BMW feature lockout scandal - Revision history

Dosjdhdjdjdhdjdjdj: /* See Also */

2026-02-19T02:30:32Z

Bythmusters: Added cargo template

2026-01-13T06:49:11Z

Added cargo template

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:49, 13 January 2026
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			{{IncidentCargo
			\|Company=BMW
			\|StartDate=
			\|EndDate=
			\|Status=Active
			\|ProductLine=
			\|Product=
			\|ArticleType=Product
			\|Type=Hardware Lockout, Ownership, Subscription
			\|Description=BMW is charging for activation of hardware features built into their vehicles.
			}}
	'''[[BMW]]'''<nowiki/> includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model has been criticized for eroding traditional notions of ownership, and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.		'''[[BMW]]'''<nowiki/> includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model has been criticized for eroding traditional notions of ownership, and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.

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	Modern automotive manufacturers are increasingly using software and subscription models to control features within their vehicles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> BMW's adaptive suspension model is one example of how companies are shifting towards business practices that limit a consumer's [[Right to own\|right to ownership]].<ref name=":1" />		Modern automotive manufacturers are increasingly using software and subscription models to control features within their vehicles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> BMW's adaptive suspension model is one example of how companies are shifting towards business practices that limit a consumer's [[Right to own\|right to ownership]].<ref name=":1" />

	==Adaptive ~~Suspension~~ as a service==		==Adaptive suspension as a service==
	BMW includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many of its vehicles, but the customer must pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature.<ref name=":0" /> The way this is offered is as follows:<ref name=":0" />		BMW includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many of its vehicles, but the customer must pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature.<ref name=":0" /> The way this is offered is as follows:<ref name=":0" />

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	\|access-date=19 Feb 2025		\|access-date=19 Feb 2025
	}}</ref> This demonstrates a pattern of behaviour that utilizes software to restrict a consumer's access to features they have already paid for.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />		}}</ref> This demonstrates a pattern of behaviour that utilizes software to restrict a consumer's access to features they have already paid for.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />




	==See Also==		==See Also==

Keith: nuked a few bits that were going too deep for an incident article and making it come off a bit preachy. removed tone warning

2025-12-12T03:42:03Z

nuked a few bits that were going too deep for an incident article and making it come off a bit preachy. removed tone warning

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:42, 12 December 2025
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	~~{{Tone}}~~		'''[[BMW]]'''<nowiki/> includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model has been criticized for eroding traditional notions of ownership, and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.

	~~This article documents~~ '''[[BMW]]'''<nowiki/>~~'s practice of including~~ the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model ~~exemplifies modern consumer exploitation by~~ eroding traditional notions of ownership and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.

	==Background==		==Background==
	Modern automotive manufacturers are increasingly using software and subscription models to control features within their vehicles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> ~~This approach differs significantly from older consumer protection issues, which focused on unsafe products or misleading advertising.~~ BMW's adaptive suspension model is one example of how companies are shifting towards business practices that limit a consumer's [[Right to own\|right to ownership]].<ref name=":1" />		Modern automotive manufacturers are increasingly using software and subscription models to control features within their vehicles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> BMW's adaptive suspension model is one example of how companies are shifting towards business practices that limit a consumer's [[Right to own\|right to ownership]].<ref name=":1" />

	==Adaptive Suspension as a ~~Service~~==		==Adaptive Suspension as a service==
	BMW includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many of its vehicles, but the customer must pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature.<ref name=":0" /> The way this is offered is as follows:<ref name=":0" />		BMW includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many of its vehicles, but the customer must pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature.<ref name=":0" /> The way this is offered is as follows:<ref name=":0" />

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	\|archive-date=2 Feb 2025		\|archive-date=2 Feb 2025
	\|access-date=19 Feb 2025		\|access-date=19 Feb 2025
	}}</ref>~~This represents a shift from traditional ownership models, where consumers have full access to the functionality of purchased goods.~~		}}</ref>

	This business model alters the definition of "purchase" and "own.” The consumer does not have complete control over the purchased item, as the manufacturer can effectively disable or restrict functionality through software. This raises questions about what it means to own a product if the manufacturer retains control over key features.

	~~This practice is not an isolated incident.~~ BMW has previously implemented similar business practices, such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">		BMW has previously implemented similar business practices, such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">
	{{cite web		{{cite web
	\|first=Andrew J.		\|first=Andrew J.
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	}}</ref> This demonstrates a pattern of behaviour that utilizes software to restrict a consumer's access to features they have already paid for.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />		}}</ref> This demonstrates a pattern of behaviour that utilizes software to restrict a consumer's access to features they have already paid for.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

	~~===Impact on consumers===~~
	~~This incident highlights the following aspects of "new" consumer protection issues:<ref name=":1" />~~

	*'''Control Through Software''': BMW controls access to the adaptive suspension through software, requiring an additional payment to unlock a feature that is already physically present in the vehicle.<ref name=":0" />
	*'''Subscription Model''': The option of paying a monthly or yearly subscription to use the suspension exemplifies how companies are turning ownership into a service, rather than selling products outright.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> This model means that the customer is effectively renting a feature, rather than owning it.
	*'''Erosion of Ownership''': The way that BMW offers this feature alters the definition of ownership, as the consumer does not have full control over the functionality of their vehicle, despite having already purchased the components that enable the adaptive suspension.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
	*'''Exploitation of Legal Loopholes''': This practice is not explicitly illegal but exploits legal loopholes and relies on complexity to prevent resistance, which is a common feature of many new forms of consumer exploitation.
	*'''Removal of the right to say no''': By including the hardware for the adaptive suspension in the vehicles, BMW effectively removes the consumer's right to refuse the sale or own a product outright without interacting with the manufacturer.<ref name=":0" />
	*'''Difficult to Understand and Resist''': The way in which BMW offers its adaptive suspension, with the option of a subscription or one-time payment, is designed to be complex, creating a level of 'fatigue' that makes it harder for consumers to resist.<ref name=":0" />

ClippyFellow47: Minor grammar edits to improve tone

2025-12-10T17:27:15Z

Minor grammar edits to improve tone

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:27, 10 December 2025
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	==Background==		==Background==
	Modern automotive manufacturers are increasingly using software and subscription models to control features within their vehicles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> This approach differs significantly from older consumer protection issues which focused on unsafe products or misleading advertising. BMW's adaptive suspension model is one example of how companies are shifting towards business practices that limit a consumer's [[Right to own\|right to ownership]].<ref name=":1" />		Modern automotive manufacturers are increasingly using software and subscription models to control features within their vehicles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> This approach differs significantly from older consumer protection issues, which focused on unsafe products or misleading advertising. BMW's adaptive suspension model is one example of how companies are shifting towards business practices that limit a consumer's [[Right to own\|right to ownership]].<ref name=":1" />

	==Adaptive Suspension as a Service==		==Adaptive Suspension as a Service==
	BMW includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many of its vehicles, but the customer must pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature.<ref name=":0" /> The way this is offered is as follows:<ref name=":0" />		BMW includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many of its vehicles, but the customer must pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature.<ref name=":0" /> The way this is offered is as follows:<ref name=":0" />

	*It is available as a factory option		*It is available as a factory option.
	*It can be added to certain cars that weren't optioned that way originally via the 'connected drive store' in the car		*It can be added to certain cars that weren't optioned that way originally via the 'connected drive store' in the car.
	*It is available as a monthly or yearly subscription		*It is available as a monthly or yearly subscription.
	*It can be bought outright for a one time charge of $500		*It can be bought outright for a one-time charge of $500.

	This means that even though a consumer has physically purchased the car with the suspension components, they do not have ~~full~~ control or use of those components without paying an additional fee.<ref name=":0" /> The cost of the equipment was already included in the price ~~of the vehicle~~, meaning ~~that~~ the customer is effectively paying twice for the same components.<ref name=":0">		This means that even though a consumer has physically purchased the car with the suspension components, they do not have complete control or use of those components without paying an additional fee.<ref name=":0" /> The cost of the equipment was already included in the vehicle's price, meaning the customer is effectively paying twice for the same components.<ref name=":0">
	{{cite web		{{cite web
	\|first=James		\|first=James
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	\|archive-date=2 Feb 2025		\|archive-date=2 Feb 2025
	\|access-date=19 Feb 2025		\|access-date=19 Feb 2025
	}}</ref>This is a shift from traditional ownership models where ~~the consumer has~~ full access to the functionality of purchased goods.		}}</ref>This represents a shift from traditional ownership models, where consumers have full access to the functionality of purchased goods.

	This business model alters the definition of "purchase" and "own.” The consumer does not have complete control over the purchased item, as the manufacturer can effectively disable or restrict functionality through software. This raises questions about what it means to own a product, if the manufacturer retains control over key features.		This business model alters the definition of "purchase" and "own.” The consumer does not have complete control over the purchased item, as the manufacturer can effectively disable or restrict functionality through software. This raises questions about what it means to own a product if the manufacturer retains control over key features.

	This practice is not an isolated incident. BMW has previously implemented similar business practices such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">		This practice is not an isolated incident. BMW has previously implemented similar business practices, such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">
	{{cite web		{{cite web
	\|first=Andrew J.		\|first=Andrew J.
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	\|archive-date=29 Jan 2025		\|archive-date=29 Jan 2025
	\|access-date=19 Feb 2025		\|access-date=19 Feb 2025
	}}</ref> This demonstrates a pattern of behaviour that ~~uses~~ software to ~~limit~~ a consumer's access to features ~~that~~ they have already paid for.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />		}}</ref> This demonstrates a pattern of behaviour that utilizes software to restrict a consumer's access to features they have already paid for.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

	===Impact on consumers===		===Impact on consumers===
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	*'''Erosion of Ownership''': The way that BMW offers this feature alters the definition of ownership, as the consumer does not have full control over the functionality of their vehicle, despite having already purchased the components that enable the adaptive suspension.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />		*'''Erosion of Ownership''': The way that BMW offers this feature alters the definition of ownership, as the consumer does not have full control over the functionality of their vehicle, despite having already purchased the components that enable the adaptive suspension.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
	*'''Exploitation of Legal Loopholes''': This practice is not explicitly illegal but exploits legal loopholes and relies on complexity to prevent resistance, which is a common feature of many new forms of consumer exploitation.		*'''Exploitation of Legal Loopholes''': This practice is not explicitly illegal but exploits legal loopholes and relies on complexity to prevent resistance, which is a common feature of many new forms of consumer exploitation.
	*'''Removal of the right to say no''': By including the hardware for the adaptive suspension in the vehicles, BMW is effectively ~~removing~~ the right ~~of the consumer~~ to refuse the sale or to own a product outright without ~~needing to interact~~ with the manufacturer.<ref name=":0" />		*'''Removal of the right to say no''': By including the hardware for the adaptive suspension in the vehicles, BMW effectively removes the consumer's right to refuse the sale or own a product outright without interacting with the manufacturer.<ref name=":0" />
	*'''Difficult to Understand and Resist''': The way in which BMW offers its adaptive suspension, with the option of a subscription or one time payment, is designed to be complex, creating a level of 'fatigue' that makes it harder for consumers to resist.<ref name=":0" />		*'''Difficult to Understand and Resist''': The way in which BMW offers its adaptive suspension, with the option of a subscription or one-time payment, is designed to be complex, creating a level of 'fatigue' that makes it harder for consumers to resist.<ref name=":0" />

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: This has major issues here.

2025-09-25T06:12:22Z

This has major issues here.

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:12, 25 September 2025
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			{{Tone}}

	This article documents '''[[BMW]]'''<nowiki/>'s practice of including the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model exemplifies modern consumer exploitation by eroding traditional notions of ownership and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.		This article documents '''[[BMW]]'''<nowiki/>'s practice of including the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model exemplifies modern consumer exploitation by eroding traditional notions of ownership and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.

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	}}</ref>This is a shift from traditional ownership models where the consumer has full access to the functionality of purchased goods.		}}</ref>This is a shift from traditional ownership models where the consumer has full access to the functionality of purchased goods.

	This business model alters the definition of "purchase" and "own~~," as described in the Consumer Rights Wiki mission statement~~. The consumer does not have complete control over the purchased item, as the manufacturer can effectively disable or restrict functionality through software. This raises questions about what it means to own a product, if the manufacturer retains control over key features.		This business model alters the definition of "purchase" and "own.” The consumer does not have complete control over the purchased item, as the manufacturer can effectively disable or restrict functionality through software. This raises questions about what it means to own a product, if the manufacturer retains control over key features.

	This practice is not an isolated incident. BMW has previously implemented similar business practices such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">		This practice is not an isolated incident. BMW has previously implemented similar business practices such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: This isn’t the CAT anymore!

2025-09-01T14:58:27Z

This isn’t the CAT anymore!

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:58, 1 September 2025
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	}}</ref>This is a shift from traditional ownership models where the consumer has full access to the functionality of purchased goods.		}}</ref>This is a shift from traditional ownership models where the consumer has full access to the functionality of purchased goods.

	This business model alters the definition of "purchase" and "own," as described in the Consumer ~~Action Taskforce~~ mission statement. The consumer does not have complete control over the purchased item, as the manufacturer can effectively disable or restrict functionality through software. This raises questions about what it means to own a product, if the manufacturer retains control over key features.		This business model alters the definition of "purchase" and "own," as described in the Consumer Rights Wiki mission statement. The consumer does not have complete control over the purchased item, as the manufacturer can effectively disable or restrict functionality through software. This raises questions about what it means to own a product, if the manufacturer retains control over key features.

	This practice is not an isolated incident. BMW has previously implemented similar business practices such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">		This practice is not an isolated incident. BMW has previously implemented similar business practices such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: Added article link to see also.

2025-08-21T19:30:00Z

Added article link to see also.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:30, 21 August 2025
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	*[[Subscription service\|Subscription business model]]		*[[Subscription service\|Subscription business model]]
	*[[Mercedes Benz\|Mercedes Benz disabling digital features]]		*[[Mercedes Benz\|Mercedes Benz disabling digital features]]
			*[[Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription]]

	==References==		==References==

Keith: removed superfluous section

2025-05-31T22:11:50Z

removed superfluous section

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 31 May 2025
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	*'''Difficult to Understand and Resist''': The way in which BMW offers its adaptive suspension, with the option of a subscription or one time payment, is designed to be complex, creating a level of 'fatigue' that makes it harder for consumers to resist.<ref name=":0" />		*'''Difficult to Understand and Resist''': The way in which BMW offers its adaptive suspension, with the option of a subscription or one time payment, is designed to be complex, creating a level of 'fatigue' that makes it harder for consumers to resist.<ref name=":0" />

	~~===Broader Implications===~~
	This incident demonstrates the broader challenges facing consumers with regard to software and subscriptions that are increasingly prevalent in modern products.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> It exemplifies the ways in which companies are shifting away from traditional notions of ownership by using software locks and subscription services to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

	==See Also==		==See Also==

Emanuele at 12:16, 12 April 2025

2025-04-12T12:16:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:16, 12 April 2025
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	This article documents BMW's practice of including the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model exemplifies modern consumer exploitation by eroding traditional notions of ownership and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.		This article documents '''[[BMW]]'''<nowiki/>'s practice of including the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model exemplifies modern consumer exploitation by eroding traditional notions of ownership and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.

	==Background==		==Background==
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	==References==		==References==


	[[Category:Articles based on videos]]		[[Category:Articles based on videos]]
	[[Category:Incidents]]		[[Category:Incidents]]
	[[Category:BMW]]		[[Category:BMW]]
			<references />

Kostas: Reformatted sections, fixed citations

2025-02-20T20:18:15Z

Reformatted sections, fixed citations

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:18, 20 February 2025
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	~~{{Incomplete}}~~

	~~<!-- Need references to other car companies doing similar practices. Also the format may need updating. -->==BMW Adaptive Suspension as a Service==~~
	This article documents BMW's practice of including the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model exemplifies modern consumer exploitation by eroding traditional notions of ownership and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.		This article documents BMW's practice of including the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many vehicles, while requiring customers to pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature. This model exemplifies modern consumer exploitation by eroding traditional notions of ownership and leveraging [[Subscription service\|subscription services]] to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.

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	Modern automotive manufacturers are increasingly using software and subscription models to control features within their vehicles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> This approach differs significantly from older consumer protection issues which focused on unsafe products or misleading advertising. BMW's adaptive suspension model is one example of how companies are shifting towards business practices that limit a consumer's [[Right to own\|right to ownership]].<ref name=":1" />		Modern automotive manufacturers are increasingly using software and subscription models to control features within their vehicles.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> This approach differs significantly from older consumer protection issues which focused on unsafe products or misleading advertising. BMW's adaptive suspension model is one example of how companies are shifting towards business practices that limit a consumer's [[Right to own\|right to ownership]].<ref name=":1" />

	==~~The Incident~~==		==Adaptive Suspension as a Service==
	BMW includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many of its vehicles, but the customer must pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature.<ref name=":0" /> The way this is offered is as follows:<ref name=":0" />		BMW includes the hardware for its M adaptive suspension in many of its vehicles, but the customer must pay extra to activate the software that enables the feature.<ref name=":0" /> The way this is offered is as follows:<ref name=":0" />

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	*It can be bought outright for a one time charge of $500		*It can be bought outright for a one time charge of $500

	This means that even though a consumer has physically purchased the car with the suspension components, they do not have full control or use of those components without paying an additional fee.<ref name=":0" /> The cost of the equipment was already included in the price of the vehicle, meaning that the customer is effectively paying twice for the same components.<ref name=":0">[https://web.archive.org/~~save~~/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-will-not-charge-extra-activate-existing-functions-cars ~~"BMW will not charge extra to activate existing functions in cars"] -~~ archive~~.org~~ - ~~archived~~ 2025-~~01-28~~</ref> This is a shift from traditional ownership models where the consumer has full access to the functionality of purchased goods.		This means that even though a consumer has physically purchased the car with the suspension components, they do not have full control or use of those components without paying an additional fee.<ref name=":0" /> The cost of the equipment was already included in the price of the vehicle, meaning that the customer is effectively paying twice for the same components.<ref name=":0">
			{{cite web
			\|first=James
			\|last=Attwood
			\|date=7 Sep 2023
			\|title=BMW will not charge extra to activate existing functions in cars
			\|url=https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-will-not-charge-extra-activate-existing-functions-cars
			\|website=AUTOCAR
			\|url-status=live
			\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250202040409/https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bmw-will-not-charge-extra-activate-existing-functions-cars
			\|archive-date=2 Feb 2025
			\|access-date=19 Feb 2025
			}}</ref>This is a shift from traditional ownership models where the consumer has full access to the functionality of purchased goods.

	This business model alters the definition of "purchase" and "own," as described in the Consumer Action Taskforce mission statement. The consumer does not have complete control over the purchased item, as the manufacturer can effectively disable or restrict functionality through software. This raises questions about what it means to own a product, if the manufacturer retains control over key features.		This business model alters the definition of "purchase" and "own," as described in the Consumer Action Taskforce mission statement. The consumer does not have complete control over the purchased item, as the manufacturer can effectively disable or restrict functionality through software. This raises questions about what it means to own a product, if the manufacturer retains control over key features.

	This practice is not an isolated incident. BMW has previously implemented similar business practices such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">[https://web.archive.org/web/20250129020851/https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/7/23863258/bmw-cancel-heated-seat-subscription-microtransaction ~~"BMW drops plan to charge a monthly fee for heated seats"] -~~ archive~~.org~~ - ~~archived~~ 2025-~~01-28~~</ref> This demonstrates a pattern of behaviour that uses software to limit a consumer's access to features that they have already paid for.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />		This practice is not an isolated incident. BMW has previously implemented similar business practices such as charging a subscription fee for access to heated seats, despite the hardware being installed in the vehicle.<ref name=":1">
			{{cite web
			\|first=Andrew J.
			\|last= Hawkins
			\|date=7 Sep 2023
			\|title=BMW drops plan to charge a monthly fee for heated seats
			\|url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/7/23863258/bmw-cancel-heated-seat-subscription-microtransaction
			\|website=The Verge
			\|url-status=live
			\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129020851/https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/7/23863258/bmw-cancel-heated-seat-subscription-microtransaction
			\|archive-date=29 Jan 2025
			\|access-date=19 Feb 2025
			}}</ref> This demonstrates a pattern of behaviour that uses software to limit a consumer's access to features that they have already paid for.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

	==~~Analysis~~==		===Impact on consumers===
	This incident highlights the following aspects of "new" consumer protection issues:<ref name=":1" />		This incident highlights the following aspects of "new" consumer protection issues:<ref name=":1" />

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	*'''Difficult to Understand and Resist''': The way in which BMW offers its adaptive suspension, with the option of a subscription or one time payment, is designed to be complex, creating a level of 'fatigue' that makes it harder for consumers to resist.<ref name=":0" />		*'''Difficult to Understand and Resist''': The way in which BMW offers its adaptive suspension, with the option of a subscription or one time payment, is designed to be complex, creating a level of 'fatigue' that makes it harder for consumers to resist.<ref name=":0" />

	==Broader Implications==		===Broader Implications===
	This incident demonstrates the broader challenges facing consumers with regard to software and subscriptions that are increasingly prevalent in modern products.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> It exemplifies the ways in which companies are shifting away from traditional notions of ownership by using software locks and subscription services to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />		This incident demonstrates the broader challenges facing consumers with regard to software and subscriptions that are increasingly prevalent in modern products.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> It exemplifies the ways in which companies are shifting away from traditional notions of ownership by using software locks and subscription services to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />

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	*[[Right to repair\|Right to repair movement]]		*[[Right to repair\|Right to repair movement]]
	*[[Subscription service\|Subscription business model]]		*[[Subscription service\|Subscription business model]]
			*[[Mercedes Benz\|Mercedes Benz disabling digital features]]

	==References==		==References==
	~~<references></references>~~

	[[Category:Articles based on videos]]		[[Category:Articles based on videos]]
	[[Category:Incidents]]		[[Category:Incidents]]
	[[Category:BMW]]		[[Category:BMW]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:30, 19 February 2026
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	==See Also==		==See Also==

			*[[BMW]]
	*[[Software as a service]]		*[[Software as a service]]
	*[[Right to repair\|Right to repair movement]]		*[[Right to repair\|Right to repair movement]]