BMW Has removed Premium Features to keep production lines rolling.

[csv8]

"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.

Archive Whichcar 2019 03 19 73385 BMW X 7 X Drive 40 I 2054
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, and Harman Kardon and B&W premium sound systems have been deleted across the range.

WhichCar has contacted BMW Australia to find out if local buyers will be impacted by the new changes.

“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."
https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/bmw...uctor-shortage

[Citroënbender]

Does this mean indicators are not even optional now?

[Franco Cozzo]

They might make it out of warranty period now before crapping out

[Falcon SXR8]

My hopes of a simple car with no fancy gadgets and wind up windows gets closer

[b0son]

Given how useless a touchscreen is on anything other than a perfectly smooth road, probably not nearly as big an issue as it sounds.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

Does this mean indicators are not even optional now?

now that I own one I realize the they are a pita, they will cancel midway on a roundabout for no reason..
so yes I have been glared at for not using my indicators

[oldel]

I wonder if they'll go aussie spec?
In the 90s merc offered an aussie spec W201:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W201#180_E

nothing but a/c, pwr str and central locking. They stripped the radio, power windows, cruise, power seats, climate control, ABS etc. They also discounted by almost $20k!,