Even my 2005 Audi A6 had software locked features.

Some were probably tuned for different markets, like lock confirmation beep, but others were added as later model year updates like visualization of parking sensors which, IIRC, was added with the 2006 model year update.

Now, granted, the Audi dealer that had serviced my car prior to my ownership never bothered to install firmware updates, but even when I did it was off by default.

To update I needed to flash new firmware onto the ECU’s using 3 CD’s with various updates while the car was hooked up to a charger. The whole thing took about 3 hours.

And then I could use a third party diagnostic tool (VCDS) to set and enable the visualization of the parking sensors. Honestly can’t remember if it actually worked, but at least I got other features made available due to the software updates.

The problem, IMO, is the trend towards never owning anything - not software gated features.

And that trend is certainly negative.

You could. But then they could also deactivate your ignition of it doesn’t phone home every 1/2/3 week. For “safety” reasons.

I meant it can be technically replaced, but Tesla won’t sell you one if you break it for fun

AFAIK that’s never been borne out by a trial.

The driver is always responsible for the car regardless so in reality I don’t see it being an important point. Yes if something fails and it causes an accident you are on the hook if you had modified that system or failed to maintain it properly. The onus would always be on the driver to prove the manufacturer was negligent if they believe the car was not manufactured properly or designed safely.

So I wouldn’t mess around with self driving (personally I’d never even use it from the factory) but there’s little risk in touching many other things, these systems are designed to compartmentalize and fail safe even when you tinker with them. Though maybe not in Teslas case because they mistake the tribal knowledge of over 100years of automotive design and manufacturing for inefficiency. but I do not know a whole lot about Tesla computer systems, in ICE cars I mostly only touch the engine controls, and maybe traction control. In my current car I suppose you could do some real fucky things with electric power steering and brake by wire.

Most tuners won’t go beyond messing with throttle curves and traction control when it comes to anything safety related, as neither would cause any kind of serious failure unless you tried to re write the code to do something it wasn’t meant to to begin with.

Found someone probably around the same age as me lol.

You know, if it made the cup actually held, it was totally worth it.

I have no idea what this is referencing as a joke, but I’m dying to know. Please explain. I’m just waiting for it you know. Because I just don’t get it so I feel dumb. Then, I will be enlightened, and I will laugh so hard my pants fall down.