The Collision Reconstruction team at AB Forensics use BOSCH CanPlus and BOSCH CDR 900 software and hardware to interface with the Airbag Control Module of a vehicle. The Airbag Control Module is also commonly referred to as the Event Data Recorder (EDR). The BOSCH CDR kit can be used to “image” system data, pre-crash data and crash data that can be stored in the EDR if the vehicle is involved in a collision or rollover event.

AB Forensics – BOSCH Crash Data Retrieval Kit

The BOSCH CDR kit can be used to “image” data directly from the vehicle via the OBD II port (typically located near the driver footwell) if the vehicle can be powered and there is a key available (expect for certain GM vehicles which don’t require the key). Alternatively, the EDR can be removed from the vehicle and an “imaging” of the data stored in the EDR can be completed on a benchtop using the appropriate Direct-to-Module cable.

AB Forensics – BOSCH Crash Data Retrieval via the OBD II port in a Ford F150
AB Forensics – BOSCH Crash Data Retrieval on the benchtop with a Direct-to-Module cable

System Data, Pre-Crash data and Crash Data

System Data, Pre-Crash Data and Crash data retrieved from the EDR can provide valuable insights into the circumstances around an insurance claim.


Pre-crash data typically comprises 5 seconds of information such as Vehicle Speed, Accelerator Use, Brake Use, Steering Input, Vehicle ABS, Yaw Rate, and other data and can show:

  • the vehicle speed during the 5 seconds prior to the collision and at the time of the collision
  • driver behavior such as Accelerator use, Brake use, and Steering input during the 5 seconds prior to the collision
  • vehicle dynamics from ABS activity and Yaw rate during the 5 seconds prior to the collision
  • if the vehicle was occupied and/or ON at the time of the collision (useful in claimed hit and run scenarios)
AB Forensics – BOSCH CDR Pre-crash data

Crash data typically captures the duration and magnitude of the collision event and can be used to determine the dynamics of the collision, severity of the collision and the risk of a driver or occupant sustaining specific injuries. The duration and magnitude of the collision event will vary depending on the collision dynamics (whether it is a rear impact, side impact, front impact or rollover). For example, the Lateral Crash Pulse below shows the duration of a side impact event to be between 60 and 80 milliseconds and the maximum lateral change in velocity (Delta-V) experienced by the vehicle occupants to be just under 10 MPH (16 km/h). Crash data can be used to:

  • determine the severity of the collision
  • determine the risk of specific injury to any occupant of the vehicle
AB Forensics – BOSCH CDR Lateral Crash Pulse

BOSCH CDR Supported Vehicles

BOSCH CDR support the vast majority of vehicles manufactured in North America. A quick look-up list of supported vehicle manufacturers is provided below. An extensive list of all vehicles supported by the BOSCH CDR kit is provided on the BOSCH Diagnostics website and can be accessed at the following link:

CDR Software Downloads | Bosch Diagnostics

Acura 2012 ->
Alfa Romeo 2015 ->
Audi 2015 ->
Bentley 2016 ->
BMW 2013 ->
Buick 1994 ->
Cadillac 1994 ->
Chevrolet 1994 ->
Chrysler 2006 ->
Citroen 2021
Daewoo 2008 ->
Dodge 2005 ->
Ferrari 2021 ->
Fiat 2012 ->
Ford 2001 ->
Geo 1995 – 1997
GMC 1996 ->
Holden 2007 – 2020
Honda 2012 ->

HSV 2007 – 2017
Hummer 2003 – 2010
Infiniti 2012 ->
Isuzu 1998 – 2009
Jeep 2006 ->
Karma 2017 – 2019
Lamborghini 2015 – 202
Lancia 2021 – 2015
Lexus 2000 ->
Lincoln 2001 ->
Maserati 2014 ->
Mazda 2011 ->
Mercedes-Benz 2014 ->
Mercury 2001 – 2011
Mini 2014 ->
Mitsubishi 2007 ->
Nissan 2012 ->
Oldsmobile 1995 – 2004
Opel 2013 – 2018

Peugeot 2021
Polestar 2019 ->
Pontiac 1994 – 2010
Porsche 2019 – 2021
RAM 2010 ->
Rolls-Royce 2013 ->
Saab 2005 – 2012
Saturn 1995 – 2010
Scion 2003 ->
SMART 2015 – 2020
SRT 2013 – 2015
Sterling 2008 – 2009
Subaru 2012 ->
Suzuki 1995 – 2014
Toyota 2000 ->
Volkswagen 2009 ->
Volvo 2011 ->


AB Forensics – BOSCH Crash Data Retrieval via the OBD II port in a Chevy Silverado