Chicken out trying auto park

[Duf67]

I was in a parking garage yesterday and thought I would try auto park, something I have not done since owning the car for around 6 weeks. It took awhile for the car to identify a spot that was eligible for auto park. The P finally showed up and I started the parking procedure. I chickened out when it looked like it was a couple inches away from hitting one of the cars as it backed in. I found another spot and tried again and had similar results, it just seemed like it was going to hit a car.

Is it normal for the M3 to cut it razor tight in clearance when executing auto park?

 

[Az_Rael]

I am too chicken to use it, but I have seen enough "autopark hit something" threads that I would never assume the car has got it if you are uncomfortable with the maneuver. Especially in a parking garage which may have posts and hard corners places the car may not see.

 

[Matt L]

I use it to parallel park all the time. It’s very good at it.

Using it to “dad park” seems more sketchy.

 

[chronopc]

Is it normal for the M3 to cut it razor tight in clearance when executing auto park?

Yes, it's very normal. I think the rear camera makes it look like the car gets a lot closer than it really does.

 

[Silicon Desert]

yea, I only use it to parallel park in our model X. So far, it hasn't been reliable at other types of parking, so I gave up.

 

[Duf67]

Yes, it's very normal. I think the rear camera makes it look like the car gets a lot closer than it really does.

Yep the rear camera view was what made me abort....

 

[qdeathstar]

Better safe than sorry 100 percent of the time

 

[Glamisduner]

Works fine for me, but sometimes it takes like 4 trys for a spot I can just pull into. Not exactly fun to watch for the people behind you.

 

[sduck]

I've used it 100's of times, never had any issues. It's gotten a bit close on several occasions, but nothing that made me abort.

 

[groovidad]

Yeah, tried it 3 times and everytime, I aborted. Cock a Doodle Doo!

 

[chronopc]

The biggest issue for me with auto park is that it fails to pick up the space. If it correctly picks up a parking space it has never failed to get in it correctly.

 

[thewishmaster]

Yeah, it gets close to the car behind, but always stops on its own (not against an inanimate object) before pulling forward.

 

[favo]

I am assuming the new firmware (2019.20 it seems) that includes Enhanced Summon will also include Autopark that uses the cameras and not just the ultrasonics like the current version uses. Anyone know one way or the other? With any luck, Autopark that also uses the cameras will be better at spotting and avoiding obstacles. Presumably, as new neural nets for HW3 roll out and improve over time, the car will get better at being aware of its surroundings. I'm guessing that ultimately, HW3 cars will be better at this than HW2.x.

 

[groovidad]

I've used it 100's of times, never had any issues. It's gotten a bit close on several occasions, but nothing that made me abort.

Just curious, brother. I see you live in Tenn. In the Mainland, most areas have pretty wide parking spots. Here in HI, not so much. In fact, they are downright narrow, space being a premium here. So, you have "healthy" parking slots?

 

[Alketi]

I've never heard of the car backing into another car. The ultrasonics should handle that. I'm more worried about grinding a rim on the curb.

Though I saw Trevor from M3Owners had a good tip -- Make a "Parking" profile with both side mirrors aimed all the way down, so you can see both wheels.

 

[sduck]

Just curious, brother. I see you live in Tenn. In the Mainland, most areas have pretty wide parking spots. Here in HI, not so much. In fact, they are downright narrow, space being a premium here. So, you have "healthy" parking slots?

Yes, that may be a factor. Bigger spaces! I've been to Hawaii, and know what you mean - many tiny cars there!

 

[groovidad]

Yes, that may be a factor. Bigger spaces! I've been to Hawaii, and know what you mean - many tiny cars there!

LOL! Well, a few BUT, I refuse to park in a slot that I have to squeeze out the door, ESPECIALLY in my 3!!! Most likely my discomfort using Auto Park.