Car Manufacturers Monetizing Ownership

[XraytecH]

Imagine having to pay a monthly subscription to have a Key Fob with remote start.

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[BringTheLightnin]

My wife wanted a BMW X3 and that's the main reason we ended up getting something else. I could never pay that much for a car and then have to pay a subscription for it like that. I get paying like $100 a year to use an app for certain things but not heated seats or stuff that my car came with

 

[toddarama]

While it was bound to happen sooner or later .... I sort of blame Elon Musk and Tesla for accelerating the introduction of the software subscription model to automotive ownership

 

[JTenn]

Ad long as we the people keep paying for this crap, they will keep pushing the boundaries. I applaud those with the willingness to walk away from a deal based on the refusal to feed corporate greed.

 

[IPRoutes]

What happens if you cancel? Will the manufacturer remotely control the ECU and turn off the feature?

 

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

What happens if you cancel? Will the manufacturer remotely control the ECU and turn off the feature?

Yes

 

[WoolyKris]

I’m sure there will be lawsuits coming as manufacturers push customers. I understand stuff like remote start via app since you need to pay for the technical support, but things that are already bolted on the car is quite different story. Deere just lost on the right to repair battle . If not once the warranty expires just jail break the car and you will have all the toys for free…

 

[redriderjf87]

I hope more people begin rejecting this subscription crap. Keyword hope

 

[Rahkmalla]

I'm playing devil's advocate here, but there is an argument to be made for BMW's side:

"It's cheaper for those that want the feature if you install it on every vehicle (simplifies manufacturing which saves money), but since not everyone wants the feature, you should only charge those that use it"

Now, i can tear that argument apart in 2 seconds because every auto manufacturer in existence packages features, and no one has ever said diddly about saving the customers who don't want individual features money by only charging those who do use it while installing it on everything.

It's an argument that assumes you ignore a lot of other mnfr shenanigans to pretend it has any validity. But it is an argument that they make.

 

[Chunky White]

Paying for heater seats and such is crazy especially on European cars which lose their value so quick.

 

[sharpsicle]

This 100% needs to be made illegal.

What's next? Cruise control? Headlights? Power locks?

I bought these things. I own them.

 

[Kevin_D]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-billions-by-charging-you-monthly-fees.54690/

 

[dcmdon]

I'm playing devil's advocate here, but there is an argument to be made for BMW's side:

"It's cheaper for those that want the feature if you install it on every vehicle (simplifies manufacturing which saves money), but since not everyone wants the feature, you should only charge those that use it"

Now, i can tear that argument apart in 2 seconds because every auto manufacturer in existence packages features, and no one has ever said diddly about saving the customers who don't want individual features money by only charging those who do use it while installing it on everything.

It's an argument that assumes you ignore a lot of other mnfr shenanigans to pretend it has any validity. But it is an argument that they make.

I'm actually fine with paying a one time fee to unlock a given feature.

But the subscription model is much worse. Unless of course it's something that requires back end support, like starting with an app.

 

[DailyMoparGuy]

That’s fuckin insane. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.

 

[dcmdon]

The BMW CarPlay subscriptions was a typical example of irrational Internet hysteria.

Would you be upset if BMW charged $300 for car play? I wouldn't.

But they charged $300 for 20 years of car play. Which for all practical purposes is forever since long before then it's going to become useless because of the obsolescence of tech supporting it.

if they wanted to charge $20/month, that's worth being angry over. But the 20 year term makes it essentially a purchase.

If you are leasing the car for an amount equal to or less than 3 years, then $80 for the 3 year subscription is fine. It's a lease. You are paying for use for the entire car.

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