IANAL, but my understanding is that (in the US) the legal mechanism used for things like this is typically from our old friend the DMCA, which has provisions against “circumventing copyright controls”. The thinnest veneer of software control over the hardware system is sufficient justification to make this claim – since something something software something copyright, however legally suspect in the big picture. (Remember, they just need to make the threat most of the time!)
Circumventions that completely bypass software control are, as I understand it, a bit less tested. If you just spliced the power leads to a switch and a fuse in the 12v system and had working seats, you might be OK. Of course, if there’s any sort of microcontroller in that seat and you are splicing in before that point, the manufacturer can 1) use digital control shenanigans to try to prevent you from doing this, and 2) probably make a (legally dubious but sufficient to ruin your day) DMCA claim against you.
Splicing directly into the heater element would be the equivalent of the “analog hole” in DMCA nerd-talk, but how easy that is is entirely dependent on the design of the seat.
Because when one purchases a luxury car from a luxury car brand, one should expect to shell out more later on (ex: premium gas; higher parts costs; higher insurance).
Artec’s entry-level “Eva Lite” 3D scanner costs €6,700, and the “Eva” model costs €13,700, but they are physically the same device, and you can pay to “upgrade” one into the other.
The thing they don’t advertise is that all their 3D scanners are literally just a basic-ass camera and a strobe light packaged in a fancy case, with 100% of the hard stuff happening in the software. They pretend you’re paying for the device, but in truth it’s little more than an elaborate dongle.
I have mixed feelings about the ethics. Considering the work that’s gone into the overall stack, and the tiny market they’re selling to, it’s not totally crazy that they charge each customer thousands of dollars. But they’re essentially being dishonest about the nature of the business relationship, which rubs folks the wrong way. The scanner itself isn’t “worth” thousands, because if you try to sell it, it’s just a brick unless Artec (reluctantly) agree to transfer the software license that makes it work. What they’re really selling is something more like a consultancy service, so why not just be honest about that?
People don’t necessarily mind subscriptions or fees or leasing arrangements. They’re just suspicious of business relationships based on trickery, and with good reason.
The amazing thing is that BMW drivers are willing to pay hundreds for subscriptions to avoid the effort of making or buying a bypass harness that would cost $10.
IMHO, BMW can still totally redeem themselves in the eyes of their customers by allowing them to deactivate their turn signals in exchange for an option that is just the driver’s heated seat.
Would also need access to the interface control documentation, both software and electrical, and a thorough understanding of the built-in test that the car runs for the heater control circuitry.
Is there a tenperature-controlled switch for overtemp safety? Maybe, maybe not.
Does the car monitor current draw on various circuits and flag a fault if current draw is unexpectedly high? Probably, but maybe not.
A simple bypass harness could easily turn the seat into a fire.
Wired mag has an article about hacking cars to unlock features:
IANAL, smaller features like comfort options are one thing, but lane departure and other more critical features like dynamic cruise control could if unlocked without the MNFG’s blessing open one up to liability in the event of an accident.
Alternative take: manufacturers selling cars with the capability to implement safety features like this, but holding out on enabling them in order to yank more $$$ from customers, is breathtakingly unethical and amoral.
