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Event data recorders
13Event data recorders
Electronic control units are installed in your 
vehicle. Control units process data which is 
received by vehicle sensors, for example, or 
which they generate themselves or exchange 
amongst themselves. Some control units are 
necessary for the safe functioning of your 
vehicle, others assist you while you drive (driver 
assistance systems), while others provide 
comfort or infotainment functions.
The following contains general information about 
data processing in the vehicle. You will find 
additional information as to which specific data is 
uploaded, stored and passed on to third parties 
and for what purpose in your vehicle under 
the key word Data Protection closely linked 
to the references for the affected functional 
characteristics in the relevant owner's manual 
or in the general terms of sale. These are also 
available online.
Vehicle operating data
The control units process the data used for the 
operation of the vehicle. 
This data includes, for example: 
– 
Information about the state of the vehicle 
(e.g.
  speed, travel time, lateral acceleration, 
wheel rotation rate, fastened seat belts display). 
–
 
Environmental conditions (e.g.
   temperature, 
rain sensor, distance sensor). 
As a general rule, this data is temporary, is 
not stored for longer than one operating cycle  and is only used within the vehicle itself. The 
control units often record this data (including the 
vehicle's key). This function allows either the 
temporary or permanent storage of information 
about the state of the vehicle, stresses on 
components, servicing requirements, as well as 
events and technical errors. 
Depending on the vehicle's equipment level, the 
data stored is as follows: 
–
 
Operating state of system components 
(e.g.
   filling level, tyre pressures, battery charge 
status). 
–  
Faults and malfunctions in important system 
components (e.g.
   lamps, brakes). 
–  
System reactions in specific driving situations 
(e.g.
   deployment of an airbag, triggering of 
stability control and braking systems). 
–  
Information about events which have 
damaged the vehicle. 
–
  
For electric and rechargeable hybrid vehicles, 
the traction battery charge level and the 
estimated driving range. 
In particular circumstances (e.g.
   if the vehicle 
has detected a malfunction), it may be necessary 
to record data which would otherwise simply not 
be stored. 
When taking your vehicle in for servicing 
(e.g.
  repairs, maintenance), the stored operating 
data may be read along with the vehicle's 
identification number and used if necessary. 
The personnel working for the servicing network 
(e.g.
  garages, manufacturers) or third parties 
(e.g.
  roadside assistance agents) may read the vehicle's data. This also applies to work 
carried out under warranty and quality assurance 
measures. 
This data is generally read via the OBD 
(On-Board Diagnostics) port fitted by law to 
the vehicle. It is used to report on the technical 
state of the vehicle or its components and 
facilitates the diagnosis of malfunctions, in 
compliance with warranty obligations and for 
quality improvement. This data, in particular the 
information relating to stress on components, 
technical events, operator errors and other 
malfunctions, is sent to the Manufacturer, if 
necessary, along with the vehicle's identification 
number. The Manufacturer's liability may also be 
engaged. The Manufacturer may also use the 
operating data taken from the vehicle for product 
recalls. This data may also be used to check the 
customer's warranty and any claims made under 
warranty. 
Any malfunctions stored in the vehicle may be 
reset by an after-sales service company during 
servicing or repair work, or at your request. 
Comfort and infotainment 
functions
Comfort settings and personalised settings 
may
  be saved in the vehicle and modified or 
reinitialised at any time. 
Depending on the vehicle's equipment level,
  this 
may
  include: 
–
 
Seat and steering wheel position settings.     

286
Event data recorders
– Chassis and air conditioning settings. 
–  Personalised settings such as the interior 
lighting. 
Y
ou can enter your own data into the functions 
of your vehicle's audio and telematic system, as 
part of the selected functionalities. 
Depending on the vehicle's equipment level,
  this 
may
  include: 
–
 
Multimedia data such as music, videos or 
photos to be read by an integrated multimedia 
system. 
–
 
Address book data to be used with an 
integrated hands-free system or with an 
integrated navigation system. 
–
 
Entered destinations. 
–
 
Data regarding the use of online services. 
This data for the comfort and infotainment 
functions may be stored locally in the vehicle 
or saved to a device that you have connected 
to the vehicle (e.g.
  smartphone, USB memory 
stick or MP3 player). Data that you have entered 
yourself may be deleted at any time. 
This data may also be transmitted outside the 
vehicle at your request, particularly when using 
online services in line with the settings that you 
have selected. Smartphone integration 
(e.g.  
Android 
 Auto
® or 
Apple
®CarPlay®)
If your vehicle is equipped accordingly, you can 
connect your smartphone or another mobile 
device to the vehicle in order to operate it using 
the vehicle's integrated controls. Images and 
sounds from the smartphone can be transmitted 
through the audio and telematics system. 
Specific information is simultaneously sent 
to your smartphone. Depending on the type 
of
  integration, this includes data such as location, 
day/night mode and other general information 
about the vehicle. For more information, please 
refer to the user instructions for the vehicle or the 
audio and telematics system.
Integrating a smartphone allows you to use 
its applications, such as a navigation app or 
music player. No other
  integration   between 
the smartphone and the vehicle is possible, in 
particular active access to vehicle data. How the 
data is processed subsequently is determined 
by the supplier of the application being used. 
The ability the change settings depends on the 
application in question and on the operating 
system installed on your smartphone. 
Online services
If your vehicle is connected to a wireless 
network, data can be exchanged between 
your vehicle and other systems. Connection 
to a wireless network is made possible
  via a 
transmitter located in your vehicle or a mobile 
device that you have provided (e.g.
 
smartphone). 
The online services can be used via this wireless 
connection. 
These include online services and 
applications (apps) provided to you by the 
Manufacturer or other suppliers. 
Exclusive services
As regards the Manufacturer's online services, 
the corresponding functions are described by 
the Manufacturer in an appropriate medium 
(e.g.
  handbook, Manufacturer's website) and the 
information about data protection is provided. 
Personal data may be used for online services. 
The exchange of data for this purpose takes 
place over a secure connection, using for 
example the Manufacturer's dedicated computer 
systems. The collection, processing and use of 
personal data for the development of services 
are carried out solely on the basis of a legal 
authorisation, for example in the case of a 
legal emergency call system or a contractual 
agreement or else under a consent agreement. 
You can activate or deactivate the services and 
functions (some may be chargeable) and, in 
some cases, the vehicle's entire connection to 
the wireless network. This does not include the