BMW Is Showing Commercials on Their Car's Dash Screens as a Treat
BMW’s move to show video ads on in-car dashboard screens is prompting backlash from drivers who see it as a betrayal of a supposedly premium brand and a broader trend of “enshittification” in connected products. Commenters worry that cars are becoming advertising and data-collection platforms—often with no meaningful way to opt out—while drawing parallels to smartphones, questioning the legality and ethics of such practices, and speculating about ad-blocking, right-to-repair workarounds, and shifting to less connected or non-Western vehicles.
Overall reaction to BMW in-car ads
- Many commenters see this as a new, decisive reason to avoid BMWs or return a newly bought car.
- Several express a sense of betrayal that a “premium” car now shows ads, calling it brand-degrading and desperate.
- Some already see short promo banners in their cars and call it “unacceptable” even if quickly overlaid by Android Auto.
BMW’s brand, pricing, and perceived decline
- Multiple comments argue BMW has shifted from engineering-led luxury to cost-cutting plus high prices, relying on marketing rather than substance.
- Others counter that, regardless of perceived quality, BMW is still positioned and priced as a luxury brand.
- Debate over whether younger buyers still see BMW as luxury; some suggest public transit or other brands instead.
- Rising prices (e.g., base 3-series around $50k) are seen as incompatible with intrusive ads.
Ads, “enshittification,” and ownership
- Strong sentiment that everything with a screen eventually becomes an ad platform; cars are following phones and PCs.
- Some view this as an inevitable result of public-company growth demands; others point to industries (e.g., airlines) where in-cabin ads didn’t fully spread as evidence it’s not inevitable.
- Commenters emphasize that owners have already paid tens of thousands for the car and feel captive after purchase.
- Several mention the idea of “adblockers for cars” and note it should be legal to remove ads or rewire features (e.g., seat heaters) to physical switches.
Comparisons with other automakers and tech platforms
- Reports that other brands (Volvo with “Google Built-In,” Google bundling movie promos, VW app lock-in) also push unwanted software, ads, or tracking.
- Some say “all automakers are bad,” citing privacy reports and data collection.
- Discussion of Chinese vs European cars: Chinese vehicles are perceived by some as better value, while European makers lean on brand and upsell tactics.
Safety, regulation, and future fears
- Backup camera mandates are cited as a driver for ubiquitous screens.
- Complaints about mandatory safety popups that delay dismissal and distract drivers.
- Some imagine a future of unskippable safety or tracking sequences on every startup; others dismiss this as speculative overreaction.
Advertising, society, and alternatives
- A few propose making ads illegal or heavily restricted, noting differences between regions but acknowledging unclear macro effects.
- Biking is discussed as an ideal alternative, but often impractical due to climate and infrastructure.