Computer Chip Shortage
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2021
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A-class 220
Computer Chip Shortage
Just ordered a car and told that wireless charging is no longer offered b/c of the computer chip shortage.
Has anyone else heard the same and/or what are people hearing about features being cut b/c of the shortage?
Has anyone else heard the same and/or what are people hearing about features being cut b/c of the shortage?
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 789
Likes: 47
From: Eastern Massachusetts
2021 E450, 2020 C43, 2015 C300, 2007 C280
I ordered my E450 in early 03/21. I got one of the last production slots for MY 2021 in mid-06/21. The ship docked in Baltimore last Friday, 07/30/21. (I have heard of vehicles still sitting on the pier after three months!) The dealer expects delivery within two weeks. i think he is being professionally optimistic.So far so good, actually better than average. The bad news: The only effect of the chip shortage is the absence of Emergency Call Service, SOS for fuel and other assistance, Engine Remote Start, and I don't know what else (apparently, features located in the overhead console). If Mercedes ME Connect and other notifications of theft are not available, I will have to buy Lojack. I didn't order wireless charging. The necessary chip is not expected before next June!
Last edited by gfmohn; Aug 2, 2021 at 11:11 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,403
Likes: 5,324
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Yeah, they are leaving out more and more modules. The cars that are currently arriving are all missing the HERMES module, which is the communications module required for eCall and all the Mercedes me services such as live traffic etc. Basically everything that requires the Internet connection won't be working. Buyers are being asked to sign a waiver making them aware of the missing HERMES module, and supposedly it will be retrofitted at some later point when the supply is there again. No commitment on when that will occur. It will get worse, though. I just read that MB etc. despite what's been happening so far have been somewhat coasting along with existing inventory, but those inventories are running dry now. They have started to stop production and will probably shorten the model years and start cutting options across the board. Various models have already been delivered with missing options instead of the cars being delayed. It's not looking good at the moment for ordering a car and actually receiving it as ordered.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 21
Likes: 17
From: Rhode Island
2021 Mercedes Benz E450 All-Terrain Wagon
I ordered my E450 in early 03/21. I got one of the last production slots for MY 2021 in mid-06/21. The ship docked in Baltimore last Friday, 07/30/21. (I have heard of vehicles still sitting on the pier after three months!) The dealer expects delivery within two weeks. i think he is being professionally optimistic. So far so good, actually better than average. The bad news: The only effect of the chip shortage is the absence of Emergency Call Service, SOS for fuel and other assistance, Engine Remote Start, and I don't know what else (apparently, features located in the overhead console). If Mercedes ME Connect and other notifications of theft are not available, I will have to buy Lojack. I didn't order wireless charging. The necessary chip is not expected before next June!
I was told prior to the build that the heating steering wheel was no longer an option because of the chip shortage, and upon arrival at the port the dealer told me the augmented video for navigation and the dash cam were also not part of the build. Actually MB credited me for those items and added an additional $300 credit to my price for the inconvenience apparently.
I signed a document acknowledging the Hermes Module was missing and these functions will not work until the car is retrofitted - eCall emergency call system, Mercedes me Connect Standard Services, Extended MBUX Functions, Live Traffic Information, Map Update, Navigation Services, Hard-Disc Navigation, Remote Services Remote Services Plus, Remote Services Premium, Remote Services Advanced, Digital Key Handover, URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection, URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus, Concierge Service Energizing Package ERNERGIZING Package Plus.
Like superswiss indicated it is not looking good for those looking to order a car at this time.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 789
Likes: 47
From: Eastern Massachusetts
2021 E450, 2020 C43, 2015 C300, 2007 C280
Thanks for your reply. I just got done speaking with my dealer and signing the same waiver. My dealer estimated 10-15 days for delivery after signing the form.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2021
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A-class 220
Wow! Seems like the situation has gotten worse than expected. I ordered in June and still waiting to hear on next steps... My dealer guesses that early 2022 is when it will be ready, but that seems optimistic on what I am reading here...
I am now also being told that the "Premium Package" is no longer available....
I am now also being told that the "Premium Package" is no longer available....
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
A-class 220
I ordered my E450 in early 03/21. I got one of the last production slots for MY 2021 in mid-06/21. The ship docked in Baltimore last Friday, 07/30/21. (I have heard of vehicles still sitting on the pier after three months!) The dealer expects delivery within two weeks. i think he is being professionally optimistic.So far so good, actually better than average. The bad news: The only effect of the chip shortage is the absence of Emergency Call Service, SOS for fuel and other assistance, Engine Remote Start, and I don't know what else (apparently, features located in the overhead console). If Mercedes ME Connect and other notifications of theft are not available, I will have to buy Lojack. I didn't order wireless charging. The necessary chip is not expected before next June!
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
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2002 C230K Coupe, 2020 E450 4Matic Wagon
I ordered a 2021 GLC 300 4Matic on Feb 24, 2021. Was built on June 10. Left Germany Jun 29. Arrived in Long Beach July 23. Signed waiver on July 25 accepting the missing comm chip. Got new status on Aug 19 that the Vehicle Prep Center was waiting for parts. Suspect that my car with the additional rear airbags was impacted by the recall of the side impact sensor. New forecast for releasing the vehicle is now late Sept or early Oct 2021.
Cannot find a comparable GLC within a 500 mile radius (Driver Assist/Prem Package/Multimedia Package/Dashcam/No sunroof/wireless charging/LED Logo Projectors/Surround View/Burmester Sound/12.3” Instrument cluster/rear side airbags). Inventory on GLCs is very low. Lots of GLCs stuck in Long Beach. They may be waiting for the comm chip too.
I quess I have to do with my old faithful 2002 C230K coupe.
Cannot find a comparable GLC within a 500 mile radius (Driver Assist/Prem Package/Multimedia Package/Dashcam/No sunroof/wireless charging/LED Logo Projectors/Surround View/Burmester Sound/12.3” Instrument cluster/rear side airbags). Inventory on GLCs is very low. Lots of GLCs stuck in Long Beach. They may be waiting for the comm chip too.
I quess I have to do with my old faithful 2002 C230K coupe.
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 789
Likes: 47
From: Eastern Massachusetts
2021 E450, 2020 C43, 2015 C300, 2007 C280
I picked up my E450 on Tues., 08/24/21. It is a huge step above my previous C300 and C43. I didn't know cars could be made that good. "The Best, or Nothing" finally really applies.
Last edited by gfmohn; Aug 26, 2021 at 10:48 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 92
Likes: 23
2021 E-350 Loaded
My fully loaded E-350 with most every available option came less the Hermes chip.
Beautiful, incredible car and so fast for a 350!
Chip supposed to arrive 1st quarter of 22 bur I'll believe when it arrived.
I'm not so sure on the wireless charging statement related to missing chip as mine appears to be working.
Beautiful, incredible car and so fast for a 350!
Chip supposed to arrive 1st quarter of 22 bur I'll believe when it arrived.
I'm not so sure on the wireless charging statement related to missing chip as mine appears to be working.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 12
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A-class 220
I ordered a 2021 GLC 300 4Matic on Feb 24, 2021. Was built on June 10. Left Germany Jun 29. Arrived in Long Beach July 23. Signed waiver on July 25 accepting the missing comm chip. Got new status on Aug 19 that the Vehicle Prep Center was waiting for parts. Suspect that my car with the additional rear airbags was impacted by the recall of the side impact sensor. New forecast for releasing the vehicle is now late Sept or early Oct 2021.
Cannot find a comparable GLC within a 500 mile radius (Driver Assist/Prem Package/Multimedia Package/Dashcam/No sunroof/wireless charging/LED Logo Projectors/Surround View/Burmester Sound/12.3” Instrument cluster/rear side airbags). Inventory on GLCs is very low. Lots of GLCs stuck in Long Beach. They may be waiting for the comm chip too.
I quess I have to do with my old faithful 2002 C230K coupe.
Cannot find a comparable GLC within a 500 mile radius (Driver Assist/Prem Package/Multimedia Package/Dashcam/No sunroof/wireless charging/LED Logo Projectors/Surround View/Burmester Sound/12.3” Instrument cluster/rear side airbags). Inventory on GLCs is very low. Lots of GLCs stuck in Long Beach. They may be waiting for the comm chip too.
I quess I have to do with my old faithful 2002 C230K coupe.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
A-class 220
My fully loaded E-350 with most every available option came less the Hermes chip.
Beautiful, incredible car and so fast for a 350!
Chip supposed to arrive 1st quarter of 22 bur I'll believe when it arrived.
I'm not so sure on the wireless charging statement related to missing chip as mine appears to be working.
Beautiful, incredible car and so fast for a 350!
Chip supposed to arrive 1st quarter of 22 bur I'll believe when it arrived.
I'm not so sure on the wireless charging statement related to missing chip as mine appears to be working.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 66
Likes: 11
none
2022 E4504MATIC Coupe order
I now too have to sign for a 2022 E450Matic Coupe that I order in May. No internet module.
Additionally, no Hands Free Access to the trunk. And no Augmented Video for Navigation.
All other features and options, including Warmth&Comfort, Premium, Head-Up, Air Ride, wireless charging, all seem to be there. They credited $100 for the missing hands Free Access and $300 for the missing Internet, with a promise to retro fit next year for free.
All in all a very disappointing experience, but I suppose I should be grateful I can get anything at all.
Additionally, no Hands Free Access to the trunk. And no Augmented Video for Navigation.
All other features and options, including Warmth&Comfort, Premium, Head-Up, Air Ride, wireless charging, all seem to be there. They credited $100 for the missing hands Free Access and $300 for the missing Internet, with a promise to retro fit next year for free.
All in all a very disappointing experience, but I suppose I should be grateful I can get anything at all.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 66
Likes: 11
none
Does it seem reasonable to try and "hold back" say, around $5000, until the HERMES module is installed? If I had a contractor building something at my house and he completed most of the job but wasn't finished, I wouldn't give him all the money. I'd hold back money so he had to come back and finish. This seems like the same kind of situation.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 92
Likes: 23
2021 E-350 Loaded
Does it seem reasonable to try and "hold back" say, around $5000, until the HERMES module is installed? If I had a contractor building something at my house and he completed most of the job but wasn't finished, I wouldn't give him all the money. I'd hold back money so he had to come back and finish. This seems like the same kind of situation.
My brother was offered $10K it he didn't want his car. (2021 Corvette)
In my case they didn't even get or want a deposit. Florida
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 66
Likes: 11
none
It's just that you know how this goes. The cost of retrofitting Comm modules in the fields is quite high. Therefore, MB MUST, as a matter of fiduciary responsibility, take all Comm units they get and install them in factory cars so that they will reduce the number of cars in the field that they have to retrofit. That means no car in the field will get a retrofit until supplies of Comm units are so high that MB knows they will never have to ship another car with a missing Comm unit. Only then will we get our upgrades.
Who knows how long that will be.
Who knows how long that will be.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,403
Likes: 5,324
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Yep, don't expect to get missing modules anytime soon. Until there is enough supply for new cars rolling of the production lines, there won't be retrofits. It seems the current supply is being prioritized for the more expensive and higher trim models. AMGs for example seem to still come with the HERMES module. The supply that is available is going to the models with the highest profit margins.
Also, expect the shortage to last for a long time. Just read the following article today, which highlights the core issue underlying the chip shortage for the car industry. They rely on obsolete technology that's often over a decade old. Chip manufacturers are not keen on making investments to expand production capacity for old chip designs. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense for them.
https://fortune.com/2021/09/17/chip-...stone-age/amp/
Also, expect the shortage to last for a long time. Just read the following article today, which highlights the core issue underlying the chip shortage for the car industry. They rely on obsolete technology that's often over a decade old. Chip manufacturers are not keen on making investments to expand production capacity for old chip designs. That doesn't make a whole lot of sense for them.
https://fortune.com/2021/09/17/chip-...stone-age/amp/
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 66
Likes: 11
none
Thanks. That was a great article.
It can easily explain the backlog of things like heated steering wheel controllers, or trunk openers. I can certainly see old chips being used in all the safety systems and the engine control systems.
I'd have a harder time believing that MBUX is based on 20 year old chips.
It's hard to believe that the HERMES Comm module that supports Car to X communications is based on a 15 year old chip design. If that's going to work at all, it has to be based on at least LTE chip designs, and hopefully 5G chip designs. Likewise wireless charging that some people are having a hard time getting also cannot be based on old designs since that didn't exist more than a few years ago.
It can easily explain the backlog of things like heated steering wheel controllers, or trunk openers. I can certainly see old chips being used in all the safety systems and the engine control systems.
I'd have a harder time believing that MBUX is based on 20 year old chips.
It's hard to believe that the HERMES Comm module that supports Car to X communications is based on a 15 year old chip design. If that's going to work at all, it has to be based on at least LTE chip designs, and hopefully 5G chip designs. Likewise wireless charging that some people are having a hard time getting also cannot be based on old designs since that didn't exist more than a few years ago.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,403
Likes: 5,324
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Thanks. That was a great article.
It can easily explain the backlog of things like heated steering wheel controllers, or trunk openers. I can certainly see old chips being used in all the safety systems and the engine control systems.
I'd have a harder time believing that MBUX is based on 20 year old chips.
It's hard to believe that the HERMES Comm module that supports Car to X communications is based on a 15 year old chip design. If that's going to work at all, it has to be based on at least LTE chip designs, and hopefully 5G chip designs. Likewise wireless charging that some people are having a hard time getting also cannot be based on old designs since that didn't exist more than a few years ago.
It can easily explain the backlog of things like heated steering wheel controllers, or trunk openers. I can certainly see old chips being used in all the safety systems and the engine control systems.
I'd have a harder time believing that MBUX is based on 20 year old chips.
It's hard to believe that the HERMES Comm module that supports Car to X communications is based on a 15 year old chip design. If that's going to work at all, it has to be based on at least LTE chip designs, and hopefully 5G chip designs. Likewise wireless charging that some people are having a hard time getting also cannot be based on old designs since that didn't exist more than a few years ago.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
2002 C230K Coupe, 2020 E450 4Matic Wagon
My dealer called about my 2021 GLC 300 4Matic that I ordered in Feb 2021. It was rolling off the transport and I could pick it up the next day. The night before I was worried about whether the dealer would try to get above MSRP for the car and whether they would low ball me on my trade in (2002 C230K coupe). To my amazement the dealer gave me 9% off the MSRP and gave me $1500 for the trade in which was what I expected. They were grateful of my patience for the long wait. Without the Hermes chip the price was lowered by $350 for the Augmented Reality, $300 for the Hermes chip, and $200 for the dashcam. Once the car is fitted with the chip, Augmented reality and dashcam should work along with the other features the Hermes chip enables.
The GLC is my first SUV so it seems a lot bigger than I am used to but with the driver’s assistance package, blind spot detection, and the surround view cameras it will be easy to get used to. The MBUX assistant feature is very nice.
The GLC is my first SUV so it seems a lot bigger than I am used to but with the driver’s assistance package, blind spot detection, and the surround view cameras it will be easy to get used to. The MBUX assistant feature is very nice.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 738
Likes: 163
From: Orlando, FL
2016 E400 Coupe (C207)
It will interesting to see how warranty claims work out on these cars, what with so many things being retrofitted at undetermined future dates. I expect chaos and pissed off owners.
