Park Distance Control
Park Distance Control
Park Distance Control (PDC) is an item of special equipment. Park Distance Control (i.e.: park distance control) assists the driver when he is parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. This means that even small parking spaces can be used. At the same time, the amount of parking damage is reduced. The PDC runs a distance measurement in relation to objects in the pickup range by means of ultrasonic sensors.
Please consult the Owner's Handbook for activation and deactivation conditions.
Slowly approaching an object in front of or behind the vehicle is indicated by:
- Acoustic warnings
- Visual warning
NOTE: PDC does not possess its own dedicated control unit.
The PDC is integrated in the junction box electronics (JBE), but it has its own control unit address and diagnosis address.
New is the layout of the ultrasonic sensors (on F01, F02, F03, F04). Five ultrasonic sensors are installed in the front bumper. There 4 ultrasonic sensors fitted to the rear bumper.
Brief component description
The following components are described for the park distance control:
Ultrasonic sensor
Combined transmit and receive mode
In the combined transmit and receive mode, the ultrasonic sensors first of all transmit a package of ultrasonic impulses in succession. Subsequently, the ultrasonic sensors pick up the echo impulse that is reflected by an object in the pickup range. This echo impulse is amplified in the ultrasonic sensor and forwarded as a digital signal to the junction box electronics (JBE). The JBE uses the runtime of the echo impulse to calculate the distance to the object.
Receive mode
In the receive mode, an ultrasonic sensor picks up the echo impulses sent by neighboring ultrasonic sensors. The JBE can thus evaluate the signals from up to 3 ultrasonic sensors ("trilateration" = the neighboring sensors also "listen"). Analyzing the signals from multiple ultrasonic sensors in that way is used to calculate the smallest distance between the vehicle and the object.
All the ultrasonic sensors have their own electronics. The front and rear ultrasonic sensors have a common power supply and a common earth connection on the control unit.
PDC button in the centre console operating unit
The PDC button switches the park distance control on or off (see Owner's Handbook). When the PDC is switched on, the function LED lights up.
The PDC button is located in the centre console operating unit. Electrically, the PDC button is connected to the controller (CON).
JBE: Junction Box Electronics
The junction box electronics (JBE) activate the ultrasonic sensors to send the ultrasonic impulses. The JBE also receives the digital signals of the individual ultrasonic sensors. From the individual digital signals, the JBE control unit calculates the shortest distance between an ultrasonic sensor and the object. When an object is detected, a visual warning is given, which may also be accompanied by an audible warning, depending on the distance to the object.
System functions
PDC incorporates the following functions:
- System network
- Acoustic warnings
- Visual warning
- Check Control
- System limits
System network
Acoustic warning
When the vehicle is approaching an object, it is indicated by an intermittent audible signal corresponding to the position of the object. In other words, if an object is detected behind the vehicle on the left, the audible signal is sounded from the rear left speakers. The shorter the distance to an object, the shorter the intervals become. If the distance to a detected object is approx. 25 cm or less, a continuous tone sounds. If there are objects approx. 25 cm away or less both in front of and behind the vehicle, an alternating continuous tone sounds.
An intermittent tone is interrupted after approx. 3 seconds under the following conditions:
- Coming to a halt in front of an object that is only detected by one of the corner ultrasonic sensors.
- E.g. driving parallel to a wall.
The audible signal is switched off when selector lever position P is engaged.
Visual warning
The visual PDC warnings are given in the Central Information Display (CID). The display appears as soon as the PDC is activated. The visual warnings are given earlier than the acoustic warnings. The detection range is approx. 2 meters in front of and behind the vehicle. The graphic display is shown on the CID. The junction box electronics (JBE) deliver the distances between the ultrasonic sensor and registered object across the K-CAN. The PDC display on the CID is an overhead view of the vehicle with the effective range of the ultrasonic sensors.
The distance to objects detected is shown in the colors of traffic lights:
- Distance between 200 (250) and 101 centimeters: green
- Distance between 100 an 51 centimeters: yellow
- Distance less than 50 centimeters: Red
Check Control
If there is a fault in the PDC, a Check Control message is displayed.
On the PDC image, the areas in front of and behind the vehicle are shaded. PDC has failed. Check the system with diagnosis.
System limits
IMPORTANT: Always observe traffic conditions as well.
PDC is no substitute for your personal appraisal of the traffic situation. Check the traffic situation around the vehicle by looking around directly. Otherwise, road users or objects that are outside of the detection range of PDC, for example, could represent an accident risk. Loud noises outside and inside the vehicle can drown out the PDC signal tone.
During operation, system functions which require explanation can occur due to the limits of the functional range (for the driver): In the connection, read the Owner's Handbook.
For information on the switch-on and switch-off conditions, also consult the Owner's Handbook.
Notes for Service department
Procedure for troubleshooting
NOTE: Check the mechanical condition of the ultrasonic sensors.
Before troubleshooting, first check the mechanical condition of the ultrasonic sensors. Make sure that the ultrasonic sensors are located correctly in their brackets and the isolating element and that they are free from dirt contamination, ice and snow.
NOTE: Secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling when the selector lever is in position N.
The audible signal is switched off when selector lever position P is engaged. Therefore, check the PDC function with the selector lever in position N and also secure prevent vehicle against rolling.
NOTE: Avoid allowing other factors to influence the troubleshooting procedure.
During the troubleshooting procedure, there should be no detectable object closer than 1 m at the front and sides or 2 m at the rear within the detection range of the ultrasonic sensors.
NOTE: Watch for correct seating of the decoupling element on the ultrasonic sensor.
The correct location of the correct decoupling element is important. Otherwise, transmission and reception will be impaired.
NOTE: Use care when mounting licence plate baseplate.
When mounting licence plates and licence plate holders, attention must be paid to ensuring that the middle sensor in the front bumper is not covered. The licence plate bracket itself, and accumulated deposits of dirt, snow or ice on the bracket in the area above the centre sensor can impair this sensor's operation and lead to spurious warnings.
Observe the following instructions for the licence plate holder:
- The licence plate must not protrude beyond the top edge of the licence plate holder.
- European version: Use a drilling template to fit the number plate. Comply with the regulations for mounting.
- Version for China and US: A licence plate baseplate is also installed. This license plate baseplate and the licence plate itself should not protrude beyond the upper edge of the actual licence plate baseplate.
- The dealer's licence plate bracket (from BMW distributor with dealer name, etc.) should not be installed at the front.
NOTE: Never attempt to repair or modify the ultrasonic sensor.
Ultrasonic sensors must not be painted. Neither touching up nor complete painting are permitted.
NOTE: Cleaning the ultrasonic sensors.
With high-pressure cleaners, spray the ultrasonic sensors for a short period and from a distance of at least 30 centimeters.
Not responsible for printing errors, mistakes and technical changes.