What does BMW's Automatic Parking Assistant Plus mean?
2 Answers
Automatic parking refers to the car parking itself without manual control. The system can automatically park the vehicle into a space, making it a valuable tool for drivers during reverse parking. When an ideal parking spot is found, simply press a button, sit back, and relax—everything else is handled automatically. Automatic parking technology is also applicable to active collision avoidance systems and ultimately contributes to achieving autonomous driving. Principles of Automatic Parking: Different automatic parking systems use various methods to detect objects around the car. Some are equipped with sensors around the front and rear bumpers, which can act as both transmitters and receivers. These sensors send signals that reflect off obstacles near the vehicle. The car's computer then calculates the time taken for the signals to return to determine the obstacle's position. Factors Affecting Automatic Parking: Other systems use cameras or radar installed on the bumpers to detect obstacles. However, the end result is the same: the car detects parked vehicles, the size of the parking space, and the distance to the curb, then maneuvers into the spot. Environmental conditions, such as leaves, debris, or snow covering the curb, can affect the parking space measurement and the parking process, making it difficult for the parking steering assist system to recognize the curb.
I often drive the new BMW, and the Parking Assistant Plus is quite practical. It helps you automatically park in various spaces, such as parallel or perpendicular parking spots, saving you the hassle of manual steering. The system uses a bunch of sensors and cameras to scan the surroundings, detects obstacles, and then turns the steering wheel on its own—you only need to control the brakes. The Plus version adds more features compared to the standard one, such as remote control operation, allowing you to move the car in and out of tight parking spaces via a mobile app, which is especially useful in crowded urban areas. I tested it in an underground mall parking lot, and it reacted quickly while avoiding scratches, making it particularly beneficial for new drivers. However, remember not to rely on it entirely—stay alert and be ready to intervene at any time. For maintenance, the sensors are prone to dust buildup, so it’s recommended to clean them monthly to ensure accurate detection.
