Navigating tight parking spaces in Edmond, Piedmont, or even Moore, OK, can often be a source of stress for drivers. Fortunately, BMW’s advanced driver assistance technologies, especially the BMW Parking Assistant Professional, are designed to transform your parking experience with precision, safety, and convenience. Whether you’re maneuvering into a challenging parallel spot in Bethany or backing out of a crowded lot in Guthrie, the Parking Assistant Professional offers sophisticated features that elevate your control and confidence behind the wheel.
For expert guidance or personalized demonstrations, feel free to contact us directly at (405) 755-3600 or visit us at 14145 N Broadway Ext, Edmond, OK 73013.
Table of Contents
- Using BMW Parking Assistant Professional: Step-by-Step
- Difference Between BMW Parking Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus
- What’s Included in the BMW Parking Assistant Package?
- Activating Active Parking Assist: A Practical Guide
- How to Access the BMW Secret Menu for Advanced Settings
- BMW Park Assist: More Than Just Parallel Parking
- Is BMW Parking Assistant Plus Worth It?
- Troubleshooting Why Your BMW Parking Assist May Not Be Working
Using BMW Parking Assistant Professional: Step-by-Step
BMW Parking Assistant Professional represents the pinnacle of automated parking technology available in select models, including premium SUVs and sedans frequently seen on Edmond’s roads. This system combines ultrasonic sensors, multi-angle cameras, and intelligent software to scan for suitable parking spaces as you drive past, alerting you with visual and audible signals when one is detected.
To begin using the system:
Activation: At speeds below 20 mph, press the dedicated Parking Assistant button on your BMW’s center console. Alternatively, use the steering wheel’s knurled selector to navigate the instrument cluster menu and select the parking assistant feature. This intuitive interface is especially valuable when navigating busy plazas in Piedmont or tight residential streets in Bethany.
Selecting a Parking Space: As you pass potential spaces, the system measures dimensions using ultrasonic sensors mounted in the side mirrors and front and rear bumpers. When a space is deemed adequate, an icon appears on the control display accompanied by an acoustic signal.
Initiating the Maneuver: Stop the vehicle adjacent to the chosen space, activate your turn signal indicating the side you wish to park on, then press and hold the Parking Assistant button. BMW takes over steering, gear shifts, acceleration, and braking, guiding the vehicle smoothly into the spot. Drivers maintain control of the pedals and can intervene at any moment by touching the steering wheel or brakes.
Remote Control Parking: Exclusive to Parking Assistant Professional, this feature allows you to park or retrieve your BMW remotely using the My BMW App on your smartphone. Ideal for narrow driveway entrances or tight spots in Choctaw, OK, you can exit the vehicle and control parking from outside, enhancing convenience and safety.
Memory Function: The system can store up to 10 parking maneuvers, perfect for regularly visited locations such as office parking in Mustang or your home in Edmond’s neighborhoods, allowing for swift, consistent parking assistance.
While the system automates complex maneuvers, it is imperative to remain vigilant and continuously monitor your surroundings, as driver intervention is required in case of sudden obstacles or traffic changes.
Difference Between BMW Parking Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus
BMW’s Parking Assistant and Parking Assistant Plus packages share foundational self-parking capabilities but diverge significantly in hardware integration and added functionalities.
Parking Assistant:
- Employs ultrasonic sensors and a rearview camera to assist in detecting and maneuvering into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
- Includes Back-Up Assistant, which recalls your last forward route up to 200 meters and automatically reverses the vehicle along that path—a valuable asset for navigating tight alleys or driveways in Guthrie or Bethany.
Parking Assistant Plus:
- Builds upon the basic system by incorporating a comprehensive 360-degree surround view generated through multiple cameras positioned at the front, rear, and in side mirrors. This bird’s-eye perspective is displayed on the infotainment screen, offering drivers exceptional spatial awareness.
- Adds Remote 3D View, enabling owners to remotely visualize their vehicle’s surroundings via the My BMW App—ideal for security-conscious drivers in Choctaw or Edmond.
- Features a Drive Recorder that captures video footage around the vehicle, providing enhanced monitoring capabilities.
- May include Trailer Assistant, supporting drivers when maneuvering trailers in suburban environments such as Piedmont.
In short, Parking Assistant Plus significantly enhances situational awareness and remote control functionality, making it a compelling upgrade for drivers prioritizing convenience and safety.
What’s Included in the BMW Parking Assistant Package?
BMW’s parking assistance ecosystem integrates multiple layers of technology designed to streamline parking and reduce the risk of collision or damage, especially useful across Edmond’s varied urban and suburban streetscapes.
Key components include:
Back-Up Assistant: Enables the vehicle to retrace its path backward automatically, accommodating up to 200 meters of previously driven route. Essential for maneuvering out of tight residential spots in Mustang or Moore.
Active Park Distance Control (PDC): Uses ultrasonic sensors embedded in the bumpers to detect obstacles around the vehicle. Audible warnings and visual indicators activate as the vehicle approaches objects, enhancing driver awareness in confined parking lots.
Side Protection and Parking-Drive-Off Monitoring: These features monitor lateral vehicle movements and alert drivers of potential collisions with adjacent objects or pedestrians when parking or leaving a space, an important safety enhancement in busy Edmond commercial areas.
Emergency Braking Function: Automatically applies brakes to prevent or mitigate collisions when the system detects imminent parking-related accidents.
Surround View Cameras (Parking Assistant Plus and Professional): Provide real-time, multi-angle visuals that improve precision and confidence when parking in complex environments such as shopping centers in Bethany or office parks in Piedmont.
This comprehensive package not only simplifies parking but also elevates safety standards in line with BMW’s engineering excellence.
Activating Active Parking Assist: A Practical Guide
Active Parking Assist is a core feature that automates steering during parking maneuvers while requiring driver attention to acceleration and braking.
To activate:
- Ensure vehicle speed is below 20 mph and approach a potential parking space.
- Press the Active Parking Assist button, typically located near the gear selector or on the center console.
- Engage your turn signal on the side where you intend to park; the system begins scanning for suitable spaces along the roadside.
- When a valid space is detected, an icon appears on the instrument cluster and infotainment display.
- Stop the vehicle and follow on-screen prompts to relinquish steering control while maintaining brake and accelerator control. The system will maneuver the steering to guide the vehicle safely into the spot.
- Remain alert to surroundings and be ready to override controls instantly if needed.
This technology is invaluable for drivers in neighborhoods like Mustang or Bethany, where parking spaces are often limited and require precise maneuvering.
How to Access the BMW Secret Menu for Advanced Settings
BMW vehicles offer a hidden diagnostic and configuration menu that allows owners to access detailed system information and customize certain features, including parking assistance settings.
To access this menu:
- Press and hold the BC (Board Computer) button on the turn signal stalk for approximately 15 seconds until the secret menu appears on the instrument cluster.
- Navigate through various options using the stalk controls or steering wheel buttons, revealing data like sensor calibration, camera diagnostics, and system status.
- Adjust settings cautiously; incorrect changes can affect system behavior. It’s recommended to consult with certified BMW technicians at our Service Department before making modifications.
- This menu can be especially useful for troubleshooting parking assist sensor alignment issues often encountered in rough road conditions outside of Edmond.
Access to these advanced features empowers drivers to maintain optimal system performance and tailor their driving experience.
BMW Park Assist: More Than Just Parallel Parking
Contrary to common belief, BMW’s parking assist technology extends beyond parallel parking to include front-in and reverse perpendicular parking maneuvers.
- The system’s ultrasonic sensors and camera arrays detect various parking space types, providing flexibility for diverse environments such as compact urban lots in Mustang or spacious office complexes in Choctaw.
- Automatic parking can be initiated with minimal driver input, where the vehicle controls steering, acceleration, braking, and gear shifts to park efficiently.
- The Reversing Assistant remembers the last forward path and can autonomously reverse along it, facilitating safe exits from tight or obstructed spaces.
- This multi-functionality makes BMW’s parking assistance suitable for the full spectrum of parking challenges encountered across Oklahoma’s suburban and city landscapes.
Is BMW Parking Assistant Plus Worth It?
For discerning drivers in Edmond, Bethany, or Piedmont seeking enhanced parking precision and convenience, Parking Assistant Plus offers substantial advantages.
- The standout 360-degree surround view grants unparalleled visibility of vehicle surroundings, drastically reducing blind spots and the likelihood of minor collisions or scrapes.
- Remote 3D View and Drive Recorder features add layers of security and situational awareness, useful in locations where parking can be tight or heavily trafficked.
- Remote Control Parking, available with the Professional upgrade, elevates convenience by allowing drivers to operate their BMW remotely, a feature positively reviewed by many owners for its ease in narrow driveways or crowded lot entrances.
- While the package carries a premium cost, many owners appreciate the intangible benefits of reduced parking stress and enhanced vehicle protection.
- For those interested in exploring vehicle options with these advanced features, our dealership invites you to browse our All New Vehicles and All Used Vehicles inventories.
Troubleshooting Why Your BMW Parking Assist May Not Be Working
Despite its sophistication, BMW Parking Assist systems may occasionally encounter operational challenges. Common issues include:
- Sensor Obstruction or Malfunction: Dirt, snow, or debris on ultrasonic sensors can limit detection range. Regular cleaning is essential, especially in Oklahoma’s varied weather conditions.
- Inadequate Parking Space Dimensions: The system requires a minimum lateral distance of approximately 1.5 meters from adjacent vehicles and sufficient length to ensure safe parking. Spaces smaller than these parameters will not be recognized.
- Technical Limitations: Sensor or camera malfunctions, software glitches, or calibration errors can disrupt performance. If persistent, vehicle diagnostics by trained technicians at our Service Department are recommended.
- Environmental Interference: Heavy rain, fog, or strong sunlight glare can reduce sensor accuracy temporarily. Parking in well-lit, clear conditions improves system reliability.
For replacement or repair of any related components, our Parts Department offers genuine BMW parts to ensure optimal system function.
Enhancing Your BMW Ownership Experience in Edmond
Mastering the use of BMW’s Parking Assistant Professional unlocks a new level of driving ease and confidence, especially valuable in Edmond, Bethany, Piedmont, and beyond. Whether you’re upgrading your vehicle’s features or seeking expert advice on system operation, Jackie Cooper BMW is your trusted partner. Explore our extensive inventory of All New SUVs and All New Sedans, or visit us in person at 14145 N Broadway Ext, Edmond, OK 73013.
For ongoing maintenance and system updates, schedule your next appointment with our expert technicians at the Service Department. If you’re considering trading your current vehicle for a BMW equipped with advanced parking assistance, find out how much your car is worth using our Value Your Trade tool.
Experience the precision, luxury, and innovation that define BMW and let Jackie Cooper BMW enhance your driving lifestyle throughout Edmond, Mustang, and the surrounding Oklahoma communities.
© 2025 Jackie Cooper BMW