BMW: Difference between revisions

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{{InfoboxCompany

| Name = Bayerische Motoren Werke AG

| Logo = BMW.svg.png

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'''[[Wikipedia:BMW|Bayerische Motoren Werke AG]]''' (usually abbreviated '''BMW''', sometimes anglicized as '''Bavarian Motor Works''') is a German car company.

==Consumer impact summary==

BMW has come under fire for requiring subscription charges to access hardware features already built into its vehicles. This requires consumers to pay extra to enable features they possess in a technical capacity.

==Incidents==

===BMW's high beam assistant (2019)===

{{Main|BMW's high beam assistant(HBA)}}

Since 2019, BMW includes the hardware for its auto-dimming headlights in its vehicles, but requires customers to pay a subscription fee, or an exorbitant one-time fee, to activate the function.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=29 Mar 2021 |title=Today I learned BMW charges extra for a ‘don’t blind other people’ software update |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/28/22351901/bmw-high-beam-assist-assistant-dlc-paid-update-ota |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204083814/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/28/22351901/bmw-high-beam-assist-assistant-dlc-paid-update-ota |archive-date=4 Dec 2024 |access-date=21 Jul 2025 |work=The Verge}}</ref>

===BMW's heated seat subscription (2022)===

{{Main|BMW's heated seat subscription}}

Since 2022, BMW includes the hardware for its heated seats in its vehicles, but requires customer to pay a subscription fee to activate the function. Heated steering wheels, dash cams, and remote start functions are also a subscription. Due to heavy criticism, BMW has decided to drop the heated seats subscription, making them available for everyone. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Charlton |first=Alistair |date=7 Sep 2023 |title=BMW Drops Controversial Heated Seats Subscription, To Refocus On Software Services |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alistaircharlton/2023/09/07/bmw-drops-controversial-heated-seats-subscription-to-refocus-on-software-services/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250423192651/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alistaircharlton/2023/09/07/bmw-drops-controversial-heated-seats-subscription-to-refocus-on-software-services/ |archive-date=23 Apr 2025 |access-date=21 Jul 2025 |work=Forbes}}</ref>  

===BMW feature lockout scandal (2023)===

{{Main|BMW feature lockout scandal}}

Since 2023, 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.

===BMW API restrictions (2025)===

{{Main|BMW API restrictions}}

Since August 2025, BMW implemented strict rate limits for third-party apps, breaking automations like Home Assistant for many users, which effectively forced them to use their subscription-based service. BMW cited "security" & "safety" as justification, although this appears contradictory given their documented failures to secure data through proper technical measures.

==References==

{{Reflist}}

[[Category:BMW]]