PDC and rear camera. Worth it?

[barbja]

Originally Posted by radelow

I have PDC in both my cars and ordered it in the x5. I find it very handy and my wife relies on it heavily. I think it is a very worthwhile Investment.

I also relied very heavily on the backup camera in my E70 (and again in my E71, but that's a given). I used to be able to back my E53 into a parking space using the tilt down mirror and looking over my shoulder lickety split, but I couldn't do it at all when I test drove an E70 without a camera. Using the camera and 'look over' in an E70, I was back to backing around no problem again. Having the lines for your track is extra cool and useful.

You guys that are all 'cameras are stupid' should scooch yourselves down to 5'4" tall and see how stupid they are then!

So, OP, if you have a wife that will drive the car that is probably less that 5'7" tall, I recommend getting the backup camera if you want to save the rear-end of your car (and all parts of other vehicles in the immediate vicinity).

[ms2bmw]

I have the PDC without the camera on my '06 M3 and its okay. Recently got rid of our '07 mdx with backup camera but no PDC and it was better. I now have the 2012 X5 with both and its even better. If I had to choose between the two, backup camera would be my preference since you can always see what's going on in the back. Going by sound alone is hard especially if its in the 1 ft range where the beep is continuous.

[blondboinsd]

I think it's well worth it in my X5. I love the PDC and backup camera but wish the lighting and turn on times were improved. Oh and that voice command? WORTH THE PRICE BY ITSELF as it makes I-Drive so much easier to navigate

[AtomiX]

I too find the PDC to be invaluable, and a good supplement. Especially dealing with tight spots in NYC when we're parking on the streets. On the other hand, i'll see how much i'll actually utilize the camera on the new 35d since i feel the audible is enough, and it'll take some getting used to looking at a screen.

Side view camera on the other hand... DW owes me $300 if it sux.

[Penguin]

I find the PDC quite useful; however, I find the camera of limited utility. I trust my own eyes looking backwards more than the camera, and switching from looking forward at the camera screen, and then backward with my own eyes, to be rather awkward, so I rare use the camera for anything.

[ChuckG]

I use the rear view and top view cameras every day and would not want to be without them. Top view can easily save you from hitting your rims on a curb when parking. It is easy to get used to watching the screen.

Chuck

[JCL]

Originally Posted by ChuckG

I use the rear view and top view cameras every day and would not want to be without them. Top view can easily save you from hitting your rims on a curb when parking. It is easy to get used to watching the screen.

Chuck

Is it legal in California for the vehicle to be moving and to be relying on the camera, not looking directly where you are going? Or is it only legal to look at the camera when the vehicle is stopped?

[ChuckG]

Originally Posted by JCL

Is it legal in California for the vehicle to be moving and to be relying on the camera, not looking directly where you are going?

There are no laws here to restrict the use of the cameras. Motorhomes have had backup cameras for many years.

Chuck

[Richard in NC]

Who has trusted the guidelines that make it look like you'll miss a car when backing into a spot from an angle but the side mirror makes it look like you'll hit it?

[X-cellent]

Un-mentioned is the real time traffic...Here in south florida, I found that to be of great use...many times i'd zoom out before getting on the highway to see red and little black arrows and re-route myself away from traffic...don't know if that feature is on garmins and other portable units, but living in a congested area I used it more than i would have imagined.