BMW removes premium features to keep production rolling – UPDATE

UPDATE, November 9: BMW Australia has confirmed a number of its models will not be available with a touchscreen and reversing assistance functionality.

The German marque said examples of its 2 Series Coupé, 3 Series Sedan and Touring, 4 Series Coupé, Gran Coupé and Convertible, Z4, X5, X6 and X7 entering production from this month will not be fitted with these features.

A spokesperson for the the company's local arm told WhichCar BMW "has had to temporarily revise the specification of certain models in light of the global semiconductor shortage and has adjusted pricing accordingly".

Australian buyers will receive a price reduction of $800 (including GST and LCT) to accommodate the changes.

"Our aim is to ensure supplies continue to reach our production plants. To this end, we are in constant exchange with our suppliers and communicate our realistic requirements in good time," the BMW Australia spokesperson said in a statement.

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The story to here

November 8: BMW has taken the drastic step of removing a number of key features from its models to ensure its production lines continue to operate.

The global semiconductor shortage has caused major disruptions for all car companies, with many being forced to either temporarily halt production or store incomplete cars until more chips arrive – though some, like BMW, have opted to remove items from its models.

BMW employee Jon Shafer posted details of the changes on internet forum Bimmerfest, which covers 3 Series, 4 Series, Z4, X5, X6, and X7 models.

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The post outlines ‘Option Code 6UY’, which deletes the touchscreen functionality from the infotainment screen, along with the semi-autonomous parking assist feature. The infotainment system can still be navigated using the iDrive controller and voice command.

“In an effort to maintain production levels through the end of the year, we have decided to remove the touch functionality from the Central Information Display in several vehicles starting production this week,” Shafer says in the post.

Buyers in the US will be provided with a US$500 (AU$675) discount as compensation.

However, a report from August shows BMW has already dropped other features from local models, deleting passenger seat lumbar support and width adjustment.

Unconfirmed rumours suggest the digital key fob, wireless smartphone charging, and hands-free boot opening, as well as the removal of park assist and radar cruise control have been removed for lower models in some markets, and Harman Kardon and B&W premium sound systems have been deleted across the range.

“I expect the general tightness of the supply chains will continue in the next six to 12 months,” BMW CEO Oliver Zipse said in early September, but added he saw no long-term issues.

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Last month, BMW Group reported global sales were down 12 per cent year-on-year (including BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce brands), citing the semiconductor shortage.

With the small computer chips being key to the operation of electronics, some estimate traditional internal-combustion vehicles using as many as 200, while electric cars can use as many as 3500.

Though the coronavirus pandemic was blamed for the early supply-chain disruptions, Forbes has reported tech giants like Apple have been outbidding automotive manufacturers to ensure their supply of the semiconductors continues.