Park Assistant. System limitations

This chapter describes the limitations of the Park Assistant in the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 and the situations in which its function is restricted or unavailable. Sensor accuracy can decrease, particularly in heavy rain, snow, curves or poorly visible parking spaces. Misinterpretations can also occur if the sensors are dirty or covered. The warnings emphasize that the system must not be treated as a substitute for the driver's own attention. Only active intervention and a realistic assessment of the surroundings keep the parking maneuver truly safe.

Safety information

WARNING Due to system limitations, the system may respond incorrectly or not at all. There is a risk of accident or property damage. Observe the notes on system limitations and intervene actively if necessary.

No parking assistance

The Park Assistant does not provide assistance in the following situations:

• On sharp bends.
• When towing a trailer.
• For angled parking spaces.

Functional restrictions

The function may be restricted, for example, in the following situations:

• On uneven surfaces, e.g. gravel roads.
• On slippery surfaces.
• On steep inclines or declines.
• If there are accumulations of leaves or snow piles in the parking space.
• When a temporary spare wheel is fitted.
• When changes have been made to a parking space that has already been measured.
• Next to ditches or drop-offs, e.g. a quay edge.

Limits of ultrasonic measurement

Detecting objects can reach the limits of physical ultrasonic measurement, e.g. in the following situations:

• With small children and animals.
• With people wearing certain clothing, e.g. a coat.
• With external interference to the ultrasound, e.g. from passing vehicles or loud machinery.
• With dirty, iced, damaged or misaligned sensors.
• Under certain weather conditions, e.g. high humidity, rain, snowfall, extreme heat or strong wind.
• With trailer drawbars and couplings of other vehicles.
• With thin or wedge-shaped objects.
• With moving objects.
• With objects positioned higher up or protruding, e.g. wall projections or cargo.
• With objects that have corners, edges and smooth surfaces.
• With objects that have fine surfaces or structures, e.g. fences.
• With objects that have porous surfaces.
• With protruding cargo.
• With small and low objects, e.g. crates.
• With obstacles and people at the edge of the lane.
• With soft obstacles or obstacles covered in foam.
• With plants or bushes.
• Low objects that have already been displayed, e.g. curbs, may enter the blind zone of the sensors before or after a continuous tone has already sounded.
• Cargo that extends beyond the vehicle is not taken into account by the system.

Parking spaces may be detected that are not suitable, or suitable parking spaces may not be detected.

Malfunction

A Check Control message is displayed.

The Park Assistant has failed. Have the system checked by a authorized BMW service partner or another qualified service partner or specialist workshop.

The limitations of the Park Assistant in the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 make clear that, despite state-of-the-art technology, the driver's attention remains essential. The system operates within physical and technical parameters and can reach its limits in complex situations, such as extreme weather conditions, unusual obstacles or unclear parking spaces.

The assistant provides no support particularly on sharp curves, when towing a trailer or for angled parking spaces. Ultrasonic measurement may also be limited in certain cases, for example with small, porous or moving objects. It is therefore important to always keep an eye on the surroundings yourself and to intervene actively when necessary.

FAQ

Question 1: Does the Park Assistant also respond to curbs?

Answer: Low curbs may fall into the sensors' blind spot under certain circumstances and will then not be reliably detected.

Question 2: What happens if the system malfunctions?

Answer: A Check Control message appears; the system should be checked by a service partner.