PDC Retrofit question regarding sensors

[RFaber]

Hello, I'm about three quarters through my PDC retrofit, I have a couple questions regarding the sensors. I have two sensors from a 2005 X5 that have a right angle plug on them. I noticed that the sensors were in different locations compared with my 2003 pre facelift X5. Do they still function the same?? also, i noticed in the plug there is a small grove, that doesnt match the sensor !! should i just modify the existing harness and plug them in? or should i look for proper straight sensors?? (if so, i have two L plug sensors for cheap!!)
all the other sensors fit into the existing harness (taped up on either side of the rad supports) and in the rear, i purchased the rear PDC cable and plan to drill out the rear bumper when i install my trailer hitch (only want to pull the bumper off once!!)
my questions,
will the PDC brain from a 2005 work in my 2003? all cables plugging into it seem to fit like they were made for eachother!!
will the 2005 sensors (straight ones) work with my 2003??
will the 2005 sensors (the L shaped white end ones) work if i trim the plugs?)
If i leave the rear PDC unplugged, will the front sensors still work?? or does the system need to be complete to run??
Thanx
I looked at REALOEM for part numbers and cant seem to find any concrete answers!

[TerminatorX5]

the PDC operation should be the same for entire production run of the E53... the components should be same as well... you can use all of the sensors anywhere on the bumpers, front, side, back - they have different housings but the inner guts should be the same... the main brain should function with all 8 sensors fitted, and if one or more are missing, the system should not function, it will beep...

here is the info off the WDS:

Park Distance Control 2 (active PDC)



Function

The Park Distance Control supports the driver on manouvring into and out of parking spaces. It helps to avoid damaging the vehicle when parking in tight or awkward spaces.

The control unit measures cyclically the distances between each converter and a possible obstruction.

On approach, the distance between the vehicle and the nearest object is signalled to the driver proportionally by means of a tone signal generator. The shorter the distance to the obstruction, the faster the tone sequence. A distance below approx. 25 cm is signalled by a continuous sound.

The acoustic signal is switched on when driving alongside a wall in order to avoid a long continuous sound. The distance warning is reactivated if the vehicle moves closer to the obstruction.

While driving, the electronic control unit monitors correct operation of all ultrasonic converters.

Diagnosis takes place via the I-bus/K-bus.

The reversing gong is controlled by the PDC control unit.

Components

PDC2 control unit

The PDC2 control unit activates the ultrasonic converters and evaluates the received echoes. It monitors the converters to ensure they are functioning correctly and controls the tone signal generator.

Active ultrasonic converters

In the PDC2 system, the converters are active, i.e. an electronic module is fitted in each converter. Each converter has its own power supply and its own additional data link to the PDC control unit.

The converters operate both as transmitters as well as receivers. The received echoes care converted into a digital signal in the converter which is then sent via the data link to the PDC2 control unit.

All converters are electrically and mechanically identical. Special retaining fixtures at the mounting locations ensure the converters are properly adapted to the bumper.

If the minimum detectable distance increases impermissibly, a fault code is stored in the fault code memory. This may also be attributed to dirt, water, ice, snow.

Important

Particular care must be taken before starting extensive troubleshooting to ensure that the converters are fitted correctly in their retaining fixtures and are free of dirt. During troubleshooting there should be no obstruction closer than 40 cm to the converter.

Important

On vehicles e.g. R50 with automatic transmission, the status of the reverse gear is not transferred via the bus in the emergency driving program. This means that the PDC is not automatically activated on reversing. Before troubleshooting, check the automatic transmission.

Tone signal generator

The tone signal generator signals the distance to the driver acoustically and provides a warning if faults occur.

Series E38/39/53: Speaker

Series E46: Gong

Reversing gong

An acoustic signal is output via the gong (Japanese version) for as long as reverse gear is engaged. This signal is interrupted immediately if the PDC detects an obstruction within its measuring range and issues a distance warning.

Vehicle signals

The control unit receives the following information on the current status of the vehicle via the I-bus/K-bus: Vehicle speed, reverse and trailer operation.

System-related characteristics

Important

For this reason, the assessment of obstacles, even with PDC, is the responsibility of the driver, particularly when detection of objects approaches the physical limits of ultrasonic measurement.

System-related problems may arise even under optimum preconditions. It is possible that a non-existent obstruction is signalled or an existing obstruction is not signalled.

In the following situations it is possible that the PDC signals an obstruction although one does not exist:
•heavy rain

•converters extremely dirty, iced up or when they are covered with snow

•In the case of ground echoes from extremely rough road surfaces, grasses

•in large closed rectangular rooms with smooth walls (e.g. underground car parks)

•when the converters are not fitted correctly in their support brackets


In the following situations it is possible that the PDC does not signal an obstruction:
•low objects with corners and sharp edges

•When the acoustic signal is switched off while driving alongside a wall while parking. This also applies when the vehicle approaches an obstruction - but further away - at a different angle.

Components




Ultrasonic converter

The converters operate both as transmitters and receivers.

The maximum measuring range is limited:
•Rear converter, centre: 20 - 150 cm

•Rear converter, corners: 20 - 60 cm

•Front converter, centre: 20 - 70 cm

•Front converter, corners: 20 - 60 cm


If the minimum detectable distance increases impermissibly, a fault code is stored in the fault code memory. This may also be attributed to dirt, water, ice, snow. Particular care must be taken before starting extensive troubleshooting to ensure that the converters are fitted correctly in their retaining fixtures and are free of dirt.

PDC button

The park distance control can be switched on and off manually with the PDC button.

When active, an indicator lamp in the switch lights to serve as a function indicator.

The lamp flashes in the event of a fault in a converter or tone generator.

Front tone signal generator

The BC gong serves as the front tone signal generator.

It is connected via a line to the PDC.

Rear tone signal generator

A frequency-activated speaker serves as the rear tone signal generator.

It is connected via a line to the PDC.

[RFaber]

Thanx Term, i did notice that the two L shaped sensors were on the outer edge of the front bumper, they were 'aimed' toward the front, where as on mine (an 03) they are aimed at approx 45 degrees off axis. i was wondering if there was anything significant about this or just done to accomodate something behind the sensor.
Gonna try it all out
thanx again!