GETTING HOT OVER BMW FUNCTIONS ON DEMAND

Heated seats are part of BMW Functions on Demand, a new program that attempts to create the ultimate driving machine. In some markets, it can be the ultimate profit generator, too. Napleton News has learned from reports that the company would begin charging a monthly fee for the operation of BMW heated seats that were so equipped.

The plan was to roll out with 2023 models in the United Kingdom. It’s still in the planning stages, but so far, some customers are raising a ruckus.

CNN reports that all is not lost. They claim you can still get heated seats by just ordering them “the regular way” when initially purchasing the car. Those who bought a new or used car without that feature can have BMW enable it for a fee. That way, buyers can try out having a nice warm seat on a cold day. Thankfully, we live in Florida, so the need for heated seats is less than if you lived up north.

If you were curious, the monthly subscription costs would be £10, which is roughly $12.

BMW FUNCTIONS ON DEMAND

BMW claims most of its customers in the United States demand a high level of content on their cars and SUVs. Options like heated seats are on the order sheets of nearly 90 percent of the vehicles sold in the USA. The company says if you order a BMW 5 Series with heated seats, that option will remain fully operational for the life of the vehicle. In other words, US customers will have heated seats at no further charge.

The new program will offer premium features through software updates with sensors already built into the vehicle. The company gives an example of a dash cam function called BMW Drive Recorder and BMW Remote Engine Start Function. The Drive Recorder uses existing cameras that are part of the advanced driver assist systems like adaptive cruise control. BMW owners will be able to download software that increases functionality. They can test it for a month to decide if they want to make it a permanent addition to their vehicle operational lineup.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY—OR AFTERWARDS, TOO

The Function on Demand program will allow customers to explore new features on a short-term basis by purchasing a trial version. Afterward, they may buy it for a defined period or for the life of the vehicle.

BMW is quick to note that the Functions on Demand feature is a digital aftersales solution that will not interfere with or make obsolete any of the options ordered at the time of vehicle purchase. The FOD feature has been introduced in many world markets, including to a minor degree, the United States.