Fault diagnosis method and apparatus for a motor vehicle system

A sequence of events is compared with a model of a motor vehicle system's normal behavior, especially consisting of all sequences of events for the operation of the motor vehicle's system in accordance with regulations. Qualitative input signals (v1-v3) combine in a single qualitative input signal (V) in a concentrating device block (501), in which an algorithm runs. An independent claim is also included for a device for monitoring a motor vehicle's systems with mechanical components.