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Vehicle data recording and privacy11
Vehicle data recording and
privacy
Electronic control units are installed in your
vehicle. These control units process data received
from the vehicle's sensors, for example, or data
they generate themselves or exchange with
each other. Some of these control units are
required for the correct operation of your vehicle,
some others assist you while driving (driving or
manoeuvring aids), while others provide comfort
or infotainment functions.
The following contains general information about
how data is processed within the vehicle.
You will find additional information about the
specific data which is downloaded, stored
and transmitted to third parties and what it
is used for in your vehicle under the keyword
"Data protection". This information is directly
associated with the references for the functions
in question contained in the corresponding
vehicle handbook, or in the general terms and
conditions of sale.
This information is also available online.
Vehicle operating data
The control units process the data used for the
operation of the vehicle.
This data includes, for example:
–
In
formation about the state of the vehicle
(e.g. speed, travel time, lateral acceleration,
wheel rotation rate, fastened seat belts display). –
En
vironmental 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:
–
O
perating state of system components
(e.g. filling level, tyre pressures, battery charge
status).
–
Faults and malfunctions in import
ant system
components (e.g. lamps, brakes).
–
Sy
stem reactions in specific driving situations
(e.g. deployment of an airbag, triggering of
stability control and braking systems).
–
In
formation about events which have damaged
the vehicle.
–
For electric and rechargeable h
ybrid 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.
