Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Park Distance Control PDC: Notes
The E60 is equipped with the 8-channel PDC system which is carried over from the E65. On the 5 and 6 series, PDC is optional equipment. The system supports the driver in maneuvering in tight parking scenarios.
On the E60, PDC has the following new features:
- The PDC button is in the SZM. 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.
For an automatic gearbox, the signal for reverse gear is made available by the EGS control unit by way of a K-CAN message.
The PDC measures the distance to objects within its range with ultrasonic sensors. These sensors are carrier over from the E65.
| Index | Explanation | Index | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PDC Module | 9 | Car Access System (CAS) |
| 2 | Central Information Display (CID) | 10 | Light Module (LM) |
| 3 | M-ASK or CCC | 11 | Electronic Transmission Control (EGS) |
| 4 | Mid-Range loudspeaker (driver's door) | 12 | Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) |
| 5 | Mid-Range loudspeaker (passenger door) | 13 | Instrument Cluster |
| 6 | Mid-Range loudspeaker (left rear) | 14 | Center Console Switch Center (SZM) |
| 7 | Mid-Range loudspeaker (right rear) | 15-18 | Ultrasonic Sensors (rear) |
| 8 | Trailer Module (AHM) Not for US | 19-22 | Ultrasonic Sensors (front) |
The driver is warned of an object that could cause a collision as follows:
- Acoustic warning (via M-ASK (or CCC), 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.
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 curb).
The evaluation of obstacles is thus the responsibility of the driver, even with PDC.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.