Semiconductors run pretty much all the smart features in modern vehicles. However, a severe semiconductor shortage has hit the auto industry, causing many manufacturers to cut down car production numbers. However,

BMW

chose to remove the touchscreen from a few models to maintain its production levels.

There is still some good news for people buying the affected BMW models. The company will offer a $500 credit to buyers who purchase cars without the touchscreen, which will lower the cost of the vehicles.

Some popular BMW models won’t come with a touchscreen due to the chip shortage.

Which BMW models won’t have touchscreens?

According to a recent post by

Autoblog

, as many as six models may have their touchscreens removed. These models include the BMW Z4, X7, X6, X5, 3 Series, and 4 Series, except the i4 EV. BMW released a statement saying that the industry-wide supply chain problem has affected automotive manufacturers worldwide and limited the availability of particular features.

It is unclear how long the chip shortage will affect these models or if any other models will be added to the no-touchscreen list in the coming days. However, the company is expected to announce any changes to the list or other features that may be affected by the shortage.

Car buyers who will be affected by the removal of the touchscreen can access the $500 credit by activating code “6UY" on the vehicle window stickers. This code is listed as “deletion of touchscreen” and will immediately reduce MSRP by $500.

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The touchscreen removal will affect other features

MORE: An All-New Infotainment Screen Is Featured on the 2022 Infiniti QX80

If the affected trim comes with the optional Parking Assistant package, it will lose the BMW Backup Assistant. The feature helps you reverse your vehicle automatically the same way you pulled the car into your parking spot. This comes in handy when navigating very narrow parking spots or reversing in an area with poor visibility.

All other infotainment features will work, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some of the features that could be operated with a BMW touchscreen will be accessible via a knob on the side of the screen or voice commands.

Other features of the instrument cluster remain the same. It is up to the buyers to determine if the $500 is worth the inconvenience of operating a new BMW without the touchscreen.

The chip shortage is a huge problem in the auto industry

PCMag

said that the removal of the BMW touchscreen is a relatively small concession from the carmaker. Many other automakers have been forced to cut production in significant numbers. Carmakers like Toyota reduced their output by a whopping 40%, while GM has severely cut production in eight of its North American assembly plants. In fact, GM plans to halt production in Indiana, Michigan, and Tennessee.

The chip shortage is a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. As countries enforced a lockdown, the semiconductor industry focused on the production of chips for consumer products. When the pandemic eased and automakers went back into production, there were few chips to meet the demand.

Given that the outsourcing and design process is quite complex, the automakers are stuck with their existing semiconductor suppliers, who cannot increase their capacity at this time. Unfortunately, there is no reprieve in sight for the issue.

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