BMW
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| Basic information | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1913-10-27 |
| Legal Structure | Public |
| Industry | Automotive |
| Also known as | |
| Official website | https://www.bmw.com |
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (usually abbreviated BMW, sometimes anglicized as Bavarian Motor Works) is a German car company.
Consumer impact summary
[edit | edit source]
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
[edit | edit source]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.
High beam assistant (2019)
[edit | edit source]- 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]
Heated seat subscription (2022)
[edit | edit source]- 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]
Feature lockout scandal (2023)
[edit | edit source]- 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.
API restrictions (2025)
[edit | edit source]- 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.
Proprietary screws (2025)
[edit | edit source]- Main article: BMW proprietary screws
BMW patented a fastener whose head is shaped like the company's roundel logo, designed so that no standard screwdriver, hex key, or Torx bit can engage it.[3] The patent (DE102024115950), filed on June 7, 2024 and published on December 11, 2025, covers screws intended for seat mountings, center consoles, and the connection between the cockpit and the vehicle body.[4] If implemented, vehicle owners, independent repair shops, and smaller garages would need BMW-specific tooling to perform work that currently requires common hand tools.
Spider-Man in-car advertising (2026)
[edit | edit source]- Main article: BMW Spider-Man in-car advertising
In July 2026, BMW began displaying a banner on vehicle owners' infotainment units that, when tapped, plays a Spider-Man animation with an accompanying light show using the car's lighting system, despite stating that they would not sell ads that appear on the infotainment system.[5][6]
See also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Williams, Evan (2025-12-17). "BMW Patents Proprietary Screws That Only Dealerships Can Remove". CarBuzz. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ Pappas, Thanos (2025-12-22). "BMW Just Designed A Screw That Locks You Out Of Your Own Repairs". Carscoops. Retrieved 2026-03-26.
- ↑ Phil DiIanni (2026-07-28). "BMW brings modern mobility to the Sony Pictures film "Spider-Man™: Brand New Day"". BMW Group PressClub USA. Retrieved 2026-07-31.
- ↑ Jason Torchinsky (2026-07-28). "BMW Is Showing Commercials On Their Car's Dash Screens And They Want You To Think It's A Treat". The Autopian. Retrieved 2026-07-31.