Discussion
I drove a few when I was shopping & chose to buy one of the later pre-LCI (April’21), have had it two & a half years now. I know that the main thing with the LCI is that it took the revised S58 from the M3 which improved the low down torque, but I didn’t really notice a difference when driving the one that I ended up buying. The LCI is supposed to have revised springs & dampers, but I’ve not seen details - again I didn’t notice a difference really. They’re performance SUV’s & they ride firm, but not excessively so from my perspective - I had an X3 M40i before the X3M, that didn’t seem significantly softer to me.
The rest of the changes are cosmetic, so preferences one way or other are personal. I think the LCI looks better inside, especially the changes to the switch placement on the transmission tunnel & the slightly bigger screen. There did seem to be less choice of interior colours with LCI, just red, black & black/yellow mix from what I could tell (I wanted ivory which wasn’t available on LCI). The exterior changes were the narrow headlights, a joined up kidney grille & a revised bumper at the front, the halo sword led lights at the back & the lattice effect wheels from the M3. I personally prefer the look of the pre-LCI, & again seemed to be more colour choices (without going individual palette).
Spec was important for me, & the post covid chip supply issues are worth bearing in mind as they gave rise to some de-contenting on the LCI, affected things like wireless charging, the touch function on the idrive controller and the touch screen during 2022-23 - its usually clear whats missing in spec details if buying BMW approved used. I’ve also seen some mention of quiet money saving on the LCI, with little things like the puddle lights being deleted.
I think its really down to personal preference, but whether pre-LCI or LCI I’d highly recommend based on my own experience. They’re a bit thirsty & go through tyres, but I’ve had no problems & I love mine. Hope that helps!
The rest of the changes are cosmetic, so preferences one way or other are personal. I think the LCI looks better inside, especially the changes to the switch placement on the transmission tunnel & the slightly bigger screen. There did seem to be less choice of interior colours with LCI, just red, black & black/yellow mix from what I could tell (I wanted ivory which wasn’t available on LCI). The exterior changes were the narrow headlights, a joined up kidney grille & a revised bumper at the front, the halo sword led lights at the back & the lattice effect wheels from the M3. I personally prefer the look of the pre-LCI, & again seemed to be more colour choices (without going individual palette).
Spec was important for me, & the post covid chip supply issues are worth bearing in mind as they gave rise to some de-contenting on the LCI, affected things like wireless charging, the touch function on the idrive controller and the touch screen during 2022-23 - its usually clear whats missing in spec details if buying BMW approved used. I’ve also seen some mention of quiet money saving on the LCI, with little things like the puddle lights being deleted.
I think its really down to personal preference, but whether pre-LCI or LCI I’d highly recommend based on my own experience. They’re a bit thirsty & go through tyres, but I’ve had no problems & I love mine. Hope that helps!
The M40i is a great car, arguably makes more sense for everyday. As I said, I don’t find the ride much different between the two, a little firmer & more bouncy in the X3M perhaps but not much in it.
The X3M clearly quicker, but the low down power/torque did seem somehow more accessible in the M40i. The M40i made a meaningful rumble, but the X3M makes a fantastic noise.
The biggest difference is the running costs - I definitely fill up the X3M more frequently, but I think thats similarly a reflection on how efficient the B58 is. The insurance cost on X3M was double & it required me to fit a Thatcham S5 tracker. I’m generally way more wary of what might happen to it at home in London which is a downside, bought a Stoplock Pro Elite which I always have on the steering wheel.
To be honest, it was a heart over head decision to upgrade, the only reason I went for it is because the X3M was my perfect spec, & I got what I thought was a good deal. Finding the right spec mattered to me, & the X3M had the colour combo & the bits I particularly wanted - esp pan roof & parking assistant plus.
Incidentally, if you look at earlier cars be aware that the pre-LCI changed from iDrive 6 to iDrive 7 at some point in 2020. You can tell the difference on M40i and X3M because the dials changed from traditional round look to fully digital screen. My M40i had the iDrive6, & while the round dials looked great I have found the iDrive 7 much better to use, pairs with my phone much more easily. My M40i also didn’t have carplay, & I couldn’t be without that now.
I don’t regret changing, the X3M is fabulous. I’d do it again in the circumstances yes, but objectively it didn’t make sense to upgrade
As to which is better for anyone else, I think it depends on individual circumstances & preferences. Either car is great, but I’d say in general & for most folk, as a premium performance SUV, the M40i is probably all the car that you’d really need.
The X3M clearly quicker, but the low down power/torque did seem somehow more accessible in the M40i. The M40i made a meaningful rumble, but the X3M makes a fantastic noise.
The biggest difference is the running costs - I definitely fill up the X3M more frequently, but I think thats similarly a reflection on how efficient the B58 is. The insurance cost on X3M was double & it required me to fit a Thatcham S5 tracker. I’m generally way more wary of what might happen to it at home in London which is a downside, bought a Stoplock Pro Elite which I always have on the steering wheel.
To be honest, it was a heart over head decision to upgrade, the only reason I went for it is because the X3M was my perfect spec, & I got what I thought was a good deal. Finding the right spec mattered to me, & the X3M had the colour combo & the bits I particularly wanted - esp pan roof & parking assistant plus.
Incidentally, if you look at earlier cars be aware that the pre-LCI changed from iDrive 6 to iDrive 7 at some point in 2020. You can tell the difference on M40i and X3M because the dials changed from traditional round look to fully digital screen. My M40i had the iDrive6, & while the round dials looked great I have found the iDrive 7 much better to use, pairs with my phone much more easily. My M40i also didn’t have carplay, & I couldn’t be without that now.
I don’t regret changing, the X3M is fabulous. I’d do it again in the circumstances yes, but objectively it didn’t make sense to upgrade
As to which is better for anyone else, I think it depends on individual circumstances & preferences. Either car is great, but I’d say in general & for most folk, as a premium performance SUV, the M40i is probably all the car that you’d really need.
Not driven an LCI but had a pre facelift one, it wasn't too stiff but it was a bit bouncy like there was too much rebound on the dampers, I did notice the lack of torque at step off but I'd come from a 740d that has max torque at 1500rpm so that's not a fair comparison, it doesn't cause any issues its more of feel thing, it was very thirsty and ate tyres even though I didn't really hoon around in it as I couldn't get on with sitting that high up and having a blast down a B road it just felt odd to me.
Nice car though and they have held their money well, certainly the ones sold in late 2019 early 2020 as those were a steal on that deal they did.
Thanks Chaps - appreciate your input.
There seems to be only about 10-15k between the two so it's proving to be a tough decision. The comment about the M40i perhaps being all that is required for the job (of an suv) resonates. I will have to get off my arse and go and drive both.
I keep also having thoughts about the Stelvio QV... (obviously a totally different proposition).
Had both LCi and pre-LCI. More noticeable torque and power of course from the lci feels way quicker
Nice place to be, good driving position and eats up the miles. Can get over 30 mpg on a long run but average is around 22,but it's a performance suv.
Ride is better in lci, still firm but honestly no worse than my old F80 M3.
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