PDC and rear camera. Worth it?
 

I am thinking of ordering a 35 Diesel without the technology package which consists of PDC, voice command, real time traffic, and rear camera with top view. I would opt for the nav system just by itself. What do you guys think? Are these extra electronics absolutely necessary? I have a 2004 E60 with PDC, and I have never had the need for it. I always switch it off just to get rid of the annoying beeps when I am backing up. I am planning to keep this vehicle long term, and am worried about the reliability of extra electronic gizmos. I also find pressing buttons faster than voice recognition.

I think that the newer PDC (with graphic display instead of just beeps) is useful. I would pay for it as a stand alone option if it was available.

I think that the camera is not as useful. Others seem to like it. I wouldn't every use voice commands, either.

In general, I would not order any electronic options that I didn't really value. Just more things to break.

I agree with JCL. The new PDC with graphics is very usefull! I tested a couple of X5s with the camera but still found myself looking over my shoulder. I just don't feel comfortable looking down at a small screen to park such a large vehicle. I think the cameras will be amongst the first items to go bad. They will probably fog up first.

Luckily the 2012 35i has PSC standard.

I've parked and driven for years. I see no reason to spend the money for fancy gadgets that will break when I can just turn my head and look over my shoulder. I wouldnt even get the nav. Get a Garmin instead and save $1000.

Here in europe with narrow roads and small parking spaces, top view and pdc are a God send. To each his own, but I appreciate the help of some electronics in keeping me from scratching up the car.

cheers,

Agreed

I will NEVER own a car without PDC and rear camera. I've had it on my last 5-6 cars since 2006!! I use it everyday. It supplements good driving and looking over your shoulder. Looking over your shoulder will NOT show a little kid, dog, bicycle, cement pillar, etc...

I find that properly adjusted mirrors, in combination with shoulder checks, can show all the obstacles. A walk-around before getting in the vehicle helps too.

While a camera can be properly used as a supplemental device, I have seen people backing up while looking only at the screen, and not actually looking where they are going. That is very dangerous, and for those sorts of drivers the camera can lead to poor driving practices.

Interesting that the NHTSA law on mandatory back up cameras has been delayed. NHTSA have come out and said that the calculated cost is between $11 million and $72 million per life, well above the comprehensive cost of a statistical life of $6 million. In other words, there are lots of other new laws they could write that would be more effective.

If a camera and sensors are installed, why stop with a monitor view? Why not just apply the brakes so that drivers can't back into anything?

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.

Is that a self-admission that you're a bad driver? :rofl: Just teasin'

I love my PDC in my 07. However, I did test drive an 07 with both the BU cam and PDC and the graphic that it overlaid on the BU cam video feed was pretty cool. Not sure how accurate it was, I imagine it's pretty close to real life.

Still, I'm happy with my graphical and noisy PDC when I need it. It makes backing into spaces in parking garages so much easier and hassle-free.