In a dilemma… Help.

[rubberduck]

For only $1600 more (2 months of payments for me) I could have had all the data that the car is capable to perform under my driving abilities. They had them in all the cars at Spring Mountain and that is when I realized what I missed out on. Especially if you are going to track your car. It has all the information of what you are doing right and wrong.

I had the exact opposite revelation. I really wanted the PDR, but circumstances lead me to a car without it, but with CF seats and CCBs (both of which were not in my original order). After I went to Spring Mountain, I realized it was something I didn’t need since I have no plans to track the 5BW. Plus, there are many very good aftermarket solutions for track data logging. But I’m so glad for the seats and CCBs. A better fit for my overall appreciation of the car. Added OEM CF1 later and all is complete and exactly how I like it.

 

[Todd]

I had the exact opposite revelation. I really wanted the PDR, but circumstances lead me to a car without it, but with CF seats and CCBs (both of which were not in my original order). After I went to Spring Mountain, I realized it was something I didn’t need since I have no plans to track the 5BW. Plus, there are many very good aftermarket solutions for track data logging. But I’m so glad for the seats and CCBs. A better fit for my overall appreciation of the car. Added OEM CF1 later and all is complete and exactly how I like it.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the PDR can also act as a 360 dash cam?

That’s why I optioned it on my 25, I have no intentions of tracking, but after installing integrated dash cams on prior vehicles, I’ll gladly pay $1600 not to do that again, and to have it fully invisible.

 

[BW56M]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but the PDR can also act as a 360 dash cam?

Not 360 degree, but a camera mounted within the windshield header trim that records the driver’s point-of-view through the windshield.

Disclaimer: as posted by a GM Authority article.

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

Yes it is a carbon fiber wrap. I also did it on my rear trunk spoiler, rockers and front bumper spoiler . Looks like the real deal except it didn't cost me thousands of dollars. If I scratch it, no big deal, peel and replace.
I don't know what brand of wrap, but it looks perfect.

Would appreciate it hugely if you could post some pics of that as I’ve considered doing the same.

 

[Todd]

Not 360 degree, but a camera mounted within the windshield header trim that records the driver’s point-of-view through the windshield.

Disclaimer: as posted by a GM Authority article.

I think this thread suggests otherwise?

CT5-V Thread 'Is PDR a option?'

Jul 10, 2023

Just installed an SD card in the trunk of my Blackwing and I can’t seem to find the performance data recorder. All I see in the menu is a recorder app but it’s only camera surveillance it doesn’t have the pdr tachometer and all of those things. Is it possible my car doesn’t have the pdr or am I missing something?

• NoirFrostV
• Replies: 26
• Forum: Blackwing General Discussion

 

[BW56M]

I think this thread suggests otherwise?

My 2024 CT5-V BW has the PDR option and as stated above, the view is the driver's point of view through the windshield.

Surround Vision (360° camera) and PDR (Performance Data Recorder) are two different features.

 

[rubberduck]

SVR is more equivalent to a dash cam and records 4 separate views to an SD card. Also can be turned on at low speeds with a dash button for parking observation. That’s what I have and it works quite well. I’m likely going to add a Thinkware U1000 Plus sometime in the future.

I would take PDR if money is not a concern. But I would take CCBs ahead of that for street use duties.

 

[Finally-a-V]

SVR is more equivalent to a dash cam and records 4 separate views to an SD card.

This is correct. It records, basically, 360 degrees. PDR only records front view. The surround vision (not available on 4BW, IIRC) would be good in a accident situation, or better yet, valet or dealer service. Records when the car is on. Records to a SD card that you supply in the right side of the trunk.

 

[FLYARMY]

Would appreciate it hugely if you could post some pics of that as I’ve considered doing the same.

My car is currently 75 miles away in storage, but I will attach some photos of what was done. Hope it helps. The wrap has a clear coat finish over it that makes it look like genuine carbon fiber. They can wrap just about anything that doesn't have too many curves. I think I am going to get the black plastic in between the front/rear door windows done next. My guy is very meticulous and even lined up the carbon fiber weave lines in the center of the rear spoiler.
* Couldn't find any photos of the front lip spoiler.

 

[T.O.Blackwing]

My car is currently 75 miles away in storage, but I will attach some photos of what was done. Hope it helps. The wrap has a clear coat finish over it that makes it look like genuine carbon fiber. They can wrap just about anything that doesn't have too many curves. I think I am going to get the black plastic in between the front/rear door windows done next. My guy is very meticulous and even lined up the carbon fiber weave lines in the center of the rear spoiler.
* Couldn't find any photos of the front lip spoiler.

Nice, I like it, especially the spoiler!
Now to find someone in Toronto who can do it at least half as well as your guy!

 

[Todd]

I understand that when just using pdr.

This is correct. It records, basically, 360 degrees. PDR only records front view. The surround vision (not available on 4BW, IIRC) would be good in a accident situation, or better yet, valet or dealer service. Records when the car is on. Records to a SD card that you supply in the right side of the trunk.

Well, I guess I wasted $1600.

Didn’t even know about SVR. I assume that is a standard feature on a 5BW?

 

[piranha971]

I also don't understand why folks are so adamant on getting the pdr. The car I bought had it and I am pretty sure I will never look at what's on that card unless I get into an accident or something. Completely useless to me. I would not pay a penny for it if I was specing out the car new.

 

[BW56M]

I also don't understand why folks are so adamant on getting the pdr. The car I bought had it and I am pretty sure I will never look at what's on that card unless I get into an accident or something. Completely useless to me. I would not pay a penny for it if I was specing out the car new.

Not trying to be snarky, but nothing will be on the card unless you choose to insert one in the vehicle and turn the recorder on. You've got it, you might as well try it, you might be surprised.

 

[piranha971]

There is a card and it does run and record. No reason to turn it off, just no reason to see what's on there.

 

[1Evil55]

I've used the recorder a few times now in my 4. Specifically I went back to watch idiots in action after witnessing something stupid in real life. I think it was about the 3rd or 4th time I even pulled out of the driveway in the new car. Neighbor 4 doors down decided it wasn't necessary to look at the road before leaving the driveway. Yeah, the brakes are really good on the BW.

 

[Super Saloon]

I also don't understand why folks are so adamant on getting the pdr. The car I bought had it and I am pretty sure I will never look at what's on that card unless I get into an accident or something. Completely useless to me. I would not pay a penny for it if I was specing out the car new.

I think it’s primarily beneficial for those who track or plan to track the vehicle. I have not used mine for daily driving duty yet but once I get a little more comfortable with the car and start tracking it I plan on using the PDR. It’s a pretty neat feature for a factory vehicle and I’m glad mine has it. If I had no intention of bringing the car to the track it would be a waste of money.

 

[Savethemanuals]

What about capturing cool videos on fun routes like curvy mountain/canyon roads? Anyone use PDR for this purpose? I don’t think the surround view camera feature would accomplish this. At this point I’m convinced I don’t want it since I won’t track this car but trying to eliminate any potential of regret by not doing so. Today, I have a go-pro that I set up inside the car to capture some footage.

E39 BMW’s to me are timeless. Especially the M5 which in my opinion is the best all-around M car that BMW has ever made. Is it fair to call this car the modern day E39 M5?

 

[LF4472]

I use my PDR as a dash cam. I have it set to automatically record.

 

[FLYARMY]

Nice, I like it, especially the spoiler!
Now to find someone in Toronto who can do it at least half as well as your guy!

I just drove up to Toronto before Xmas. Took in my NY Islanders beating Maple Leafs 6-3, went to the Hockey Hall of Fame, CN Tower and the aquarium. Cold as a witches tit ! The carbon fiber wrap is a very expensive product. You definitely need to find the right installer. I saw my guy putting it on this sideview mirror and I knew it was the right product.

 

[BimmerFan]

Didn’t even know about SVR. I assume that is a standard feature on a 5BW?

Yes, or at least it was in MY 2023. But your PDR is not wasted money, it does some cool things and you may see some of that back at resale.

E39 BMW’s to me are timeless. Especially the M5 which in my opinion is the best all-around M car that BMW has ever made. Is it fair to call this car the modern day E39 M5?

Not sure how you digressed into that, but yes, the E39 M5 was the best car that BMW ever made, with perhaps the exception of the E46 M3 (one might argue). I won't, I've had 3 of those M5s. Many of the automotive magazines referred to the last gen Holden V8 (the Chevy SS here in the USA) as the modern day M5, but personally, I found it lacking in character and performance, although it did have a nice ride and was fairly quiet.

The CT5 Blackwing is really superior in every regard to the M5 except for looks, but much of that we could simply attribute to twenty years of technological improvements.