268Customer informationVehicle data recording
and privacy
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.
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.
