PDC question

[pres330xi]

Hello Gents,

I currently have a sg/black ett 330xi on order w/ SP, CWP, moonroof, bixenons, 5spd, and PDC. My dealer informed me that the PDC could be turned off via a button. After searching the archives at .org (almost forgot my flamesuit :) ) I've discovered that the PDC on/off button was discontinued on the 3er in the latter part of '99. I'm hoping that BMW decided to reinstate the button for the 2002 model year, but I'm not so optimistic. Can anybody with a 2002 w/ PDC confirm my fears? I don't think I can deal with a beep every time I reverse...

And if there is no on/off button, how loud/annoying is it? Any further thoughts?

I've lurked here for the past few months, and I've enjoyed the discussions. Thanks for the entertainment :D , perhaps I'll be a bit more active in the future...

Thanks,
Pres330xi

PS - If you want my rationale for ordering the granny alarm, ask and ye shall receive...

Edit - Spelling

[jse]

I installed the PDC system myself on my 2001 Ci.

There is no button to disable the PDC, but you can easily add one yourself. All you have to do is to place a simple ON/OFF switch on one of the two wires that connects the PDC "beeper". The Beeper is located under the dash right above your feet.

JSE

[PIT]

It shoud not be difficult to switch off the PDC as it is possible with all German -delivered BMW´s as Standard!

Ciao PIT:rolleyes:

[alee]

Originally posted by pres330xi
I don't think I can deal with a beep every time I reverse...

And if there is no on/off button, how loud/annoying is it? Any further thoughts?
The only time it beeps is when you're close to something, so unless you're always in a tight area when you're in reverse, it's a non-issue.

IMHO, it's not annoying at all.

[pres330xi]

Thanks for the replies.

JSE - That's a remarkably intelligent and thoughtful solution :). Thanks. I've not done a huge amount of work on my cars, but I'm mechanically and electrically inclined... How easy is it to cut out a patch for the switch? Do you have pictures or a DIY page? It would be hugely appreciated.

Alee- Thanks for the info. My dealer was pretty useless regarding any specifics.

Also, in the event of a fender-bender, is it a different or more expensive bumper that needs to be replaced? If the sensors were damaged, do you think parts and repair costs would be extraordinary? Would part availability suffer (given a different bumper)? Anyhow, just some more concerns that I had. Any thoughts? Anybody else out there have PDC?

Thanks,
Pres330xi

[jse]

I would go to the dealer and ask for one of those rectangular OEM switches that fit into the strip below the aircon panel. I would then cut the control wire to the PDC beeper (I think its the Red/Yellow one) and take the connection through the OEM switch.

Just don't forget that you might have switched the PDC system off! ;)

Sorry, I have no pictures. I used to have, but I had a harddisk crash on my server a couple of months ago.

JSE

[Imola Ed]

Originally posted by alee

The only time it beeps is when you're close to something, so unless you're always in a tight area when you're in reverse, it's a non-issue.

This isn't completely true. If you have some combination of things (including SMG, an alarm, and possibly a key memory setting set right), it will indeed beep in reverse. I think it only does this with SMG cars, but there you have it!

[alee]

Originally posted by Imola Ed
This isn't completely true. If you have some combination of things (including SMG, an alarm, and possibly a key memory setting set right), it will indeed beep in reverse. I think it only does this with SMG cars, but there you have it!
Could be a safety thing for SMG. I have the alarm and PDC doesn't beep unless I'm close to an object.

[pres330xi]

I'd sure take an SMG in return for a beep in reverse :D

Any thoughts on the cost/availability of parts in the event of an accident?

[alee]

Originally posted by pres330xi
Any thoughts on the cost/availability of parts in the event of an accident?
Well, that's what insurance is for. :D

Seriously though, the PDC sensor array is one piece, so unless the wiring harness is messed up beyond repair, a new sensor array would be all you would need (in addition to a new bumper).

Costwise, probably like $500 retail (guessing).

[pres330xi]

Thanks for the info Alee. My thought was actually in regards to the bumper. I know that the PDC is now integrated into the bumper (I don't recall whether this was a 2001 or 2002 change), so I assume this means that the bumper for a PDC car is actually different from a non-PDC car. Is this incorrect? If it is correct, then I was curious as to the availability and extra cost of the PDC-compatible bumper. Are my concerns incorrect/unwarranted? Just a thought.

As for insurance, I'm planning on having a relatively high deductible to defray premiums, in addition to the fact that I likely wouldn't file under about $750... I guess that's why I'm putting myself through this agony now :cry: Anyhow, thanks for the input. I'm actually leaning toward reordering it (my dealer is going to kill me :) ) and adding a PDC button myself. Again, thanks.

Pres330xi

[alee]

Originally posted by pres330xi
Thanks for the info Alee. My thought was actually in regards to the bumper. I know that the PDC is now integrated into the bumper (I don't recall whether this was a 2001 or 2002 change)
Hmm, I actually don't know... for coupes, it has always been a separate strip, but I'm not sure what it is for sedans.

May be different for 2002.

[Dr. Phil]

Originally posted by alee

Hmm, I actually don't know... for coupes, it has always been a separate strip, but I'm not sure what it is for sedans.

May be different for 2002.
It's a seprate strip on Touring so I would think the same for sedans.

The beeping begins if an object is 3' away to the side sensors (the middle are supposibly the same but I've notice mine start at closer to 4 or 5' if object is directly behind and lower to ground). If you are parking it also beeps for curbs, etc:thumb: I got it for insurance claim prevention for when Mrs. Phil is driving;)

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

What I don't get is why they can't just give a silent LED readout of the exact distance to an object behind you?

I have NO trouble getting to the minimum distance of any PDC system I've ever used. The problem is that the systems are totally useless when they are needed most. In my mother's car, the PDC ****s itself when you're TEN inches from anything, rendering it totally useless. The beeping is irritating and unproductive, too.

You'd think they would figure out by now that most people would love a SILENT PDC.

Nick

[Dr. Phil]

Originally posted by Nick325xiT
What I don't get is why they can't just give a silent LED readout of the exact distance to an object behind you?

I have NO trouble getting to the minimum distance of any PDC system I've ever used. The problem is that the systems are totally useless when they are needed most. In my mother's car, the PDC ****s itself when you're TEN inches from anything, rendering it totally useless. The beeping is irritating and unproductive, too.

You'd think they would figure out by now that most people would love a SILENT PDC.

Nick
Excellent point Nick. The distance read out would be a lot better way to go. And I'm sure that have the ability to do so.

[Mike 325xi]

Originally posted by PM 325xiT

Excellent point Nick. The distance read out would be a lot better way to go. And I'm sure that have the ability to do so.

Here is my version of PDC...you guys and your high tech curb feelers :D

http://www.psrc.usm.edu/macrog/activity/images/eyes3.gif

[alee]

Originally posted by Nick325xiT
What I don't get is why they can't just give a silent LED readout of the exact distance to an object behind you?
They could, but then you're not looking where you're supposed to be looking. The legal guys would never let that get through.
In my mother's car, the PDC ****s itself when you're TEN inches from anything, rendering it totally useless. The beeping is irritating and unproductive, too.
I think more useful to me is if it used the correct speaker to indicate which PDC sensor it was approaching. I like how well my PDC works, but it would be an extra bonus to know which criticial object is closest.

[pres330xi]

I decided to reinstate my order for PDC contingent on being able to self-install a button. I still have a few questions though...

1) Can anybody confirm 100% that PDC uses a totally separate speaker in 2002 models?

2) JSE or anybody else, I wanted to make sure that the PDC speaker wire actually ran behind the panel with DSC button, ect. so I could steal a 5-series PDC button and do a self install. If so, do you recall the color of the wire?

Thanks. I'm taking delivery in early May. I'll let everybody know how the install goes... Also waiting on the verdict of those xi sway barbarians... Thanks for all the info.

Pres330xi

[pres330xi]

Weekday *bump*

JSE, you out there? Anybody?