Yahoo Autos BMW removes touchscreen from a bunch of models due to chip shortage
Some unfortunate chip shortage news just broke for those in the market for a new BMW. Certain models are going to lose their touchscreen functionality to save silicon and allow BMW to maintain its current production levels. The news broke on the Bimmerfest forum, but BMW has since confirmed it to both Edmunds and us.
The following models are reportedly going to be shipped without touchscreen functionality.
BMW 4 Series Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe (excluding the i4)
It wasn’t all that long ago that iDrive-equipped BMWs didn’t have touchscreen functionality at all, as all screen control was done through the iDrive controller. We’re taking a trip back to the past with the above models now, as once again, the only way to control them will be via the iDrive controller on the center console. We asked BMW what additional information it could provide about the issue, and were provided with the following statement from a spokesperson.
“As you know, the global chip shortage is ongoing and impacting automakers worldwide. We are actively managing the situation and are in close contact with our suppliers. We do not have any further detail to share at this time.”
