BMW sells subscriptions to activate/use options already installed in their new cars!

[moparedtn]

I had no idea this was happening in any car...
BMW starts selling heated seat subscriptions for $18 a month

 

[ckessel]

Another reason not to own Teutonic Trash.

 

[moparedtn]

Another reason not to own Teutonic Trash.

If they're doing it already, it's only a matter of time until other makers do...

 

[GetX'd]

I will never buy a model or brand of vehicle that plays the “hostage“ game with monthly subscriptions to their options until such time it becomes physically impossible to avoid. And even then I will never activate any of those options - even if it means excluding everything save starting and putting the car in gear. What BMW is doing is one of the most atrocious scams I’ve heard of. Frankly you’ll hear no surprise comments from me when it falls flat on its face. I.e Consumer rebellion….

 

[DeltaV]

They have lost their way. Must now be run by bean counters instead of car people.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Let’s see how the Feds handle it…….bahahahahaha!!

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Let’s see how the Feds handle it…….bahahahahaha!!

 

[68-500]

I’ m not surprised. And I bet it works for them. People will “buy” the car at a lower sticker price there for lowering they’re monthly payments. Very few people actually buy a car these days, rent to own maybe a better terminology. If they want to feel pampered or impress a friend they turn some options on for a week or month . I hate it, but you can bet your *** it will sell. Unless there’s some law on the books that makes it illegal.

 

[Photon440]

Someone will start selling 'hacks' to bypass the subscription fee.

 

[kiwigtx]

BMW must have leaned that dirty trick from John Deere.

 

[toolmanmike]

Satellite radio anyone?

 

[Sam69sat]

Question: What's the difference between a bmw and a porcupine?

Answer: A bmw has the pricks on the inside.

 

[YY1]

Already been here but getting worse.

Pay a monthly fee for a credit card?

Monthly fee to go to a discount grocery?

Monthly fee for radio?

Monthly fee for streaming?

Monthly fee for MS Office?

Gonna get worse as more and more businesses figure out a recurring passive income stream is easy money and lots of folks keep paying after they basically stop using the product.

 

[moparedtn]

Don't forget cell phones and cable or satellite TN. Same principle.

 

[68-500]

Just seen on national news tonight. 60% of Americans are willing to pay subscription fees for options on their vehicles. Wake up Americans you already bought them options, they are robbing you! And your bending over to take it!

 

[YY1]

Consumers are buying in to the whole "bill you every month until you cancel or forever if you forget".

For a whole slew of things.

 

[toolmanmike]

Just seen on national news tonight. 60% of Americans are willing to pay subscription fees for options on their vehicles. Wake up Americans you already bought them options, they are robbing you! And your bending over to take it!

Most of the "options" that are subscription based are computer based or electronic. I'm sure it's cheaper to program the computer the same and turn on what you want to pay for. It's not like they install a V8 and turn 4 cylinders off and it costs X/month to get the other 4 turned on. It's like satellite radio. I would never use it unless I was traveling out of state. No need to pay for something you don't use.

 

[eldubb440]

Consumers are buying in to the whole "bill you every month until you cancel or forever if you forget".

For a whole slew of things.

young people love this ****, allowing free access to their bank account.......

new cars need a reader, so the tards can just "scan a code" to activate; or better yet an app on their phone....... they REALLY love that ****

 

[YY1]

Microprocessors went through that about 2 decades ago.

All built the same, but the cheaper ones crippled to run slower.

Big stink and some hacks to un-cripple them.

 

[GetX'd]

Lexus is now doing similar - but to a lesser degree. And they give you a 3 year free trial. It seems as tho GPS is the main accessory. But they also have wireless Apple play so you’ve really no need to purchase the subscription when the 3 yrs runs out. I’m looking at the new RX450h+ and brought up this issue. Seems less of an issue w/Lexus. Where I think BMW has gone rogue…