Reversing camera (RFK), operating notes - GF54.65-P-0005-03FQJ

MODEL 218.3 up to model year 2015 with CODE 218 (Reversing camera) with CODE 498 (Japanese version) 

Reversing camera (RFK), general operating notes 

The reversing camera function enables the driver to select between two parking modes:

• Reverse parking
• Parallel parking

The parking mode last selected is activated by engaging reverse gear. Backward parking and parallel parking can be selected via the Audio/COMAND control panel (A40/9).

The operating notes for the reversing camera comprise the following notes:

• Operating instructions for parallel parking 
• Operating instructions for reverse parking 

Operating instructions for parallel parking 

Overview 

Move to start position 

The start position is parallel with a distance of one meter to the vehicle parking in front. Furthermore the driver seat of the vehicle parking in front should be at the level of the rear axle of the vehicle you are driving. The two vertical guide lines represent the end of the vehicle rear of the vehicle parking in front. If this is not the case, the driver must first reset straight ahead until one of the guide lines touches the end of the vehicle rear.

Determining final parking position 

Once the start position for parking is defined, then the desired parking position must be set. For this purpose the driver with the vehicle at a standstill must firstly turn in the steering wheel.

The audio/COMAND display (A40/8) now shows a parking frame with which the driver must then define the target position. This parking frame turns in ratio to the steering angle, i.e. with the aid of the steering wheel the driver can define the position of the parking frame and thus the final parking position. The driver can also use the parking frame to determine whether the parking space is suitable for his/her vehicle. Once the driver has defined the parking position with the aid of the parking frame, the reversing camera control unit (N66/2) then uses the collated data to define the parking position and the required steering angle for the subsequent first steering angle.

The color of the parking frame must be blue, if the parking space is to be successfully entered with the set steering angle. If the parking frame is colored red, then the steering angle must be continually adapted until the parking frame turns blue.

Transition from first to second steering angle 

First steering angle:

Once the parking position has been defined, the driver moves the vehicle backwards. During this phase the driver must maintain the previously defined steering angle. A guide line appears in the Audio/COMAND display as soon as the vehicle approaches the edge of the road. This guide line can be used by the driver to determine when he/she should initiate the next steering maneuver. As soon as the guide line virtually touches the edge of the road, the driver stops the vehicle and turns the steering wheel up to the limit stop in the opposite direction.

To prevent the driver relying solely on the Audio/COMAND display and as a result ignoring the immediate environment, no guide lines are displayed in the parking space during the first steering maneuver.

Second steering angle:

As soon as the steering wheel is at the limit stop, the distance lines reappear in the audio/COMAND display. These lines can be used by the driver to maneuver the vehicle such that the best parking position is achieved.

Operating instructions for reverse parking 

Display of guide lines 

Virtual extension of vehicle longitudinal axis (blue guide lines):

The blue guide lines represent a virtual extension of the vehicle. The distance between the blue guide lines is slightly greater than the vehicle width.

Virtual steering angle (yellow guide lines):

The yellow guide lines are shown as soon as the driver turns the steering wheel. They indicate to the driver the path which the vehicle would follow with the currently applied steering angle. This curve is automatically adapted to the situation as the steering angle changes. The distance between the yellow guide lines is slightly more than the vehicle width.

Parking procedure:

In order to park the driver must now adapt the steering angle until an outer line of the yellow guide lines in the Audio/COMAND display virtually touches the parking space marking. This parking space marking can, e.g. be another vehicle or a line on the asphalt. The driver must then continue reversing and adapting the steering angle until the displayed parking space limits run parallel to the current direction of travel. Next the driver must turn the steering wheel back into the straight-ahead position in order to drive in a straight line up to the final parking position in the parking lot.

Display of distance lines 

In the straight-ahead position of the steering (steering angle = 0°) the yellow guide lines are congruent with the blue guide lines. As soon as the lines are congruent, the blue guide lines are no longer displayed. By means of distance lines the driver is informed about the distances from the virtual bumper to the obstacles.