Operating principle
The RDC system monitors the air pressure in the tires of all four wheels and while driving. The system reports a significant pressure drop in one or more tires.
Each wheel has a pressure sensor, transmitter and power supply behind the valve. The pressure is measured at short intervals.
The received data is transmitted over a radio channel. If the pressure deviates from the norm, the frequency of data transmission increases.
Next to each wheel in the body are antennas that receive signals from transmitters. The on-board processor processes the incoming signals and reports the changes to the driver.
In order for the system "Understood", what pressure is normal, you should check the pressure in all four wheels, compare with the Specifications and, if necessary, bring to normal. Then the system should be activated.
This warning light on the dashboard informs you that the tire pressure is abnormal.
System activation
1. Turn the key to position 2.
2. Keep the button pressed until the control lamp on the instrument panel lights up yellow.
3. After a few minutes of driving, the RDC system will memorize the actual tire pressure as a reference value for future reference.
This procedure should only be repeated after the tires have been inflated. In other cases, the RDC system is automatically activated after turning the ignition key to position 2 and is active every time you drive.
When the pressure drops
If the tire pressure drops significantly after a while (which is basically normal), the indicator lamp lights up yellow.
Thus, you are invited to bring the pressure in the tires of your car to normal as soon as possible.
If after some time after bringing the pressure to normal, you are again prompted to repeat this operation, this means that you have incorrectly pumped up the tires. Check the pressure again and compare its values with the values given in the Specifications.
When a tire is punctured
In the event of a tire puncture with loss of pressure, the warning lamp lights up red. Additionally, an audible signal sounds.
In this case, immediately slow down until the vehicle comes to a complete stop, while avoiding sudden braking and sudden steering movements. Replace punctured wheel.
Compact wheel provided in the event of a tire puncture* (can only be used temporarily) not part of the tire pressure monitoring system. The spare wheel*, which is the same size as the rest of the wheels installed on the vehicle, on the other hand, is equipped with the necessary electronic means to control the air pressure in it after replacing the defective wheel and activating the RDC system.
The RDC system cannot warn of a sudden tire rupture due to external influences.
For tire replacement, contact a BMW workshop.
Interference
The performance of the RDC system may be adversely affected by other systems or devices that use the same radio frequency.
During interference, the indicator lamp lights up yellow.
The yellow light of the lamp also indicates:
- about a system failure
- about installing a wheel without the appropriate electronics,
- about the presence in the car, along with the spare wheel*, also of other wheels with electronics for RDC.
In such cases, contact a BMW workshop.