parking sensors AUDI A5 2008 8T / 1.G Owners Manual
Page 139 of 313
Audi parking system137
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Audi parking systemParking aid systemsApplies to vehicles: with parking systemGeneral notes
Depending on the optional equipment fitted, there are 
various parking aid systems to assist you when parking or 
manoeuvring in tight spaces.parking system*:
The parking system comprises the rear acoustic parking aid 
⇒page 137.
The rear acoustic parking system uses ultrasonic sensors to 
measure the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle which 
has been detected. There are four sensors which are located in the 
rear bumper (two in the centre, two at the sides).
parking system plus*:
The parking system plus* comprises the rear and front acoustic 
parking aid ⇒page 138 in conjunction with a graphic display.
The parking system plus* uses ultrasonic sensors to measure the 
distance between the vehicle and an obstacle which has been 
detected. There are a total of 8 sensors located in the front and rear 
bumpers (2 in the centre and 2 on the side of each bumper).
parking system advanced*:
The parking system advanced* comprises the rear and front 
acoustic parking aid in conjunction with the graphic display as well 
as a reversing camera (Rear View) ⇒page 140.
The reversing camera is located in the boot lid ⇒page 140, fig. 154 
and assists the driver when parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces. 
The reversing camera provides an image which is shown in the MMI display. It represents the mirror image of a section of the area 
behind the vehicle ⇒page 144, fig. 159.
Note
There is a slight delay in the picture display.parking systemApplies to vehicles: with parking systemRear parking aid
The parking aid gives an acoustic warning if it detects any 
obstacles behind the vehicle.– Engage reverse gear. You will hear a short beep to 
confirm that the rear parking aid has been activated. The 
rear parking aid remains active for as long as the reverse 
gear is engaged.The measuring range of the sensors in the rear bumper starts at 
approximately:
Reversing
When the vehicle is reversing, the system starts to beep when it 
registers an obstacle within its detection range (see above). The 
warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle approaches 
the obstacle.Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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Audi parking system 138When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle 
the warning tone will sound continuously. From here at the latest, 
the driver should then not reverse any further.
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after 
about 4 seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from 
a detected obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer 
than 0.30 m). The warnings will then return to the normal volume if 
the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle again.
Warning beeps
The warning beeps are produced by sound boxes. The volume and 
pitch of the beeps can be adjusted in the MMI ⇒page 148.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not regis-
tered. It is particularly important to ensure that there are no small 
children or animals near the vehicle, as the sensors may not 
always be able to detect them.
•
The parking aid cannot replace the full concentration of the 
driver. The driver is always responsible for safety during parking 
and other manoeuvres. Always keep a close watch on the area 
around the vehicle.
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no 
longer be registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the 
system will not give any further warning. Certain kinds of obsta-
cles (such as wire fences, chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw 
bars, etc.) may not always be detected by the system (accident 
risk).Note
•
To ensure that the acoustic parking aid works properly, the 
sensors must be kept clean and free of snow and ice. Please observe 
the additional notes on ⇒page 152.
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 147.
parking system plusApplies to vehicles: with parking system plusParking aid (front and rear), with display
The parking aid gives an acoustic and a visual warning if 
it detects any obstacles in front of or behind the vehicle.The parking aid switch 
 is located in the centre console or 
next to the selector lever, depending on the equipment 
fitted.
Fig. 152  Parking aid 
switch in centre 
consoleFig. 153  MMI display: 
proximity graphic
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Audi parking system139
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Activating
– Engage reverse gear to automatically activate the 
parking system plus, or
– Press the switch 
 ⇒page 138, fig. 152 in the centre 
console to activate the parking system plus manually. 
You will hear a short beep to confirm that the parking 
system has been activated. The indicator lamp in the 
switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forwards faster than approx. 10 km/h, or
– Switch off the ignition to automatically deactivate the 
complete parking system, or
– Press the switch 
 ⇒page 138, fig. 152 to deactivate the 
parking system plus manually. The indicator lamp in the 
switch will go out.
Activate the system manually if you are driving forwards and would 
like the system to give a warning as you approach potential obsta-
cles, for instance when parking.
The measuring range of the sensors in the front and rear bumpers 
starts at approximately:
Warning beeps
The warning beeps are produced by sound boxes. The volume and 
pitch of the beeps can be adjusted in the MMI ⇒page 148.Mute function
An acoustic proximity warning is cancelled when you apply the 
parking brake or move the selector lever of the automatic gearbox 
to position P. However, the system remains active. The warning 
beeps will start again as soon as you release the parking brake or 
move the selector lever out of position P if the system has detected 
an obstacle.
Reversing/driving forwards
When the vehicle is reversing/driving forwards, the system starts to 
beep if it registers an obstacle within its detection range (see 
above). The warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle 
approaches the obstacle.
When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle 
the warning tone will sound continuously. From here at the latest, 
the driver should then not reverse/drive forwards any further.
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after 
about 4 seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from 
a detected obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer 
than 0.30 m). The warnings will then return to the normal volume if 
the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle again.
Parking
If the parking manoeuvre involves shunting backwards and 
forwards, the warning sound will be switched off temporarily while 
you change gear. The proximity graphic will, however, still be 
displayed on the MMI screen. The warnings will then return to the 
normal volume if the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle 
again.
Graphic display
The segments in the MMI display indicate the distance between the 
vehicle and a detected obstacle. The number of segments shown 
depends on the obstacle in front of or behind the vehicle. The closer 
the vehicle gets to the obstacle the closer the segments move 
towards the vehicle in the graphic ⇒page 138, fig. 153. At the latest 
when the penultimate segment is highlighted the vehicle has Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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Audi parking system 140reached the danger (collision) zone. The driver should then not 
move backwards/forwards any further ⇒.
The graphic display in the MMI screen ⇒page 149 can be switched 
off. The acoustic proximity warning will, however, remain activated.
The graphic display will be deactivated as soon as you press a func-
tion selector button on the MMI control console. The graphic 
display will appear again the next time you park the vehicle. The 
graphic display in the MMI screen can also be switched on again 
manually using the switch 
 ⇒page 138, fig. 152. For more infor-
mation on the MMI control console please refer to the MMI Oper-
ating Manual.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not regis-
tered. It is particularly important to ensure that there are no small 
children or animals near the vehicle, as the sensors may not 
always be able to detect them.
•
The parking aid cannot replace the full concentration of the 
driver. The driver is always responsible for safety during parking 
and other manoeuvres. Always keep a close watch on the area 
around the vehicle.
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no 
longer be registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the 
system will not give any further warning. Certain kinds of obsta-
cles (such as wire fences, chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw 
bars, etc.) may not always be detected by the system (accident 
risk).Note
•
There is a slight delay in the picture display.
•
You can change the settings for the graphic display in the MMI 
⇒page 149.
•
To ensure that the acoustic parking aid works properly, the 
sensors must be kept clean and free of snow and ice. Please observe 
the additional notes on ⇒page 152.
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 147.
parking system advancedApplies to vehicles: with parking system advancedParking aid (front and rear), with display and reversing camera
The parking aid gives an acoustic and visual warning if it 
detects any obstacles in front of or behind the vehicle. The 
reversing camera provides further assistance when 
parking.
Fig. 1 54  Bo o t lid : Lo c a-
tion of reversing 
camera
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Page 143 of 313
Audi parking system141
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Activating
– Engage reverse gear to automatically activate the 
parking system advanced, or
– Press the switch 
 in the centre console ⇒page 138, 
fig. 152 to manually activate the parking system 
advanced. You will hear a short beep to confirm that the 
parking system has been activated. The indicator lamp in 
the switch will light up.
Deactivating
– Drive forwards faster than approx. 10 km/h, or
– Switch off the ignition to automatically deactivate the 
complete parking system, or
– Press the switch 
 in the centre console ⇒page 138, 
fig. 152 to deactivate the parking system advanced. The 
indicator lamp in the switch will go out.
Activate the system manually if you are driving forwards and would 
like the system to give a warning as you approach potential obsta-
cles, for instance when parking.
The measuring range of the sensors in the front and rear bumpers 
starts at approximately:Warning beeps
The warning beeps are produced by sound boxes. The volume and 
pitch of the beeps can be adjusted in the MMI ⇒page 148.
Mute function
An acoustic proximity warning is cancelled when you apply the 
parking brake or move the selector lever of the automatic gearbox 
to position P. However, the system remains active. The warning 
beeps will start again as soon as you release the parking brake or 
move the selector lever out of position P if the system has detected 
an obstacle.
Reversing/driving forwards
When the vehicle is reversing/driving forwards, the system starts to 
beep if it registers an obstacle within its detection range (see 
above). The warnings will beep increasingly rapidly as the vehicle 
approaches the obstacle.
When the vehicle is less than approx. 0.30 m away from the obstacle 
the warning tone will sound continuously. From here at the latest, 
the driver should then not reverse/drive forwards any further.
The volume of the warning beeps will be gradually reduced after 
about 4 seconds if the vehicle remains at a constant distance from 
a detected obstacle (it will not be reduced if the obstacle is closer 
than 0.30 m). The warnings will then return to the normal volume if 
the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle again.
Parking
If the parking manoeuvre involves shunting backwards and 
forwards, the warning sound will be switched off temporarily while 
you change gear. The proximity graphic will, however, still be 
Fig. 155  MMI display: 
proximity graphic
Front
Side
0.90 m
Centre
1.20 m
Rear
Side
0.60 m
Centre
1.60 m
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Audi parking system 142displayed on the MMI screen. The warnings will then return to the 
normal volume if the vehicle approaches the detected obstacle 
again.
Graphic display
The segments in the MMI display indicate the distance between the 
vehicle and an obstacle. The number of segments shown depends 
on the obstacle in front of or behind the vehicle. The closer the 
vehicle gets to the obstacle the closer the segments move towards 
the vehicle in the graphic ⇒page 141, fig. 155. At the latest when 
the penultimate segment is highlighted the vehicle has reached the 
danger (collision) zone. The driver should then not move back-
wards/forwards any further ⇒.
The graphic display in the MMI screen ⇒page 149 can be switched 
off. The acoustic proximity warning will, however, remain activated.
The graphic display will be deactivated as soon as you press a func-
tion selector button on the MMI control console. The graphic 
display in the MMI screen can also be switched on again manually 
using the switch 
. For more information on the MMI control 
console please refer to the MMI Operating Manual.
Reversing camera (Rear View)
The mirrored image of the picture supplied by the reversing camera 
⇒page 145, fig. 160 is shown in the MMI display. The picture 
supplied by the reversing camera also includes orientation lines 
and area markings which are projected onto the image to assist you 
when parking ⇒page 143. The red line in the picture ⇒page 143, 
fig. 156/⇒page 143, fig. 157 shows the collision zone. From here at 
the latest, the driver should not reverse any further ⇒.
If your vehicle is near an obstacle, the proximity graphic will also 
appear in the reversing camera image. This superimposed graphic 
helps the driver to localise the critical area of the vehicle.
If the MMI screen is showing the graphic display you can switch to 
the image of the reversing camera by pressing the control button 
for the function Rear View ⇒page 141, fig. 155.If the MMI screen is showing the image of the reversing camera you 
can switch to the graphic display by pressing the control button for 
the function Graphic ⇒page 145, fig. 160.
The image of the reversing camera in the MMI screen ⇒page 149 
can be switched off. The acoustic proximity warning will, however, 
remain activated.
The image of the reversing camera will be deactivated as soon as 
you press a function selector button on the MMI control console. 
The image of the reversing camera will be shown again the next 
time you park the vehicle. The image of the reversing camera can 
also be switched on again manually using the switch 
. For more 
information on the MMI control console please refer to the MMI 
Operating Manual.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles are not regis-
tered. It is particularly important to ensure that there are no small 
children or animals near the vehicle, as the sensors may not 
always be able to detect them.
•
The parking aid cannot replace the full concentration of the 
driver. The driver is always responsible for safety during parking 
and other manoeuvres. Always keep a close watch on the area 
around the vehicle.
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no 
longer be registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the 
system will not give any further warning. Certain kinds of obsta-
cles (such as wire fences, chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw 
bars, etc.) may not always be detected by the system (accident 
risk).Note
•
There is a slight delay in the picture display.
•
You can change the settings for the graphic display and the 
reversing camera in the MMI ⇒page 149.
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Audi parking system143
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
To ensure that the acoustic parking aid works properly, the 
sensors and the lens of the reversing camera must be kept clean 
and free of snow and ice. Please observe the additional notes from 
⇒page 152 onwards.
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 147.
Applies to vehicles: with parking system advancedReversing camera (Rear View)
The reversing camera image in the MMI display shows the 
area behind the vehicle.
Parking mode
There are two different parking modes available when you park your 
vehicle with the help of the reversing camera. These are referred to 
as “Parking mode 1” ⇒page 145 and “Parking mode 2” ⇒page 146.
“Parking mode 1” ⇒fig. 156 can, for example, be used when 
parking your vehicle in a carport or a garage ⇒page 145.
“Parking mode 2” ⇒fig. 157 can be used, for example, when 
parking your vehicle at the roadside ⇒page 146.
When you activate the reversing camera ⇒page 140 the MMI 
display will automatically show “Parking mode 1”. You can switch to 
“Parking mode 2” by pressing the control button Mode  
⇒page 145, fig. 161. Press the control button Mode repeatedly to 
switch between “Parking mode 1” and “Parking mode 2”.
Orientation lines and area markings
Orientation lines and area markings (⇒page 145, fig. 160 and 
⇒page 146, fig. 162) are also projected onto the reversing camera 
images. They differ, depending on the parking mode you have 
selected. These orientation markings are intended to assist the 
driver when parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces. They are 
projected onto the image at road surface level (not on a gradient).
At the latest when the orientation lines and blue area markings 
overlap with vehicles or other objects the distance to the vehi-
cles/objects is no longer sufficient ⇒page 151.
The orientation lines and blue area markings will not be displayed if 
the boot lid is open or the factory-fitted power socket for the trailer 
is in use ⇒page 147. This may not apply if the power socket was 
NOT factory-fitted.
You can adjust the settings in the MMI to select which system you 
want to be displayed on the MMI screen ⇒page 149:•
Graphic display, or
•
Reversing camera images (Rear View), or
•
Automatic (switches automatically between graphic display and 
reversing camera), or
Fig. 156  Viewed from 
above: Parking mode 1Fig. 157  Viewed from 
above: Parking mode 2
AA
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Audi parking system 144•
Off (no display).
The reversing camera can be switched on and off in the MMI 
⇒page 149. The acoustic proximity warning will, however, remain 
activated.
WARNING
•
The reversing camera has blind spots in which obstacles are 
not registered. It is particularly important to ensure that there are 
no small children or animals near the vehicle, as the reversing 
camera may not always be able to detect them (accident risk).
•
The parking aid cannot replace the full concentration of the 
driver. The driver is always responsible for safety during parking 
and other manoeuvres. Always keep a close watch on the area 
around the vehicle.
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no 
longer be registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the 
system will not give any further warning. Certain kinds of obsta-
cles (such as wire fences, chains, thin painted posts or trailer draw 
bars, etc.) may not always be detected by the system (accident 
risk).Note
•
There is a slight delay in the picture display.
•
To ensure that the reversing camera works properly, the lens of 
the camera ⇒page 140, fig. 154 must be kept clean and free of 
snow and ice. Please observe the additional notes on ⇒page 152.
•
If the boot lid is open the angle covered by the camera will 
change. For this reason, the image of the reversing camera will then 
be shown without orientation lines and blue area markings.
•
Please refer to the notes on towing ⇒page 147.
Applies to vehicles: with parking system advancedDetection range of the reversing cameraThe section of the "Rear View" image shown in the MMI display is 
roughly the same as the area covered by the camera as shown in 
⇒fig. 158 or   in ⇒fig. 159. Objects which are in area   
⇒fig. 159 of the reversing camera or in close proximity to the 
bumper cannot be identified.
Fig. 158  Viewed from 
above: Area covered by 
the reversing cameraFig. 159  Side view:  : 
Area covered by the 
reversing camera;  : 
area NOT covered by 
the reversing camera
A1A2
A1
A2
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Audi parking system147
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
– Press the control button for Mode  ⇒page 145, 
fig. 161. “Parking mode 2” ⇒fig. 162 will appear in the 
MMI display.
– Reverse and align the position of your vehicle in such a 
way that the dark blue area marking   ⇒fig. 162 
borders onto the vehicle behind or onto the parking 
space line marking. If you are not parking next to obsta-
cles ⇒page 150 the long side of the dark blue marking 
should border onto the kerb. The complete dark blue 
area marking must fit into the parking space ⇒page 143, 
fig. 157.
– When the vehicle is stationary turn the steering wheel to 
the right as far as it will go.
– Reverse into the parking space. If you are not parking 
next to obstacles ⇒page 150 the dark blue marking   
should touch the kerb ⇒page 146, fig. 163. Stop your 
vehicle.
– Turn the steering wheel to the left as far as it will go 
(vehicle is stationary).
– Continue to reverse into the parking space until the 
vehicle is standing parallel to the kerb. When reversing 
you must also keep a close watch on the front end of the 
vehicle ⇒.You can use “Parking mode 2” to park on the left or the right side of 
the road. For this reason, the blue markings are shown in various 
shades of blue. The dark blue area marking   and the dark blue 
curve   are used when parking on the right side of the road. The 
light blue area marking   and the light blue curve   are used 
when parking on the left side of the road.When the turn signals are on, the display will only show the mark-
ings for the relevant side. To change the display to the other side, 
just switch on the opposite turn signals.
The light blue   and dark blue   cur v e s  s h o w  y o u  w h e n  t o  t u r n  t h e  
steering wheel in the other direction, i.e. when the curve touches 
the kerb. ⇒page 146, fig. 163.
The distance from your rear bumper   to the red line   is approx. 
40 cm. From here at the latest, the driver should not reverse any 
further ⇒page 151.
WARNING
Please note that objects which are not touching the ground may 
appear to be further away than they actually are (e.g. the bumper 
of a parked vehicle, a towing bracket or the rear end of a truck). In 
this case you should not use the orientation lines for judging the 
distance (accident risk).
Caution
The MMI display shows the path of the rear end of the vehicle if you 
were to reverse using the current steering angle. NB: The front end 
of the vehicle swings out further than the rear.
Note
To ensure that the reversing camera works properly, the lens of the 
camera ⇒page 140, fig. 154 must be kept clean and free of snow 
and ice. Please observe the additional notes on ⇒page 152.Applies to vehicles: with parking system and towing bracketTo w i n g  b r a c k e tOnce the electrical connector for the trailer socket is plugged in on 
vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket the rear sensors for the 
AAA2
A4
A2
A4
A1
A3
A3
A4
A5
A6
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