Customer information241Legal requirements for
information disclosure
Insofar as regulatory requirements
exist, manufacturers are strictly
bound to release data stored by the
manufacturer in individual cases to
the extent requested following a
request by state bodies (e.g. during
criminal investigations).
Government agencies are also
authorised, in the context of
applicable law, to read data in
individual cases from vehicles
themselves. Thus information that
may help with the investigation
resolution can possibly be read from
the airbag control unit in the event of
an accident.
Operating data in the vehicle Control units process data for
operation of the vehicle.This data includes, for example:
● vehicle status information (e.g. speed, movement delay, lateral
acceleration, wheel rotation rate, "seat belts fastened" display)
● ambient conditions (e.g. temperature, rain sensor,
distance sensor)
As a rule such data is transient and is
not stored for longer than an
operational cycle, and only processed
on board the vehicle itself. Often
control units include data storage
(including the vehicle key). This is
used to allow information to be
documented temporarily or
permanently on vehicle condition,
component stress, maintenance
requirements and technical events
and errors.
Depending on technical equipment
levels, the data stored is as follows:
● system component operating states (e.g. fill level, tyre
pressure, battery status)
● faults and defects in important system components (e.g. lights,brakes)● system reactions in special driving situations (e.g. triggering
of an airbag, actuation of the
stability control systems)
● information on events damaging the vehicle
● for electric vehicles the amount of
charge in the high-voltage
battery, estimated range
In special cases (e.g. if the vehicle
has detected a malfunction), it may be
necessary to save data that would
otherwise just be volatile.
When you use services (e.g. repairs,
maintenance), the operating data
saved can be read together with the
vehicle identification number and
used where necessary. Staff working
for the service network ( e.g. garages,
manufacturers) or third parties (e.g.
breakdown services) can read the
data from the vehicle. The same
applies to warranty work and quality
assurance measures.
Data is generally read via the OBD
(On-Board Diagnostics) port
prescribed by law in the vehicle. The operating data read documents the
technical condition of the vehicle or
