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.

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.

Mark

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

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...:dunno: DW owes me $300 if it sux.

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.

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?

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).

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.

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

Chuck

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?

I do use the guidelines when backing up but I also use top view and the mirrors to make sure. The guidelines work well in the dark. It is best to use all of the information available.

Chuck

Another benefit of the top view camera...with those 20" wheels (with very little tire sidewall protecting them!), you can see EXACTLY where those front wheels are going...and keep that curb rash at bay!