M4 CP LCI specification questions please
Discussion
I was hoping for some information please re: the M4 Competition Pack. I have had a google search re: the LCI changes but I have some questions please.
1) Are all M4 Competition Packs "LCI" or not?
2) Assuming that the answer to "1" above is no: when I am searching the classifieds, what is the easiest way of spotting an LCI M4 CP when you look at the advert photos? Is it the USB plug underneath the stereo? Or perhaps that fake stitching on the top of the plastic dash? Are these 2 features indicators of an LCI car? When did that fake stitching come along? Was it for LCI cars? I know the headlights and tail lights were upgraded for LCI cars but I don't know how to spot those changes in photos TBH.
3) What registration plate am I looking for for LCI cars? Is it 2017 onwards?
I think one of the key reasons to want the LCI version is the updated sat nav with the large tile-style control pads plus induction charging for your iPhone.
4) Is the LCI sat nav a touch screen like on my 2018 530e? (Not that I'm fussed about this, I never use the touch screen feature on my new 5 series).
5) Is Apple CarPlay standard, and if not can it be be added later on?
6) Is Apple CarPlay wireless?
7) One of the better youtube journalists reckoned that the very latest M4 CPs to be produced (cars made in 2018 basically) seemed to have better handling than the first M4 CPs produced. Do we know if BMW made chassis changes to the M4 CP for 2018 that would back this up? Is there any point spending a bit more for 2018 plate car?
Thanks in advance for your help.
1) Are all M4 Competition Packs "LCI" or not?
2) Assuming that the answer to "1" above is no: when I am searching the classifieds, what is the easiest way of spotting an LCI M4 CP when you look at the advert photos? Is it the USB plug underneath the stereo? Or perhaps that fake stitching on the top of the plastic dash? Are these 2 features indicators of an LCI car? When did that fake stitching come along? Was it for LCI cars? I know the headlights and tail lights were upgraded for LCI cars but I don't know how to spot those changes in photos TBH.
3) What registration plate am I looking for for LCI cars? Is it 2017 onwards?
I think one of the key reasons to want the LCI version is the updated sat nav with the large tile-style control pads plus induction charging for your iPhone.
4) Is the LCI sat nav a touch screen like on my 2018 530e? (Not that I'm fussed about this, I never use the touch screen feature on my new 5 series).
5) Is Apple CarPlay standard, and if not can it be be added later on?
6) Is Apple CarPlay wireless?
7) One of the better youtube journalists reckoned that the very latest M4 CPs to be produced (cars made in 2018 basically) seemed to have better handling than the first M4 CPs produced. Do we know if BMW made chassis changes to the M4 CP for 2018 that would back this up? Is there any point spending a bit more for 2018 plate car?
Thanks in advance for your help.
johnny senna said:
I was hoping for some information please re: the M4 Competition Pack. I have had a google search re: the LCI changes but I have some questions please.
1) Are all M4 Competition Packs "LCI" or not?
2) Assuming that the answer to "1" above is no: when I am searching the classifieds, what is the easiest way of spotting an LCI M4 CP when you look at the advert photos? Is it the USB plug underneath the stereo? Or perhaps that fake stitching on the top of the plastic dash? Are these 2 features indicators of an LCI car? When did that fake stitching come along? Was it for LCI cars? I know the headlights and tail lights were upgraded for LCI cars but I don't know how to spot those changes in photos TBH.
3) What registration plate am I looking for for LCI cars? Is it 2017 onwards?
I think one of the key reasons to want the LCI version is the updated sat nav with the large tile-style control pads plus induction charging for your iPhone.
4) Is the LCI sat nav a touch screen like on my 2018 530e? (Not that I'm fussed about this, I never use the touch screen feature on my new 5 series).
5) Is Apple CarPlay standard, and if not can it be be added later on?
6) Is Apple CarPlay wireless?
7) One of the better youtube journalists reckoned that the very latest M4 CPs to be produced (cars made in 2018 basically) seemed to have better handling than the first M4 CPs produced. Do we know if BMW made chassis changes to the M4 CP for 2018 that would back this up? Is there any point spending a bit more for 2018 plate car?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Comp pack predates facelift. Seems to have been around March 2016.1) Are all M4 Competition Packs "LCI" or not?
2) Assuming that the answer to "1" above is no: when I am searching the classifieds, what is the easiest way of spotting an LCI M4 CP when you look at the advert photos? Is it the USB plug underneath the stereo? Or perhaps that fake stitching on the top of the plastic dash? Are these 2 features indicators of an LCI car? When did that fake stitching come along? Was it for LCI cars? I know the headlights and tail lights were upgraded for LCI cars but I don't know how to spot those changes in photos TBH.
3) What registration plate am I looking for for LCI cars? Is it 2017 onwards?
I think one of the key reasons to want the LCI version is the updated sat nav with the large tile-style control pads plus induction charging for your iPhone.
4) Is the LCI sat nav a touch screen like on my 2018 530e? (Not that I'm fussed about this, I never use the touch screen feature on my new 5 series).
5) Is Apple CarPlay standard, and if not can it be be added later on?
6) Is Apple CarPlay wireless?
7) One of the better youtube journalists reckoned that the very latest M4 CPs to be produced (cars made in 2018 basically) seemed to have better handling than the first M4 CPs produced. Do we know if BMW made chassis changes to the M4 CP for 2018 that would back this up? Is there any point spending a bit more for 2018 plate car?
Thanks in advance for your help.
What I'd say, as you haven't covered it, is to be aware there seems to be a glut of these cars which are registered way after they were built. So reg plate may have less bearing than it may seem at first.
Try and get last 7 digits of VIN and google a BMW vin decoder, gives build date.
I found a thread on m3cutters which may help ?
https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threads/m4-lci-diff...
It reminded me that , typical BMW, the iDrive changes do not correlate with the facelift and headlights can be confusing because of the optional icon adaptive.
I don't know which journo you're referring to but both Catchpole and Prosser seemed to see the sweet spot as Comp Pack LCI and they were driving 2017 cars so I'm not sure you'd have to go to 2018. But I think with this generation , BMW have always been tweaking. I refer back to the point that build date may not correlate with reg. date so really bear that in mind if you're thinking of subtle changes. I don't think dealers take build date into account with their price valuation so a pricier 18 plate may be older and , in your case, less appealing.
Thank you, Smuler, that is a really helpful answer.
You are right, registration plate is not necessarily an indicator of when the car was built so I will need to be careful of that.
The link you gave for the M3cutters thread is also helpful. There were 2 facelifts by the look of it, the second facelift being in August 2017 and that brought the touch screen satnav.
You are right, registration plate is not necessarily an indicator of when the car was built so I will need to be careful of that.
The link you gave for the M3cutters thread is also helpful. There were 2 facelifts by the look of it, the second facelift being in August 2017 and that brought the touch screen satnav.
Edited by johnny senna on Saturday 29th December 11:53
Edited by johnny senna on Saturday 29th December 11:54
johnny senna said:
Thank you, Smuler, that is a really helpful answer.
You are right, registration plate is not necessarily an indicator of when the car was built so I will need to be careful of that.
The link you gave for the M3cutters thread is also helpful. There were 2 facelifts by the look of it, the second facelift being in August 2017 and that brought the touch screen satnav.
Yeah, similar to the E92 generation, the LCI is distinct from the iDrive update! typical BMW. You are right, registration plate is not necessarily an indicator of when the car was built so I will need to be careful of that.
The link you gave for the M3cutters thread is also helpful. There were 2 facelifts by the look of it, the second facelift being in August 2017 and that brought the touch screen satnav.
Edited by johnny senna on Saturday 29th December 11:53
Edited by johnny senna on Saturday 29th December 11:54
So it would seem that an Autumn 2017 build is a good bet, irrespective of reg.
One thing to check for, is whether there's a downside to some 2018 built cars. The M3 was killed because they didn't introduce the new emissions filter*, did any changes made to the continuing M4 impact on bhp/exhaust note. Sure I've read that being alleged. Would probably be from mid 2018 builds so probably newer than you're looking.
But if so could be a second reason why Autumn 2017 builds are truly the sweet spot.
- may not be exact term.
johnny senna said:
Thanks Smuler, yes it looks like Autumn 2017 is the sweet spot for the reasons you say. There is a thread on here where a chap says the exhaust note on his very new CP sounds different to his older version.
That's because the new WLTP standards meant BMW had to remove the carbon prop shaft replace with a thinner metal one to make room for a PPF in the exhaust to comply, this has apparently resulted in a quieter car. As well as the LCI you've got all the model year improvements as well as they really never stopped tinkering with this generation of cars.
The link below to the bimmerpost F8* forum M3/4 masses of info and knowledge on there (loads of sticky threads with all the official LCI details and MY updates etc...)
If I were you I'd look at a late 2017 or early 2018 car.
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/index.php
If I were you I'd look at a late 2017 or early 2018 car.
https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/index.php
CarPlay can be added later. Yes, it’s wireless.
Wireless charging isn’t dependent upon LCI.
Black seat badges indicate LCI as well as the new style rear lights, and possibly the headlights but as mentioned earlier that’s more difficult to be sure of since Icon LEDs were available pre LCI.
I’m not aware of any hardware changes made to suspension, etc, for 2018. If there is anything it would be software related I imagine but I really don’t think anything changed?
Wireless charging isn’t dependent upon LCI.
Black seat badges indicate LCI as well as the new style rear lights, and possibly the headlights but as mentioned earlier that’s more difficult to be sure of since Icon LEDs were available pre LCI.
I’m not aware of any hardware changes made to suspension, etc, for 2018. If there is anything it would be software related I imagine but I really don’t think anything changed?
Smuler said:
johnny senna said:
I was hoping for some information please re: the M4 Competition Pack. I have had a google search re: the LCI changes but I have some questions please.
1) Are all M4 Competition Packs "LCI" or not?
2) Assuming that the answer to "1" above is no: when I am searching the classifieds, what is the easiest way of spotting an LCI M4 CP when you look at the advert photos? Is it the USB plug underneath the stereo? Or perhaps that fake stitching on the top of the plastic dash? Are these 2 features indicators of an LCI car? When did that fake stitching come along? Was it for LCI cars? I know the headlights and tail lights were upgraded for LCI cars but I don't know how to spot those changes in photos TBH.
3) What registration plate am I looking for for LCI cars? Is it 2017 onwards?
I think one of the key reasons to want the LCI version is the updated sat nav with the large tile-style control pads plus induction charging for your iPhone.
4) Is the LCI sat nav a touch screen like on my 2018 530e? (Not that I'm fussed about this, I never use the touch screen feature on my new 5 series).
5) Is Apple CarPlay standard, and if not can it be be added later on?
6) Is Apple CarPlay wireless?
7) One of the better youtube journalists reckoned that the very latest M4 CPs to be produced (cars made in 2018 basically) seemed to have better handling than the first M4 CPs produced. Do we know if BMW made chassis changes to the M4 CP for 2018 that would back this up? Is there any point spending a bit more for 2018 plate car?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Comp pack predates facelift. Seems to have been around March 2016.1) Are all M4 Competition Packs "LCI" or not?
2) Assuming that the answer to "1" above is no: when I am searching the classifieds, what is the easiest way of spotting an LCI M4 CP when you look at the advert photos? Is it the USB plug underneath the stereo? Or perhaps that fake stitching on the top of the plastic dash? Are these 2 features indicators of an LCI car? When did that fake stitching come along? Was it for LCI cars? I know the headlights and tail lights were upgraded for LCI cars but I don't know how to spot those changes in photos TBH.
3) What registration plate am I looking for for LCI cars? Is it 2017 onwards?
I think one of the key reasons to want the LCI version is the updated sat nav with the large tile-style control pads plus induction charging for your iPhone.
4) Is the LCI sat nav a touch screen like on my 2018 530e? (Not that I'm fussed about this, I never use the touch screen feature on my new 5 series).
5) Is Apple CarPlay standard, and if not can it be be added later on?
6) Is Apple CarPlay wireless?
7) One of the better youtube journalists reckoned that the very latest M4 CPs to be produced (cars made in 2018 basically) seemed to have better handling than the first M4 CPs produced. Do we know if BMW made chassis changes to the M4 CP for 2018 that would back this up? Is there any point spending a bit more for 2018 plate car?
Thanks in advance for your help.
What I'd say, as you haven't covered it, is to be aware there seems to be a glut of these cars which are registered way after they were built. So reg plate may have less bearing than it may seem at first.
Try and get last 7 digits of VIN and google a BMW vin decoder, gives build date.
I found a thread on m3cutters which may help ?
https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threads/m4-lci-diff...
It reminded me that , typical BMW, the iDrive changes do not correlate with the facelift and headlights can be confusing because of the optional icon adaptive.
I don't know which journo you're referring to but both Catchpole and Prosser seemed to see the sweet spot as Comp Pack LCI and they were driving 2017 cars so I'm not sure you'd have to go to 2018. But I think with this generation , BMW have always been tweaking. I refer back to the point that build date may not correlate with reg. date so really bear that in mind if you're thinking of subtle changes. I don't think dealers take build date into account with their price valuation so a pricier 18 plate may be older and , in your case, less appealing.
Eyes wide open and dealerships don’t like you having info.
Equally the car I’d like, but sadly over budget atm built 08/17 and it’s a Sept 67 car.
johnny senna said:
There were 2 facelifts by the look of it, the second facelift being in August 2017 and that brought the touch screen satnav.
I've recently been looking and when speaking to dealers about cars I was asking if the centre screen was touch screen to confirm if it was the latest or not. You can also look at the rear lights, black seat badges and sometimes the start button. It should be red I think.I figured that a 67 plate or newer car would be the latest so long as it hadn't been sitting around for months before first registration.
If you can get the VIN then you can get the build date which will also tell you what it is.
johnny senna said:
4) Is the LCI sat nav a touch screen like on my 2018 530e? (Not that I'm fussed about this, I never use the touch screen feature on my new 5 series).
If it is the most recent version, yes, it is touch screen.johnny senna said:
5) Is Apple CarPlay standard, and if not can it be be added later on?
Not standard. If you get the VIN you can check the build sheet and see if it was specced from factory. One dealer told me it can't be added, the other said it depends on the car and someone else said it was fine to add to any car. Might be worth checking with the dealer if it can be added or speak to one of those people like DDCoding.johnny senna said:
6) Is Apple CarPlay wireless?
In the M4, yes, it's wireless.Edited by ashleyman on Sunday 30th December 11:54
ashleyman said:
In the M4, yes, it's wireless.
Thanks ashleyman, that is useful. I have a new shape 530e M Sport and I was not able to download Apple CarPlay for my car. When I spoke to a BMW dealer about it they gave me the same information that you were given, ie CarPlay is only downloadable on certain cars but not al them (like my new 5 series). Edited by ashleyman on Sunday 30th December 11:53
johnny senna said:
Thanks ashleyman, that is useful. I have a new shape 530e M Sport and I was not able to download Apple CarPlay for my car. When I spoke to a BMW dealer about it they gave me the same information that you were given, ie CarPlay is only downloadable on certain cars but not al them (like my new 5 series).
I think with CarPlay if you have the reg you can speak to a coder who might be able to code it in - it'll probably be cheaper than BMW too. Also BMW CarPlay is only a 3 or 4 year license so if you plan to keep the car for longer than that you'll need to re-buy the license to use CarPlay. People say CarPlay is a bit pants but I had an M4 demo for a whole day and CarPlay was brilliant.
I'm still looking for a car as the one I had planned to buy sold before I could get it.
Pretty sure this is the one I saw, at my local dealer, if it was it looked mint
Reg plate is amusing
Built 26 Feb 2018 so new enough but surely before those WLTP regs?
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/201811152462028...
Good spec, HK, HUD, Adapative LEDs, surround view, rev camera.
Reg plate is amusing
Built 26 Feb 2018 so new enough but surely before those WLTP regs?
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/201811152462028...
Good spec, HK, HUD, Adapative LEDs, surround view, rev camera.
johnny senna said:
I was hoping for some information please re: the M4 Competition Pack. I have had a google search re: the LCI changes but I have some questions please.
1) Are all M4 Competition Packs "LCI" or
No, Comp Pack was available before LCI update. 1) Are all M4 Competition Packs "LCI" or
johnny senna said:
Assuming that the answer to "1" above is no: when I am searching the classifieds, what is the easiest way of spotting an LCI M4 CP when you look at the advert photos? Is it the USB plug underneath the stereo? Or perhaps that fake stitching on the top of the plastic dash? Are these 2 features indicators of an LCI car? When did that fake stitching come along? Was it for LCI cars? I know the headlights and tail lights were upgraded for LCI cars but I don't know how to spot those changes in photos TBH.
LCI cars came in on the 17 plate. My M4 is an LCI, built in Mar 17 and registered in April 17. LCI update included re-designed rear lights, LED headlights instead of Xenons and a small selection of interior updates including the Seat badge being changed from an M to either M3 or M4. Pre LCI cars that had Xenons also had headlight washers so that’s something else to look out for in a photo.johnny senna said:
3) What registration plate am I looking for for LCI cars? Is it 2017 onwards?
I think one of the key reasons to want the LCI version is the updated sat nav with the large tile-style control pads plus induction charging for your iPhone.
As noted above 17 plate onwards. Yes, iDrive was also updated with the LCI as well.I think one of the key reasons to want the LCI version is the updated sat nav with the large tile-style control pads plus induction charging for your iPhone.
johnny senna said:
4) Is the LCI sat nav a touch screen like on my 2018 530e? (Not that I'm fussed about this, I never use the touch screen feature on my new 5 series).
No, well mine certainly isn’t. It’s one feature I wouldn’t be fussed about at all either.johnny senna said:
5) Is Apple CarPlay standard, and if not can it be be added later on?
Not standard, it’s an optional extra. In an LCI M4, you can download and install it yourself via BMW Connected drive assuming the car is setup for BMW Connected Drive.johnny senna said:
6)Is Apple CarPlay wireless?
In the M4 it is yes.johnny senna said:
7) One of the better youtube journalists reckoned that the very latest M4 CPs to be produced (cars made in 2018 basically) seemed to have better handling than the first M4 CPs produced. Do we know if BMW made chassis changes to the M4 CP for 2018 that would back this up? Is there any point spending a bit more for 2018 plate car?
There were no mechanical changes, it’s software related. BMW updated the software in the later plate M3/M4’s which changed the ride feeling somewhat. Not all bad news though. GTS coding (GTS DCT settings, GTS diff settings, GTS traction control) can be done by any one of the numerous people on the web that do coding. ZED Coding was the one I used. In addition to the gearbox flash some of them (including ZED) will also do M4 CS damper settings, which improve the ride and feel of the car.
johnny senna said:
Nice car, that. Grey is an excellent colour for these I think.
My trouble is that I’d want a full leather dash / interior and you don’t often see that.
It doesn't photograph well, but I see a couple in this color on my commute and it does show of the shape very well. My trouble is that I’d want a full leather dash / interior and you don’t often see that.
I wonder if full leather is missed out by buyers, it wasn't in an obvious place on the configurator , least not to me
Plus a lot of the 67-18 plates you may be looking at could well be dealer specced cars, maybe they didn't add to their costs in speccing it.
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