BMW feature lockout scandal: Difference between revisions
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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. | |||
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'''[[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 | ==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== | ||
*[[BMW]] | |||
*[[Software as a service]] | *[[Software as a service]] | ||
*[[Right to repair|Right to repair movement]] | *[[Right to repair|Right to repair movement]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:30, 19 February 2026
BMW 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 services to control access to features that are physically present in a purchased product.
Background
[edit | edit source]Modern automotive manufacturers are increasingly using software and subscription models to control features within their vehicles.[1][2] BMW's adaptive suspension model is one example of how companies are shifting towards business practices that limit a consumer's right to ownership.[2]
Adaptive suspension as a service
[edit | edit source]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.[1] The way this is offered is as follows:[1]
- 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 is available as a monthly or yearly subscription.
- 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 complete control or use of those components without paying an additional fee.[1] The cost of the equipment was already included in the vehicle's price, meaning the customer is effectively paying twice for the same components.[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.[2] This demonstrates a pattern of behaviour that utilizes software to restrict a consumer's access to features they have already paid for.[1][2]
See Also
[edit | edit source]- BMW
- Software as a service
- Right to repair movement
- Subscription business model
- Mercedes Benz disabling digital features
- Mercedes-Benz locks horsepower behind paid subscription
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Attwood, James (7 Sep 2023). "BMW will not charge extra to activate existing functions in cars". AUTOCAR. Archived from the original on 2 Feb 2025. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Hawkins, Andrew J. (7 Sep 2023). "BMW drops plan to charge a monthly fee for heated seats". The Verge. Archived from the original on 29 Jan 2025. Retrieved 19 Feb 2025.