If so my new to me MCSC 05 isn't beeping. How do I turn on? Love the car but boy rear visibility is going to take some getting use to!!! TIA Michael

 

Yes all Cabrios come with PDC as the visability backing up is not so clear...

 

The beeping only happens when in reverse ... put the car in reverse, get someone to stand close behind the car to confirm the reverse lights are on and to see if they trigger the beeping. It's quite short range, but within about 6" you should definitely hear it!

 

Well, in case its not working, make sure the person standing behind the car is one you don't like very much

I find the range to work well (I think more then 6"), it starts sounding off about the garage door frame (I back into the garage) with good notice, and its to the sides to boot.

Aside from it being broken if you can't hear it, maybe the volume was just set really low - that is something the dealer programs along with other key options.

 

I didn't want the test to be done in gear!

 

OK so I'm in reverse backed into a cement wall... I think I'm less than 6" but I'll check tomorrow. 1st day was a blast in sunny Ft Lauderdale, now onto the Dragon...

 

My PDC works pretty much as described in the Owner's Manual: slower beeping starting at about 3 to 4 feet, then beeping quicker until it sounds a continuous tone under 1 foot. After engaging in reverse, it takes a couple of seconds for the PDC to become active.

For rear visibility, I found that using a wide angle mirror on the passenger side helps enormously with the cabrio's blind spots. I have a Multivex mirror and it is very good. See these threads on the topic:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96606
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=49390

If you have Navigation, the rear view camera is also a very valuable (but expensive) addition: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=53297

 

I've had Free Spirit for 2 1/2 weeks now. I've noticed when I'm backing into a parking spot the PDC starts beeping several feet out, the beeps are slow, but the closer I get the faster the beeps. But once I hit my brakes they stop; even if I start backing up again they don't come back on (once I brake and start again I don't back up very much more so maybe I don't move far enough to activate the PDC signal again.)

 

Free Spirit, mine does not behave like that. As long as I'm in reverse gear, the PDC will signal if I'm close to something, whether I'm moving or not. It definitely does not stop if I hit the brakes. You should have your dealer check it.

 

Yep, spot on. I just checked my PDC for distance too (hatch not cabrio) and it started signaling at what looked to be 4-5 feet (i could be off, but certainly much more then 6 inches).

 

The memory setting for this may have been turned off. The volume and sound can both be altered by a dealer. You may want to investigate other settings for that year as well.

 

Those of you w/ PDC, can you please post a pic of the switch to turn it on and off? Have been unable to find a pic of it anywhere!

 

There is no switch, it just goes on when in reverse.

 

Crap! Trying to see what is in the space under the e-brake directly opposite thetire pressure reset switch. Realoem.com shows it as a spot for something on cars with PDC. Is it just a light or something?

 

AAUUGGHHH!!! NASCAR's on rain delay at Talladega:impatient


Sorry, back to this. I have to drive to Memphis (I'm near Little Rock, AR) so when I go up for my service I'll mention it.

 

Ditto on the Multivex mirror, I've got one on the passenger side, it's great when backing out of angled parking spaces and you're trying to get a look at what the cabrio's C pillar is blocking. Takes some getting used to as it's hard to judge distance with it but it's worth it for the extra view.

 

If it worked and now it doesn't, check the fuse. I had this problem and come to find out the Power Steering Fan is hooked into the same fuse now as the PDC. If the fuse is blown, check the fan to see if the bearing is going out. Try the fuse and if it blows again, take it in. They had my car for a week since MINI didn't bother to tell anyone about this mid-model "feature".

 

I keep blowing fuses on mine, I've had it less than 2 months. 2006 MCSc

 

Check your owners' manual.

Is that what you're noticing?

 

Did you make Service check your Power Steering Fan to see if the bearing was going out?

 

Dealership is replacing the PDC module in the morning. Time will tell if that was the problem.