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Event data recorders
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.
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.
Event 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.
Depending on technical equipment levels, the
data stored is as follows:
– system component operating states (e.g. fill
level, tyre pressure, battery status)
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.
– 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.
Comfort and infotainment
functions
Comfort settings and custom settings can be
stored in the vehicle and changed or reset at any
time.
Operating data in the vehicle
Control units process data for operation of the
When you use services (e.g. repairs,
Depending on the equipment level in question,
these include
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.
vehicle.
– seat and steering wheel position settings
– chassis and air conditioning settings
– custom settings such as interior lighting
You can input your own data in the infotainment
functions for your vehicle as part of the selected
features.
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)
Depending on the equipment level in question,
these include
As a rule such data is transient and is not stored
for longer than an operational cycle, and only
Data is generally read via the OBD (On-Board
Diagnostics) port prescribed by law in the vehicle.
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