4.2.7. Emergency call function

The emergency call functions are country-dependent and are available to customers in countries with BMW Assist infrastructure. This means an appropriate service provider with a call center must be available. Another precondition for being able to make an emergency call is the availability of a telephone network.

With BMW ASSIST, the customer has a manual and an automatic emergency call as well as other functions.

A manual and an automatic emergency call function is provided as standard. Furthermore, the driver has the option of activating a breakdown call. Irrespective of whether the customer orders a telephone or not, each vehicle is equipped with a telematics control unit TCU, a telephone antenna, an emergency antenna, a handsfree kit and a GPS antenna for determining position.

Manual emergency call 

The manual emergency call is intended for customers to request help quickly if they are present when an accident occurs without being involved themselves.

The emergency-call button is located in the roof function Center. The emergency call button is connected directly to the TCU.

Pressing the emergency-call buttons establishes a voice connection with the relevant country provider The voice connection is indicated by a flashing LED in the switch.

Automatic emergency call 

The crash safety module sends a crash telegram to the TCU in the event of an accident of corresponding crash severity. The TCU places an emergency call, which at the same time contains the location of the vehicle.

Parallel to this, attempts are made to set up a voice connection with the vehicle occupants to obtain more information on the accident (severity of the accident, number of injured) so that further rescue operations can be initiated.

Extended automatic emergency call 

Vehicles with BMW Assist have an additional function, the extended automatic emergency call (Advanced Automatic Crash Notification).

Using various sensor data of the extended automatic emergency call system, the risk of injury is determined and transmitted to the emergency coordination center.

The emergency call includes additional specific information about the accident. Thus the call center has more accurate information about the accident and the risk of injury, which can be passed on to the emergency coordination center. The emergency coordination center can then initiate the appropriate actions.