BMW unexpectedly encountered a problem that seems almost absurd for the modern automotive industry. The company was forced to suspend part of BMW iX1 production due to a shortage of ordinary 17- and 18-inch wheel rims.

The problem turned out to be more serious than it seems. According to the publication, the BMW plant only has enough stock of standard wheels until the end of May, and June production is already under threat. Some customers in Europe have been informed of delivery delays until October.

The most interesting part is BMW's solution. Customers are offered to switch to 19-inch rims, which are available from suppliers. But there's a catch: such wheels are not only more expensive by approximately 1900 euros (157,000 rubles), but also reduce the electric crossover's range.

For electric vehicles, wheel size is particularly important. Larger rims are usually heavier and worsen aerodynamics, which directly affects efficiency. According to BMW, the iX1 with 17-inch wheels can travel up to 515 km according to WLTP, while the version with 20-inch rims loses more than 20 km of range.

The story clearly shows how fragile modern supply chains remain. Automakers have learned to produce complex batteries, power electronics, and semi-autonomous systems, but even a shortage of a relatively simple part can halt the assembly line. Especially in the EV era, where components and logistics are becoming increasingly specialized.

For BMW, the situation is particularly sensitive: the iX1 remains one of the brand's key mass-market electric models in Europe. And against the backdrop of growing competition from Chinese brands, even minor delivery delays become a serious problem.