As of October 2026, Siemens S7-300 / ET 200M is in the PM410 spares-only phase for the general family. Siemens planning documentation identifies PM490 in October 2033 and PM500 in October 2035. Exact components can have exceptions.
Confirmed lifecycle milestones
| Date | Manufacturer milestone |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2023 | PM400 — product phase-out announced |
| 1 October 2025 | PM410 — product cancellation; spares-only for existing installations |
| 1 October 2033 | PM490 — planned product discontinuation (not PM500) |
| 1 October 2035 | PM500 — planned end of lifecycle, subject to exceptions |
Dates and scope are manufacturer-led; check individual catalogue numbers, market-specific rules and any updates before placing orders.
What does PM410 mean for an existing S7-300?
PM410 is not a deadline for switching off PLCs. It means Siemens no longer markets the affected S7-300 and ET 200M components for new plant projects; OEM supply is primarily for installed-system spares. That is a procurement change rather than a technical failure deadline.
A plant can continue running an S7-300 while it remains suitable, but new spare purchases should be more deliberate. Check your rack's exact order numbers, hardware releases and whether the relevant Siemens item is within the stated programme. The manufacturer's timeline allows earlier exceptions for some components.
The difference between PM490 and PM500
These are different Siemens milestones. PM490 is the product-discontinuation stage, planned for October 2033 in Siemens documentation for the S7-300/ET 200M programme. PM500 is described as the end of lifecycle, planned for October 2035. Neither stage should be interpreted as an absolute guarantee of spare-stock availability for every module.
The practical lesson: do not wait until 2033 to discover that a particular communications card, analogue module, power supply or memory medium is difficult to source. Verify availability against the complete catalogue number (MLFB), including revisions, rather than using the family name alone.
Critical S7-300 spares to inspect
Before buying a replacement CPU, document the fitted CPU 31x version, backplane arrangement, front connectors, power supply, PROFIBUS-DP or PROFINET interfaces, and the exact I/O modules. A plant may be stopped by an apparently minor module even when several processors remain in the storeroom.
For backup, maintain the original STEP 7 project, hardware configuration, any required licence and a recovery procedure that has actually been trialled. If a machine uses distributed ET 200M racks, account for IM communication modules and any safety-related requirements separately.
Should we migrate to S7-1500 now?
Migration might be the right long-term plan, especially for equipment with high downtime cost, but it should not be sold as a like-for-like CPU swap. You must assess the I/O architecture, PROFIBUS and PROFINET communications, HMI interface, drive references, safety logic, programme conversion and commissioning windows.
A sensible engineering route is to assess critical single points of failure first, secure recoverable backups, then decide whether tested legacy spares or a phased modernisation programme offers better risk reduction.
Questions engineers ask
Can I still buy a new S7-300 CPU?
Siemens generally provides spare parts for installed S7-300 systems under PM410, but actual stock and orderability depend on the exact MLFB and local supply route. Independent surplus stock may also be available.
Does PM490 in 2033 mean Siemens offers no more repairs?
No. PM490 is a separate product-discontinuation milestone and should not be described as the same as PM500. Check individual product notices and current repair arrangements.
Is ET 200M covered?
The Siemens programme covers S7-300 and ET 200M, with model-specific exceptions. Confirm the IM and I/O module numbers.
Official manufacturer references
These are manufacturer product records and notices, not secondary resale listings. Check each source for more recent revisions.
Editorial review: 8 October 2026 · Prepared by Automation Outlet, an independent UK controls-engineering business. This article provides lifecycle information, not a guarantee of stock or technical interchangeability.