BMW Subscriptions and the MSRP

EngineGoBrrr · 12-19-2022, 03:42 PM

Businesses speak the language of money, so we will just vote with our wallets.

Paying for software makes more sense than hardware. Since there are necessary updates throughout its life cycle. Paying to unlock increased power for Polestar or MB is essentially paying for a warranty on a tune. How they approach it is a different issue as Polestar is a one time payment whereas MB is a subscription.

Having a subscription just to turn on existing hardware will most likely not sit well with consumers. I understand that the original owner and subsequent owners may or may not want the heated seats and can subscribe to their liking. But if the car originally has heated seats, then it would also have an impact on the resale value.

Would be interesting to see if they start charging a subscription for AWD later down the line. Where your car is RWD only unless you pay a monthly subscription for AWD. Because by the same logic, one would only need AWD during the winter months, correct?

F32Fleet · 12-21-2022, 10:33 AM

It's ridiculous because the hardware is already installed. Believe it or not but there is a difference in the feel between seats with and without the heating elements.

cooolone2 · 12-21-2022, 11:46 AM

Leasing and subscriptions, well ok. Seems to fit the market for those who don't want to own or retain ownership. For those who purchase or intend to keep their vehicles, then subscription is ridiculous!

The problem is BMW fixing what isn't broken. It's not introducing subscription on a market need, they're creating the need. Same goes for the recent exterior discombobulation of their formerly attractive designs...

Subscription + Poor Aesthetics will work out great for BMW... Lol

12-19-2022, 03:42 PM	#45
EngineGoBrrr Private 58 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2022 X5 45e, 2023 X1 Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Businesses speak the language of money, so we will just vote with our wallets. Paying for software makes more sense than hardware. Since there are necessary updates throughout its life cycle. Paying to unlock increased power for Polestar or MB is essentially paying for a warranty on a tune. How they approach it is a different issue as Polestar is a one time payment whereas MB is a subscription. Having a subscription just to turn on existing hardware will most likely not sit well with consumers. I understand that the original owner and subsequent owners may or may not want the heated seats and can subscribe to their liking. But if the car originally has heated seats, then it would also have an impact on the resale value. Would be interesting to see if they start charging a subscription for AWD later down the line. Where your car is RWD only unless you pay a monthly subscription for AWD. Because by the same logic, one would only need AWD during the winter months, correct?
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12-21-2022, 10:33 AM	#46
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3987 Rep 10,664 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	It's ridiculous because the hardware is already installed. Believe it or not but there is a difference in the feel between seats with and without the heating elements. __________________ "Drive more, worry less. " 435i, MPPK, MPE, M-Sport Line
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12-21-2022, 11:46 AM	#47
cooolone2 Captain 713 Rep 760 Posts Drives: 20' M240iX B58, 01' 330XI E46 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: NY, USA iTrader: (0)	Leasing and subscriptions, well ok. Seems to fit the market for those who don't want to own or retain ownership. For those who purchase or intend to keep their vehicles, then subscription is ridiculous! The problem is BMW fixing what isn't broken. It's not introducing subscription on a market need, they're creating the need. Same goes for the recent exterior discombobulation of their formerly attractive designs... Subscription + Poor Aesthetics will work out great for BMW... Lol
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