BMW's high beam assistant(HBA)
BMW has created a subscription model for their auto-dimming headlights.[1] Auto-dimming headlights have been a vehicle feature since 1952.[2]
High beam assistant subscription
While some car manufacturers have included auto-dimming headlamps in their vehicles as standard, BMW has charged for this feature since 2005. Media:Night_Vision_highbeam.doc.doc
When first introduced BMW's HBA required specific hardware components for its operation. The system utilized a sensor at the front of the car to detect oncoming light sources, which was integrated into the rearview mirror housing.[3]
Additionally, retrofitting guides for models like the BMW E90 indicate that installing the HBA involves hardware modifications, such as replacing the rearview mirror with one equipped with the necessary sensor and connecting it to the vehicle's electrical system.[4]
These sources confirm that the original implementation of the High-Beam Assistant required additional hardware installations, justifying its status as an optional feature at an extra cost.
In 2019[citation needed] BMW started charging a subscription for their High Beam Assistant(HBA). This was originally a one time additional add-on for ~€115. Pricing for the subscription is as follows:
- 1 month €15
- 1 year €150
- 3 years €200
- unlimited €250
The problem lies with the components needed for this feature already being installed in the car at purchase, rather than installed after an additional fee.[7]
BMW's response
A BMW spokesperson said that the store of features it offered "allows new car customers flexibility to add additional features to their vehicle after production should their circumstances change and the need for the feature arises.
"This is similar for secondary owners and providing customers with the chance to specify features they deem necessary, even if previous owners hadn’t needed those features."[7]
Consumer response
Many people who have purchased a newer BMW are shocked to find out that the HBA requires an activation fee, and have looked for ways around it believing it should come standard.[8][9] Others wonder if the purchase price is simply worth it.[10]
References
- ↑ https://www.bmw.ie/en/shop/ls/dp/FLA_Offer_ie
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a9816/carchaeology-1952-oldsmobile-and-the-first-headlight-dimmer-16301766/
- ↑ https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/united-kingdom/article/detail/T0013219EN_GB/bmw-announces-night-vision-and-high-beam-assistant?language=en_GB
- ↑ https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1252416
- ↑ https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1672824
- ↑ https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/shop/ls/dp/FLA_Offer_gb
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/features/opinion/jake-groves/in-car-upgrades/
- ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/BmwTech/comments/1b2d99v/is_there_a_proven_way_around_paying_200_to/
- ↑ https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1971756
- ↑ https://www.babybmw.net/threads/high-beam-assist.147073