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by heleninboodler 996 days ago
BMW now hides features behind signing into their absolutely atrocious online "app store." When I first got my car and was excited about exploring the features, I went through the incredible pain of logging into my account by typing my email and password with that little knob, and then one day it just logged me out and wanted me to do it all over again, and I can't be bothered so I just dismiss the dialog whenever I see it. So the upshot is they've created a set of features that aren't worth the trouble of the awful UX (and potential privacy issues), plus an occasional nag to remind me of that fact.

You also can't get a software update without installing their terrible mobile app (and logging in), so I take it to the dealer and make them do it.
3 comments
brucethemoose2 996 days ago
> so I take it to the dealer and make them do it.

Won't they charge you through the nose for this? We recently went to a Lexus dealer for something random but specific on an old Lexus, and they did basic service like an oil change. When we stepped inside, it was like a 5 star hotel lobby with ordurves and fancy hosts a bunch of weird junk.

We got the bill, and never even considered going back.

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heleninboodler 996 days ago
I had them do it when I was in for my (free) oil change, and they didn't charge me for it. I suppose they might if I brought it in for just the software update.
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ddtaylor 996 days ago
How the fuck is it possible they don't let you do all the authentication in the app and then pair it with the car?
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heleninboodler 996 days ago
Maybe they do, but I don't install apps for horseshit like this. I especially don't install apps from companies that are obviously terrible at software development, like car manufacturers.
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pmarreck 996 days ago
Tesla has none of these issues.
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nemosaltat 996 days ago
I have to admit, begrudgingly, that the Tesla App experience “JustWorksTM.” This is the 3rd I’ve picked up (3, Y, Y) and this time, I didn’t even have to pair my phone. I was signed into my existing app and my new Y just changed from an order number to a VIN and started working. All my preferences synced to my driver profile immediately.

If every experience with Tesla was like the initial buying experience I’d recommend it to anyone, however, let me assure anyone interested the honeymoon phase definitely ends.

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heleninboodler 996 days ago
Unfortunately I find Tesla's UX unbearable in other ways.
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