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Well I don't know if I'm like your Grandma (hope not for her sake), but I have been known to have a "senior moment" or two while backing up. What exactly do they do to the back bumper?
Thanks for the visual. I assume the little grey circles are the sensors? Hmmm, I see what you mean, of course, backing into something too hard would probably make my bumper look even worse.
I read somewhere that it beeps until the distance gets to 20cms! then it's a constant pitch.
I think that's a bit useless as if you're going for a tight spot you'll need that extra 20cm's.
Stick to using your eyes, all you need to do is lean back and you can literally see out the back window
Leaning and looking right out the back window would depend on your height. I'm short, however I still do not see the need for the parking control. The car really isn't that big and if you are parking in a space that tight - maybe you should park elsewhere! Wouldn't want the other bloke to dent your bumper when he pulls out now would you?
Especially not with those expensive PDC sensors in the bumper!
+ 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather
+ 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed
Having driven lots of MINIs and BMWs, PDC is not essential for an able bodied person (i.e. if you can turn your head). It is so easy to park a MINI, IMHO, the money could be spent better on some other option. However, driving cars such as a BMW 3 series coupe, 5 or 7 series, PDC is a useful aid since the car is relatively long (with a boot/trunk overhang) and it is harder to judge where the rear of the car is.
Martin L is correct in saying that the last few CMs/inches, the beeps change to a continuous tone so that you have to guess this last part if trying to slot in the tightest of spaces. However after a few times, you soon understand how much further you can reverse the car after the continuous tone commences.
The PDC is a must on bigger cars like the 5 series and such but I don't see a need on such a small car, even in a urban area...
Guillaume
2002 Mini Cooper Launch edition #250/500 - Red/white roof - SOLD
2003 Mini Cooper S red/white - Mine
2004 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG -black/black - father's
1. Because it is a gadget as sejanus says
2. .....and most importantly I have a small garage which was built early 80's when cars were small and only have 10 spare cm's so need it!
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