[RixT]

I have a Dec 21 '50 with parking assistant plus and comfort access. As you probably know, Parking Assistant Professional is only available by connecteddrive from March 22 build. The Professional for me would make a significant difference to vehicle use. Yes, should have bought a later one but I like the air and IAS and an M60 was just too much performance.

So, something in March 22 changed or was installed and I wanted to know what.

The investigation is based on nothing tangible from either the dealership or BMW.

BMW has not responded to previous requests. Its a hard question that's not straightforward to answer other than a stock reply of 'not available' and its a wall of customer service agents that prevent access to anyone with the knowledge. Latest reply was:

"The Park Assist Pro (SA 5DW) is not available on your car. This is required for Parking Assistant professional.

I hope this is helpful and if you need anything else, please let me know."

In my local dealers, I browsed their parts system, looking at the modules and within it and spoke with their guys but drew a blank.

Accessing TIS and AIR a dig around starts to show more information about the parking system.

Fundamental to it is the UCAP - Ultrasonic Camera Automated Parking.

The Ultrasonic Camera Automated Parking (UCAP) control unit is installed with optional equipment SA5DN Parking Assistant Plus and SA5DW Parking Assistant Professional.

UCAP control unit is also used in vehicles with SA6DR BMW Drive Recorder.

The complete system consists of 12 ultrasonic sensors, 4 cameras and the UCAP control unit.

The following cameras are connected to the UCAP control unit over SerDes:

• Front Autonomous Parking Camera (bumper)
• Rear Autonomous Parking Camera (tailgate)
• Left Autonomous Parking Camera (left exterior mirror)
• Right Autonomous Parking Camera (right exterior mirror)

UCAP is a parking assistance system with Surround View, which offers extended functions for automated parking. The complete system offers the following functions:

• Automated parking
• Park Distance Control
• Trailer Assistant
• Visualization of the parking operation
• Recording of the parking operation (This I believe is the Pro functionality)
• Streaming of the data from the cameras

The UCAP control unit also monitors the cameras for contamination and/or adverse weather. If necessary, cleaning of the front and rear camera is triggered.

There appears to be no parking related functionality in the driver assist module (ADCAMM) or other modules. I'm presuming all the recorded path and line detection functionality happens within UCAP

Looking at the wiring diagram it shows the UCAP linked to the sensors, cameras and other modules, including the comfort access antennas which I presume it uses for the remote control.


Comparing VINs in BMW AIR for applicability different models shows no difference to what's described. When using the dealers part system, For the parking module it showed a toggalable option for "Professional" that did nothing to change the parts on offer.

Looking in the parts section for module versions doesn't give a straightforward answer

Part ending in 727 has a symbol next to it to indicate its interchangeable and has a date (- 07/2023) which is even past the MGU22 introduction.

So far there is nothing to indicate what's missing or what was updated that prevents operation. Could be the UWB capability or antenna for the remote operation, could be hardware limitation within the original UCAP module, could be nothing to do with the UCAP and its in the headunit that also has a march 22 version, etc. Its also possible that even with the correct hardware in place, the vehicle options/coding is restricted by a database held centrally and unless that's changed, the upgrade option will never be available.

And this is additionally complicated by the main dealers refuse to work on the vehicle speculatively.

So, I'll continue what could be a pointless quest and see what turns up.

[grueber]

I have the parking pro and have used the recorded path feature for my home garage. Its not perfect.

Sometimes the iX will hesitate when approaching/crossing the threshold of my garage. It will also steer slighlty to the right because there is a shoe rack next to the left wall of my garage. The final parking spot will sometimes be slightly off to what I recorded. The steering wheel is frequently not straight because of the iX unnecessarily trying to avoid the shoe rack.

I can park the iX faster and straighter. I don’t use the recorded park feature anymore.

[johnwc723]

I have a long driveway with a wrap around garage behind my house (that has an aggressive angle to get in/out of the garage) and I love the parking assist. It doesn't work 100% perfectly but I'd say 95% and the other 5% it PDC breaks because it gets scared.

Very nice feature for my situation. I tried it have it parallel park for me and it hit the curb at like a 35deg angle though lol so not using that one again.

[Paladin1]

I use it, but as noted not a "must have." The most significant addition is the Recorded Path feature, but the 650 foot backup feature is useful as well, again, not must-have. Maybe hugo_nz will weigh in on options, but I expect there is a hard stop for earlier builds for a reason.

[hugo_nz]

You have done quite a bit more investigation into what would be required from a retrofit perspective than the average person! Bravo. 🙌

I did the same comparison, raised this question two years ago as well and was told that it’s a hardware limitation with no retrofit pathway available. I suspect that early production homologation may also play a part. Parking Assist Pro relies on more than just that one module. Since the Pro version adds remote control functions there bay be changes to other hardware like the BCP, EPS, ACDM or DCS.

Either way it’s academic. Since BMW does not list this as an official retrofit or conversion in INSTA no dealership would be able to perform this retrofit even if they wanted to since they would not be able to code the car. You are also correct in that the VIN is stored remotely which determines CD store upgrade availability. While you could update the vehicle order through FA coding locally that would not enable the CD store upgrade to appear. Another limiting factor is that the remote feature requires the BMW app to function. Authorisation happens via your VIN and the BMW cloud so no matter what hypothetical changes you can make locally the BMW app will likely serve up only what the remote server allows it to.

In summary, if PA-Pro is that important you would be better of trading your 21 for a March-22 or later model.

[Tim@codemybimmer]

Just wanted to post this so that existing owners have a glimpse of hope if they haven’t been able to yet.

We noticed in a pre-03/2022 (12/2021) production iX 50 here with 5DN Parking Assistant Plus, that 5DW Parking Assistant Professional did show up in the ConnectedDrive store in Canada and was successfully activated as well (3 month free trial, $700 to activate it unlimited)

Perhaps the key was that existing owners needed to remove the car from ConnectedDrive altogether and re-add it as a new car so that the option would readily show up.

[endi]

Originally Posted by Tim@codemybimmer

Just wanted to post this so that existing owners have a glimpse of hope if they haven’t been able to yet.

We noticed in a pre-03/2022 (12/2021) production iX 50 here with 5DN Parking Assistant Plus, that 5DW Parking Assistant Professional did show up in the ConnectedDrive store in Canada and was successfully activated as well (3 month free trial, $700 to activate it unlimited)

Perhaps the key was that existing owners needed to remove the car from ConnectedDrive altogether and re-add it as a new car so that the option would readily show up.

Was it functional as well from the app? Did you get 200m reverse assistant instead of 50? Any hardware mods done to the car?
Idrive sw version?

[Tim@codemybimmer]

Everything is functional, including the 200m maneuver assistant with recording path, remote controlled parking from the myBMW app and it correctly showing in iDrive as well.

No hardware changes that I can see. Still on the original UCAP from the HWEL stated. Currently on 03/2024.

[endi]

Originally Posted by Tim@codemybimmer

Everything is functional, including the 200m maneuver assistant with recording path, remote controlled parking from the myBMW app and it correctly showing in iDrive as well.

No hardware changes that I can see. Still on the original UCAP from the HWEL stated. Currently on 03/2024.

Very interessting. Doesnt show up for me in connected drive. Same spec car and software. Let me know if you have an idea how to replicate

[Tim@codemybimmer]

Originally Posted by endi

Very interessting. Doesnt show up for me in connected drive. Same spec car and software. Let me know if you have an idea how to replicate

I’ve stated in my post above that you likely have to remove the car from your ConnectedDrive profile altogether and set it up as if its a new car you’re adding to the car.

The only difference in our case is that my relative had just took delivery of this used and it showed up after adding the vehicle to his myBMW ConnectedDrive profile.

Hope that helps.

[endi]

If annonse else is able to do this on a pre 03/22 car lut us know.
I wont delete my car from my profile now as im on a road trip and rely on my digital Keys

[PaulJ]

I have a pre-03/2022 iX build with a production date of 02/21/2022. The car came with Parking Assistant Plus (5DN), as well as Active Driving Assistant Pro (5AU). Parking Assistant Professional (5DW) was not an option when I configured the build. A while ago, maybe around the end of 2022, I reached out to BMW to inquire about the upgrade to 5DW and was told that this is not an option for vehicles with a pre-03/2022 build date.

On 6/20/2024, I received an e-mail advertising "ConnectedDrive Upgrades". It mentioned "Traffic Camera Information" and "Parking Assistant Professional". I thought the parking option was an error, but it also showed up in the car's ConnectedDrive store. So, I started the 3-month free trial, and to my surprise it actually works. I now have the option to record and store a parking path, and I can use remote control parking using my iPhone.

[RixT]

So far I see no option. Having asked the question, detailing the history, BMW UK tell me: "I can confirm that you've got Parking Assistant Plus built into your BMW from production so it is available to yourself." which is likely just a customer service agent rattling off a reply without reading or understanding.

Update: BMW UK now says "I have looked into this for you and unfortunately there's no definite date in which this package would possibly be made available for your vehicle"

I'll try the factory reset option later this week - will need to make a note of all the settings first

[PaulJ]

For reference, I'm running 03/2024.25, am based in the US, and have completed all recall campaigns except for defect code 0065770400, which shows as open.
I don't remember doing anything out of the ordinary to make this option become available in the store. But I do restart the iDrive system once every few weeks/months, and I check for updates, incl. for services and apps, every so often.

[endi]

Iv'e heard that limitation on early cars was because of homologation. Maybe bmw startet to fix this county by country?
hugo_nz you have any info on this?
Im based in Norway and dont see the upgrade yet..

[hugo_nz]

Originally Posted by endi

Iv'e heard that limitation on early cars was because of homologation. Maybe bmw startet to fix this county by country?
hugo_nz you have any info on this?
Im based in Norway and dont see the upgrade yet..

Nope, no further info here. It would make sense that BMW could find software workarounds to enable the feature on earlier cars but the how and when of it is entire up to BMW.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by hugo_nz

Nope, no further info here. It would make sense that BMW could find software workarounds to enable the feature on earlier cars but the how and when of it is entire up to BMW.

Maybe there is a glimmer of hope that Highway Assistant Pro could be enabled for pre-2024/8.5 models.

Of course, I wait to hear whether this upgrade really occurs for more than one poster or some official announcement is made.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by PaulJ

I have a pre-03/2022 iX build with a production date of 02/21/2022. The car came with Parking Assistant Plus (5DN), as well as Active Driving Assistant Pro (5AU). Parking Assistant Professional (5DW) was not an option when I configured the build. A while ago, maybe around the end of 2022, I reached out to BMW to inquire about the upgrade to 5DW and was told that this is not an option for vehicles with a pre-03/2022 build date.

On 6/20/2024, I received an e-mail advertising "ConnectedDrive Upgrades". It mentioned "Traffic Camera Information" and "Parking Assistant Professional". I thought the parking option was an error, but it also showed up in the car's ConnectedDrive store. So, I started the 3-month free trial, and to my surprise it actually works. I now have the option to record and store a parking path, and I can use remote control parking using my iPhone.

Originally Posted by Tim@codemybimmer

Just wanted to post this so that existing owners have a glimpse of hope if they haven’t been able to yet.

We noticed in a pre-03/2022 (12/2021) production iX 50 here with 5DN Parking Assistant Plus, that 5DW Parking Assistant Professional did show up in the ConnectedDrive store in Canada and was successfully activated as well (3 month free trial, $700 to activate it unlimited)

Perhaps the key was that existing owners needed to remove the car from ConnectedDrive altogether and re-add it as a new car so that the option would readily show up.

So, since a couple of weeks have gone by:

Has anyone else with pre- 03/2022 production vehicles able to activate Parking Assistant Professional (with remote control functionality, saved maneuvers)??

[LuisBoston]

So anyone else with a <March 2023 build able to load up Parking Assistant Professional?

Again, we all understand this was impossible due to hardware limitations.

[Maverick241]

Originally Posted by LuisBoston

Maybe there is a glimmer of hope that Highway Assistant Pro could be enabled for pre-2024/8.5 models.

Of course, I wait to hear whether this upgrade really occurs for more than one poster or some official announcement is made.

I wouldn’t hold my breath on that

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by Maverick241

I wouldn’t hold my breath on that

For someone else to confirm that the upgrade is actually a thing or BMW to make an announcement?

[Maverick241]

Originally Posted by LuisBoston

For someone else to confirm that the upgrade is actually a thing or BMW to make an announcement?

For it to ever actually happen. It seems BMW has pretty much moved on from 8.0 except for bug fixes etc