BMW

BMW
Basic information
Founded	1913-10-27
Legal Structure	Public
Industry	Automotive
Also known as
Official website	https://www.bmw.com

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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (usually abbreviated BMW, sometimes anglicized as Bavarian Motor Works) is a German car company.

Consumer impact summary

Overview of concerns that arise from the conduct towards users of the product (if applicable):

User Freedom
User Privacy
Business Model
Market Control

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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

This is a list of all consumer-protection incidents this company is involved in. Any incidents not mentioned here can be found in the BMW category.

BMW's high beam assistant (2019)

Main article: 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.^[1]

BMW's heated seat subscription (2022)

Main article: 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. ^[2]

BMW feature lockout scandal (2023)

Main article: 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 article: 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

↑ Hollister, Sean (29 Mar 2021). "Today I learned BMW charges extra for a 'don't blind other people' software update". The Verge. Archived from the original on 4 Dec 2024. Retrieved 21 Jul 2025.
↑ Charlton, Alistair (7 Sep 2023). "BMW Drops Controversial Heated Seats Subscription, To Refocus On Software Services". Forbes. Archived from the original on 23 Apr 2025. Retrieved 21 Jul 2025.

[1] Hollister, Sean (29 Mar 2021). "Today I learned BMW charges extra for a 'don't blind other people' software update". The Verge. Archived from the original on 4 Dec 2024. Retrieved 21 Jul 2025.

[2] Charlton, Alistair (7 Sep 2023). "BMW Drops Controversial Heated Seats Subscription, To Refocus On Software Services". Forbes. Archived from the original on 23 Apr 2025. Retrieved 21 Jul 2025.

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