
Driving225
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l  D a t a
Parking sensor system
Introduction
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. When the vehicle 
approaches an obstacle, forwards or backwards, an intermittent sound will 
be heard, higher or lower depending on the distance. The shorter the 
distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too close to 
the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when the sound is continuous, this 
means the system can no longer measure the distance.
The sensor system on the bumpers transmit and receive ultrasound. Using 
the ultrasound signal (transmission, reflection from the obstacle and recep-
tion), this system continuously calculates the distance between the bumper 
and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
 xPark Assist system  Ÿpage 229
 xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications  Ÿpage 285
WARNING
The parking sensor system and the optical parking system cannot replace 
driver awareness.
 xThe sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not 
registered.
 xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not 
always detect small children, animals or objects.
 xThe surface of certain objects and some clothing do not reflect the 
ultrasound signals from the parking distance system. The system cannot 
detect or incorrectly detects these objects and people wearing these types 
of clothes.
 xExternal sound sources can affect the parking distance aid signals. In 
this case, under certain circumstances, people and objects will not be 
detected.
Caution
 xThe sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer draw 
bars, thin rails, fences, posts, trees and open boots, etc. This could result in 
damage to your car.
 xAlthough the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence of 
an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measurement of 
the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer indicate it. 
Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the 
parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
 xThe bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example, 
when parking.
 xTo ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be 
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
 xWhen cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spray the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm (4 inches).
Note
Acoustic sources may lead to erroneous warnings on the parking sensor 
system, e.g. rough tarmac, cobbles or the noise of other vehicles.
WARNING (continued) 

Driving 226
Parking sensor system*
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. If the vehicle is 
approaching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is emitted. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too 
close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
Switching the parking sensor system on and off
 xPress the   button  Ÿfig. 148 when the ignition is switched on.
 xAutomatic on: select reverse gear.
 xAutomatic off: drive faster than 15 km/h.
The button lights up when the function is switched on.
Things to note regarding the parking sensor system
 xThe parking sensor system sometimes registers water on the sensors as 
an obstacle.
 xIf the distance does not change, the warning signal will sound less loudly 
after a few seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the volume will remain 
constant.
 xWhen the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound auto-
matically switches off. On approaching the obstacle again, the beeping 
sound will automatically switch back on.
 xIf the electronic parking brake is engaged or the gear lever is set to P, no 
sound will be emitted.
 xYour Authorised Service Centre can adjust the volume of the warning 
signals.
Note
If the parking sensor system is faulty, a constant acoustic signal will be 
emitted the first time it is switched on and the button will flash. Switch the 
parking sensor system off using the button and take the vehicle to a 
specialist workshop to have the system checked as soon as possible.
Fig. 148  Detailed view of 
the centre console: button 
for switching the parking 
sensor system on and off.
Fig. 149  Parking sensor 
system sensors on the 
front bumper.
 '