249
Event data recorders
12Event 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.
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 individual
components and assists with fault diagnosis,
compliance with warranty obligations and quality
improvement. This data, in particular information
on component stress, technical events, operator
errors and other faults, is transmitted to the
manufacturer where appropriate, together
with the vehicle identification number. The
manufacturer is also subject to product liability.
The manufacturer potentially also uses operating
data from vehicles for product recalls. This data
can also be used to check customer warranty
and guarantee claims.
Fault memories in the vehicle can be reset by a
service company when carrying out servicing or
repairs or at your request.
Comfort and infotainment
functions
Comfort settings and custom settings can be
stored in the vehicle and changed or reset at any
time.
Depending on the equipment level in question,
these include
–
seat and steering wheel position settings
–
chassis and air conditioning settings
–
custom settings such as interior lighting
Y
ou can input your own data in the infotainment
functions for your vehicle as part of the selected
features.
