BMW
Contents8
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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
Overview of concerns that arise from the conduct towards users of the product (if applicable):
- User Freedom
- User Privacy
- Business Model
- Market Control
Add your text below this box. Once this section is complete, delete this box by clicking on it and pressing backspace.
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.
See also
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.