation during forward travel

The system switches off when a certain driving distance or speed is exceeded.

Switch the system back on, if needed.

Switching on/off manually

Press the park assistance button.

• On: the LED lights up.
• Off: the LED goes out.

The rearview camera image is displayed if the reverse gear is engaged when pressing the park assistance button.

Depending on the equipment version, the system cannot be switched off manually if the reverse gear is engaged.

Warning

Signal tones

General information

An intermittent tone indicates when the vehicle is approaching an object. E.g., when an object is detected at the rear left of the vehicle, a signal tone sounds from the rear left speaker.

The shorter the distance to the object, the shorter the intervals.

When the distance to a detected object is less than approx. 8 in/20 cm, a continuous tone is sounded.

When there are objects in front of and behind the vehicle at the same time, with a distance smaller than approx. 8 in/20 cm, an alternating constant tone will sound.

The intermittent tone and constant tone are switched off if the selector lever position P is engaged.

The intermittent tone is switched off after a short time when the vehicle is stationary.

Volume

The PDC signal tone volume can be adjusted.

1. "CAR".

2. "Settings".

3. "Driver Assistance".

4. "Parking and Maneuvering".

5. "Volume PDC signal".

6. Set the desired value.

Visual warning

The approach of the vehicle to an object is shown on the Control Display. Objects that are farther away are already displayed on the Control Display before a signal sounds.

The display appears as soon as PDC is activated.

The range of the sensors is represented in the colors green, yellow and red when obstacles are detected.

Lanes are faded in for better estimation of the required space.

When the image of the rearview camera is displayed, the switch can be made to PDC or to a different view with obstacle markings as needed:

1. Press the Controller to the left, if needed.

2. For instance "Park. sensors only".

Cross traffic warning: depending on the equipment, it is warned in the PDC display against vehicles approaching in the front or rear from the side.

Additional information: Cross traffic warning.

System limits

Safety information

Warning

The system is designed to operate in certain conditions and circumstances. Due to conditions or other factors, the system may not respond.

There may be a risk of accident or risk of damage to property. Actively intervene as warranted. Refer to the information in this Owner's Manual regarding the scope of the system's operation and limitations.

Trailer towing

With a trailer, a trailer power socket occupied or when trailer towing is activated, the rear PDC functions will be switched off.

White icon is displayed.

Depending on the vehicle equipment, the range of the sensors is shown as a shaded area on the Control Display.

System limits of the sensors

Additional information:

Ultrasonic sensors.

Limits of ultrasonic measurement

The detection of objects with ultrasonic measurements can run into physical limits, e.g., in the following situations:

• With obstacles and persons at the edge of the lane.
• Low objects already displayed, for instance curbs, can move into the blind area of the sensors before or after a continuous tone sounds.

Unwarranted warnings

Reaching the system limits can cause unwarranted warnings.

To prevent unwarranted alarms, switch off automatic Park Distance Control PDC activation on obstacle detection, for instance in automatic car washes.

Malfunction

A Check Control message is displayed.

White icon is displayed, and the range of the sensors is dimmed on the Control Display.

PDC Park Distance Control malfunction. Have the system checked by a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

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