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SIB 66 11 20
REVERSING ASSISTANT LIMITATIONS

2020-05-21

MODEL
ESeries
F91
F92
F93
F95
F96
G05
G06
G07
G12
G14
G15
G16
G20
G29

Model Description
M8 Convertible
M8 Coupe
M8 Gran Coupe
X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV)
X6 M Sports Activity Coupe (SAC)
X5 SAV
X6 SAC
X7 SAV
7 Series Sedan (LCI)
8 Series Convertible
8 Series Coupe
8 Series Gran Coupe
3 Series Sedan
Z4 Roadster

Production Date

Affected Option
Code

Start

5DM – Parking
Assistant

Of

Or

Production

5DN – Parking
Assistant Plus

SITUATION
The Reversing Assistant function is not operating to customer expectations.
Some possible customer concerns are:
Vehicle does not avoid objects in its path
Tires or wheels contact the curb
Reversing Assistant only works for a short distance

CAUSE
Limitations of the Reversing Assistant.

CORRECTION
The Reversing Assistant function is described in detail in the owner’s manual section titled “Driver
Assistance System” for the vehicle. The owner’s manual is provided:
Printed
Integrated (electronic) via iDrive/Central Information Display, per path “CAR”.

INFORMATION
The Reversing Assistant function supports the driver when performing a reversing maneuver in a constricted
(unusual) area. Example: When reversing (backing) out of narrow and difficult parking areas or spaces
which may include having to reverse for an extended distance.
Here are some functional requirements to follow during the recording phase or parking space entry:
Continuous forward driving
Maximum distance recorded / saved 165 feet
Vehicle speed ≤ 20 mph
Path width must be at least 1 foot wider on each side of the vehicle, from the outer edge of the exterior
mirrors (mirrors extended due to side view cameras)
The table below outlines the “Responsibility” for the various vehicle function when the Reversing Assistant
function is activated:

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Vehicle system
Steering input
Accelerator (speed ≤ 3 mph)
Brake application
Monitoring vehicle surroundings & path

Responsibility
Vehicle – Reversing Assistant
Driver
Driver
Driver

Important:
1. After completing the recording distance, any changes in the surroundings will not be accounted for by the
system. Example, if another vehicle should park or protrude into the last recorded path.
2. The reversing assistant does not avoid object(s) on the recorded path. It simply reverses along the
recorded the path. Therefore, the driver is responsible for monitoring the vehicle surroundings and must apply
the brakes or steer around the objects if required.
3. The Reversing Assistant function is cancelled when the driver steers the vehicle. The driver must then
complete the reversing maneuver.
4. A vehicle equipped with Active Park Distance Control (aPDC) may in certain circumstances brake
automatically for detected objects as part of the activated “emergency braking” function. This may conflict with
the driver’s decision and assessment of the object.

Outlined below are some known system limitations (operational parameters) of the Reversing Assistant
which may possibly lead to either:
1. Positive functionality (good performance)
2. Unfavorable functionality (poor performance)

Possible positive functionality results when:
Driving forward at a speed ≤ 20 mph during entry (recording phase)
Reversing at a speed ≤ 5 mph (reversing assistant active)
Maximum distance stored or saved is approximately 165 feet of continuous forward driving
Corners must be driven very slowly
Avoid fast steering movements (change in direction ≤ 25⁰/sec)
Do not steer to maximum steering angle (end points)
Path width must be at least 1 foot wider on each side of the vehicle, from the outer edge of the exterior
mirrors (mirrors extended due to side view cameras)
Maximum permitted offset per maneuver is 1.5 feet depending the path/route design
Possible unfavorable functionality results when:
Forward driving speed too high ≥ 21 mph during entry (recording phase)
Switching between forward and reverse gears during entry (recording phase)
Reversing too fast - speed above 6 mph when the function is active
Incorrect tire(s) and /or tire size
Varying tire pressure between entry and exit of the parking space
Damage to the vehicle’s cameras, sensors, steering, suspension and braking system; etc.
Slope or incline in the route may affect the offset of the vehicle
Steering while at a standstill during entry (recording phase)
Very fast steering wheel movements (≥ 25⁰/sec) during entry (recording phase)
Steering to the maximum steering angle during entry (recording phase)
Wheel alignment off

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Diagnostic hint recommendations:
1. Duplicate the issue – can the concern be repeatedly demonstrated/duplicated?
a) Is it specific to one location?
b) Note any unusual objects in or near the driven pathway
2. This function uses the control modules and sensors from both the Park Distance Control (PDC) and the
Park Maneuver Assistant (PMA).
3. Review all faults stored in the related systems.
4. If the environmental influences and the local conditions can be ruled out, then the following may provide
some improvement in the functionality:
a) Wheel alignment check
b) Reset of data via ISTA service function “Adjust driving dynamic sensors”. This can be found as follows:
Vehicle management / Service function / Suspension / Traction control system /

WARRANTY INFORMATION
This Service Information bulletin serves to provide Technical information to aid in understanding of the
situations described above.

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