News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on BMW Patents Proprietary Screws That Only Dealerships Can Remove. Parent comment

Re:BMW Patents Proprietary Screws That Only Dealerships Can ... by salawat on Monday December 22, 2025 @09:46AM (#46354511)
>The idea that a carmaker would purposely engineer flaws into core engine components in order to drive future sales doesn’t make much sense.

You need to realize modern business revolves not around one-and-done, but around recurring revenue streams. To the "business minded" the only thing that doesn't make sense is leaving money on the table.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:BMW Patents Proprietary Screws That Only Dealerships Can ... by ryeights on Monday December 22, 2025 @11:55AM (#46355878)
Selling people grenading engines is not a great way to build recurring revenue streams. And building performant, efficient, and reliable engines is hard enough without intentional sabotage
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:BMW Patents Proprietary Screws That Only Dealerships Can ... by salawat on Wednesday December 24, 2025 @12:36AM (#46372797)
Nevertheless, as long as everyone else optimizes to the same metrics (minimized Bill of Materials, and building for assembly, not service), it may not be great, but it undeniably works.

Wanna start a car company?

[ Parent | on HN ]