Front Parking sensors

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by SamS

For MY2016 cars, the front PDC sensors should activate automatically at low speeds. But I haven't seen anyone confirm this, yet.

EDIT: looks like the auto-front PDC is only available via the LCI F30, based on part number changes in the ETK. F80 LCI has the same module/behavior. If anyone with a '16 car wants to verify, please post

I will have one on the 2nd September, then we will know.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by ChipB

How did we all survive before cameras and sensors? By using common sense. Just be aware that the curb will cause scraping if you hit it, so don't hit it. After parking 2 or 3 times you'll get pretty good at judging the distance. But having said that - on my car the front sensors are pretty good at picking up the curb. In fact, it's too sensitive - it squeals like mad when I'm still a foot away, so I have learned that I can get 6-8 inches closer than the sensor thinks.

Mine too, but the weird thing about the front sensor is that it will not activate unless I first back into a spot and then pull forward to where I want to be. If I drive into a spot, the front sensor will not activate on its own unless I backup as well. Is this normal, is it they way yours operates?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Mine too, but the weird thing about the front sensor is that it will not activate unless I first back into a spot and then pull forward to where I want to be. If I drive into a spot, the front sensor will not activate on its own unless I backup as well. Is this normal, is it they way yours operates?

Putting the car in reverse activates both front/back sensors. When you the shift into a forward gear, they'll remain on temporarily, but ultimately turn off.

[ChipB]

Originally Posted by boss2k

Will the front sensor beep if i am in a bumper to bumper traffic and if i stop within few feet of the car in front of me

Yes - if you are within about 2 feet it starts to warn you.

Originally Posted by boss2k

Will the front sensor beep if i am parking in my garage and come close to the wall ... my garage is tight and really need it for this purpose

Yes, assuming you mean the front of the car is close to the wall.

For years I have used the best possible garage parking aid - a string that I tape to the ceiling that hangs down, so that when you pull in and the string just touches the windshield you stop. I put a piece of tape on the end to act as a weight and keep the string hanging straight. Perfect park control every time, especially for the wife and kids!

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by SamS

Putting the car in reverse activates both front/back sensors. When you the shift into a forward gear, they'll remain on temporarily, but ultimately turn off.

Yeah, that's how mine works.

It would have been nice to have a button to activate just the front sensor if one didn't need to back up once pulling into a spot. Given the way it is now, we have to put the gear into reverse to get any aid with the front distance. But it's easy enough after pulling in to just throw it into R for a second to get the front sensor to activate...so not sure what the hell I'm complaining about?

[dstyle]

Originally Posted by SamS

For MY2016 cars, the front PDC sensors should activate automatically at low speeds. But I haven't seen anyone confirm this, yet.

EDIT: looks like the auto-front PDC is only available via the LCI F30, based on part number changes in the ETK. F80 LCI has the same module/behavior. If anyone with a '16 car wants to verify, please post

I have a 2016 M3 LCI and PDC isnt auto at low speeds for me

[RickMonet]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Yeah, that's how mine works.

It would have been nice to have a button to activate just the front sensor if one didn't need to back up once pulling into a spot. Given the way it is now, we have to put the gear into reverse to get any aid with the front distance. But it's easy enough after pulling in to just throw it into R for a second to get the front sensor to activate...so not sure what the hell I'm complaining about?

Pressing the PDC Button activates both front and rear parking sensors. The Park Distance Control (PDC) Button is located at the bottom of the button stack (closest to parking brake handle). Pretty sure the PDC feature comes with the Executive Package. I have parking assistant feature too - not sure if that matters.

So when you are pulling into a parking space - hit the PDC button and the parking sensors (front an rear) will activate.

But BE CAREFUL - the Front Sensors DO NOT always indicate when trouble is near. See the picture below - NO sensor indication for that curb - whew! it was close!

[Technic]

I was wondering the same thing...

Originally Posted by ChipB

How did we all survive before cameras and sensors? By using common sense.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by RickMonet

Pressing the PDC Button activates both front and rear parking sensors. The Park Distance Control (PDC) Button is located at the bottom of the button stack (closest to parking brake handle). Pretty sure the PDC feature comes with the Executive Package. I have parking assistant feature too - not sure if that matters.

So when you are pulling into a parking space - hit the PDC button and the parking sensors (front an rear) will activate.

But BE CAREFUL - the Front Sensors DO NOT always indicate when trouble is near. See the picture below - NO sensor indication for that curb - whew! it was close!

Excellent, will try it next time I'm in the car, thank you.

Wow that was a really close call to that curb stop, you pretty much were a hair away from it. Thank God!

[Seattle135is]

I press the PDC button and park forward without issue - don't have the option to back in on angular parking at my office building.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by ChipB

For years I have used the best possible garage parking aid - a string that I tape to the ceiling that hangs down, so that when you pull in and the string just touches the windshield you stop. I put a piece of tape on the end to act as a weight and keep the string hanging straight. Perfect park control every time, especially for the wife and kids!

Me too works all the time.
I put a small foam roller 3" on the end.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by RickMonet

Pressing the PDC Button activates both front and rear parking sensors. The Park Distance Control (PDC) Button is located at the bottom of the button stack (closest to parking brake handle). Pretty sure the PDC feature comes with the Executive Package. I have parking assistant feature too - not sure if that matters.

So when you are pulling into a parking space - hit the PDC button and the parking sensors (front an rear) will activate.

But BE CAREFUL - the Front Sensors DO NOT always indicate when trouble is near. See the picture below - NO sensor indication for that curb - whew! it was close!

Tried it this afternoon, the button thing works perfectly to turn on PDC (both front & back) w/o having to go physically into reverse.

For those who hadn't a clue such as I.

[Wah]

Do it this way and you'll be fine... it works in most cases where you can see the curb. Line the curb up with the lower edge of you side mirror. It will vary depending on how high you sit, but once you figure it out, 90% of parking spaces will be no problem.

[AIRPOWER]

You can always have a front cam installed just below your lower intake. I saw a thread here that had it integrated into the iDrive. Gave total view of those low curbs.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by AIRPOWER

You can always have a front cam installed just below your lower intake. I saw a thread here that had it integrated into the iDrive. Gave total view of those low curbs.

I would like a link to that please.

[AIRPOWER]

Originally Posted by JOHNBMWM5

I would like a link to that please.

Search front camera and it will bring up a few threads

[ZAGA_M3]

Originally Posted by JOHNBMWM5

I will have one on the 2nd September, then we will know.

Are you ED'ing? I am picking up on 2nd at Welt

[mboxM4]

Interesting - I'll have to try this.

Originally Posted by Wah

Do it this way and you'll be fine... it works in most cases where you can see the curb. Line the curb up with the lower edge of you side mirror. It will vary depending on how high you sit, but once you figure it out, 90% of parking spaces will be no problem.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by AIRPOWER

Search front camera and it will bring up a few threads

ok thanks.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by Wah

Do it this way and you'll be fine... it works in most cases where you can see the curb. Line the curb up with the lower edge of you side mirror. It will vary depending on how high you sit, but once you figure it out, 90% of parking spaces will be no problem.

Nice!

[VDBimmer]

heres how I utilize my options

1) backing in (safest option)

2) front in parking (if the sensors don't pick up the curb in front of me then I just familiarize myself with my surroundings and move into the parking spot cautiously and carefully)

if sensors pick up the curb...

I rearrange the sensor colors in my head

green = yellow
yellow = red
red = STOP DUDE YOU PROBABLY SCRAPED ALREADY

[KoonerzF80]

Originally Posted by JOHNBMWM5

Hi All pick up my new M3 (sakhir Orange/Full Black leather) on the 2nd September.
Question: when pulling into a parking space facing the curb do the sensors let you know were/when the curb is there?, thanks.
Herd some have damaged the front fenders.

So today i was with my freinds hanging out at park and tried to use park assist in my f80
While it was reversing my front right rim hit curb in self parking!!! Crazyyy
It damaged my rim gave a curb rash howw couldd that happen?????
Pissed off