[BimmerBoomer]

Just when I should be focused on other cars maneuvering in the parking lot, especially near Christmas. According to my setting the camera should switch on if I get close enough to an obstacle. I guess I should hold my breath and get closer. Is it me or BMW just can't get this right?

[HFW003]

Mine switches on automatically without issue.

[BimmerBoomer]

Originally Posted by HFW003

Mine switches on automatically without issue.

https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1958928

My 2014 435i xDrive coupe (iDrive 4.3?) never worked right either. The P is showing up on the new car, but the screen doesn't flip. I hope I just need a system reboot.

[BimmerBoomer]

I tried everything, including a reboot. Then I drove within inches of the cone and the front facing PDC activated. So, it works - and it still sucks. It's so stupid that when you reverse and then pull forward the rear camera stays on.

[TankerFlight]

Originally Posted by BimmerBoomer

I tried everything, including a reboot. Then I drove within inches of the cone and the front facing PDC activated. So, it works - and it still sucks. It's so stupid that when you reverse and then pull forward the rear camera stays on.

In case you’re doing multiple forward/reverse maneuvers, such as tight areas. Camera goes away after I think 7MPH.

[BimmerBoomer]

Originally Posted by TankerFlight

In case you’re doing multiple forward/reverse maneuvers, such as tight areas. Camera goes away after I think 7MPH.

Yeah, so hard to do the right view for the direction you are going in at the time! This PDC is no better than the one in my 2014 435i. To add insult to injury you can't even summon PDC with a gesture - you need to hunt down the elusive switch in a busy parking lot. But then most BMW drivers these days are backing in their SUVS, and this PDC should suit them.

[kelly66]

Originally Posted by BimmerBoomer

Just when I should be focused on other cars maneuvering in the parking lot, especially near Christmas. According to my setting the camera should switch on if I get close enough to an obstacle. I guess I should hold my breath and get closer. Is it me or BMW just can't get this right?

For me it automatically switches to the parking view when you are ~70 cm away from an obstacle. Perhaps the sensors need some cleaning? Get it checked at a SC.

[BimmerBoomer]

Originally Posted by kelly66

For me it automatically switches to the parking view when you are ~70 cm away from an obstacle. Perhaps the sensors need some cleaning? Get it checked at a SC.

Having said that, I like to use the parking camera to judge my distance from the high curbs that are a feature in many parking lots today. As the 3 series and its kin have gotten larger I've come to rely on the parking camera more, so I'll likely be switching it on manually. I was spoiled by the excellent implementation on my Audi S5s - push the button once and the system turns on whenever your speed is low enough.

One mitigating factor with the BMW is that you can push the PDC button and the camera won't quit until you're going fairly quickly. So when I'm downtown hopping from store to store I'm generally only having to stab at it once after I start the engine.

[BimmerBoomer]

A 3/8" bump stop costing pennies allows me to feel the location of the button without taking my eyes off the road or parking lot.