F30 320d: LCI vs pre-LCI?

[tman]

E90 vs E90 LCI was a massive jump in terms of cosmetics

F30 vs F30 LCI the most noticeable cosmetic aspect is rear tail light. From the side and front you really have to look to see the difference.

If I were you, coming from a 320d, consider a F30 330d pre LCI and just do the LCI tail light retrofit

 

[///M Individual]

Also consider maintenance costs of a 520d vs a 320d bud. Engine wise will probably be the same, but things like tyres, suspension etc are considerably more pricey on the 5ers.

 

[Salt]

Also consider maintenance costs of a 520d vs a 320d bud. Engine wise will probably be the same, but things like tyres, suspension etc are considerably more pricey on the 5ers.

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Your opinion on diesel cars is bound to change [/font]

[font=Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Good luck [/font]

That was your advice to me a year ago in 9 days from now when I was asking questions about what to buy hehehe...and I have absolutely zero regrets on buying the 320d...thanks for the good advice!

 

[PsyCLown]

PsyCLown

Do you have pics of your wood trim and anthracite finishes?
I have seen some very nice wood trims in the f30, once when I was taking an Uber Black. I personally would much prefer a nice wood trim over the standard aluminium one or a gloss black etc.

I also agree with the sound, the base sound in my E90 is rather shitty I feel.
However both the trim and sound I am not worried about as its easy enough to replace the trim myself, would just need to find it or maybe order from BMW - not sure on price.
Sound I will upgrade myself, regardless of which spec it has I think. A friend had a Merc A250, 2016 with the higher end sound system. I think it was bose... It was ok, but still lacking for what I wanted.
For some reason I suspect it would be the same with the BMW Harmon Kardon sound setup.

The LED headlights are a sore point for me, I dislike the look of the reflectors and wish they had gone for LED projectors or a Matrix LED option, or even offered the Xenon lights with projectors. Nothing I can do if I want to get the LCI model and does not make sesne to go pre-LCI just due to the look of the headlights. haha
Light output seems decent when taking a look at comparisons on other forums, although the throw on the LEDs does not seem to be quite as good as the xenons but very similar in terms of performance.


I'd be careful of leaving too many items to do afterwards, especially stuff you can't buy aftermarket reps for like the [font=Roboto, sans-serif]Anthracite [/font]wood finishes. I got a quote from BMW a few months ago to replace a rear door handle cover which got a small scratch on...R1708.23 just for the trim for one door handle...can't imagine the cost to change all 4 door handles, the middle console and dashboard sections. Will be close to R10k or more I think. Try get the spec on the dot or as close to there as you can. Be strategic in leaving out options that you would not mind getting after market reps for like cosmetics etc. There is nothing wrong with the standard F30 LCI LED lights - I've driven many long trip in the dark with them and they work well - better than xenon's in my opinion. Also a nice feature which I use on my car all the time in long distance trips when its dark is the High Beam Assist which turns the brights off and on when cars come from the opposite direction. 

Pics:

Yours looks waaay better! That is really sexy!
Wood trim is quite rare to find on an f30 320d msport - I have not seen many with it. So that is something I am willing to live without.
If I cannot find one from a written off car or from china, overseas forum or similar, not sure I will fork out around R10k to get authentic from BMW.

This is a pic of what I saw in the uber car, the line of the lighter wood I found quite nice. 


@"tman" I have thought about getting a 330d, while the power must be really nice and tons of fun... I like the fact that the 320d is so light on fuel. Can still have a bit of fun with it and you get similar fuel consumption compared to a run around like an i20 or similar.

 

[3 serious]

Hi there. If I were you, I would consider an f30 330d like Tman has posted above. I owned an lci e90 330i and bought the f30 330d later. It felt like a big improvement in terms of performance and ride quality. The f30 is noticeably bigger than the e90. It reminded me of my old e39 5 series. It is hard to go wrong with the f30 330d. It is also very reliable from what I am told.

 

[SubLoaded]

@"SubLoaded"  please chip in on the 520d vs 320d debate

The first thing you need to ask yourself is if the F10 is too big. Then, ask yourself, "too big for what"? Only you can decide on what size of car you may need or want.

I rarely have more than 2 people in the F10 and have never felt it to be "too big". The only consideration I'd have for a smaller car, in this instance, was if parking was an issue. The F10 is about 10 inches longer than the F30 - which is very noticeable once you get inside of the vehicle. Not so much whilst driving. 

The F10 is "luxury sport" whilst the F30 is "sporty with a touch of luxury". The electric steering in the F30 feels more "hydraulic" when compared to the F10. However the F10 steering feel is still great and precise and you can tell where the wheels are at all times. Both very suitable and it's designed behaviour complements the overall nature and feel of the car when in the drivers seat. 

The F30's build quality is garbage when compared to the F10 (and probably the E9x as well). Whilst it's a nice car to have - it just feels "mass produced" when compared to the 5er. Rightfully so, the 3er is BMWs best-seller. 

The first thing you're going to notice, once the tech-gimmicks become normal to you, is the amount of plastic used in the F30, specifically the centre console area. The seats when compared to the f10 are night and day as well.  

Both are great cars and I don't feel that we should be comparing the two. They fall in different segments and will appeal to different people.

You need to drive an F10. The vast majority of people will come to a quick conclusion about whether a car is interesting or "better" based on steering feel and how far back it can push you into your seat. This isn't like any other BMW and you enjoy it more, and more, as you spend time in it. It is also VERY planted at high speeds and will catch you off guard in most cases.

If the 5er is an option, or consideration, then I have no doubt that you will be in one after various test drives of 3ers and 5ers. It is just the overall, better crafted, car. 

As a side note, whilst I maintain that the F30 is the sportier vehicle  - the F10 still feels nimble and sporty from the drivers seat. The "cockpit" is definitely designed with ergonomics in mind (radio and climate controls are ever-so-slightly tilted towards the driver and everything is close to you, and within reach, simulating that you are in a smaller, sportier vehicle. 

@"KPM3_30" can also chime in here. He's spent most of his time in smaller cars and he hijacked mine some time back so I am sure he will be keen to share his experiences as well.

PS Don't take advice from @"MR_Y" . First he suggested the F10. Soon it will be Mazdas, Volvos, or his ex TT  :tease:

 

[AshG108]

A lot of great advice already given here especially from Mnr. Sub...but my 2c on some info i feel was not shared:

The differences between the 2 out the top of my head (Pre-LCi - LCi)
1. Headlights - halogen / xenon - halogen / LED
2. Foglights - Halogen - LED
3. Tail-lights - Design difference between the 2
4. Bumper revisions and designs between the 2 excluding M-Sport.
5. Interior - Orange LEDs (climate control display) - White LEDs (climate control display)
6. Side air intakes - Were supposed to be broader on the LCi, not sure how much or if true as I have not seen a massive difference to be honest.
7. Chrome accents fitted on more interior controls compared to pre-LCi
8. There was supposed to be a tray that goes over the cupholders when not in use (i have seen a few with them and few without)
9. LCi came with B47 engines and pre-facelift have N47.... tly.

I felt some plastics just looked cheaper in the LCi in the interior...i think when you pop open the boot floor, there is no cover around that area where most pre-LCis had it.

I have driven both and also the F10, the F10 in consideration is in another league...if you get in that and like it and you can definitely find decent ones with decent mileage for a pretty awesome price compared to the F30s as well...even the G-series too...

The 3 series...go LCi for the latest revision of the engines as well, the B-series engines push out more power and the drive is different from pre-facelift. However, both perform very well too...but in terms of latest tech, LCi will always win but if you on a budget...nothing wrong with the pre-facelift at all even reliability is certain.

 

[Riaad]

4. Bumper revisions and designs between the 2 excluding M-Sport.

since we going into such detail...item number 4
this includes the msport as well...LCI msport bumper has no headlight washer (none of the lci models have this)  :fencelook:

 

[Kyle]

4. Bumper revisions and designs between the 2 excluding M-Sport.

since we going into such detail...item number 4
this includes the msport as well...LCI msport bumper has no headlight washer (none of the lci models have this)  :fencelook:

Yeah noticed none of the models with LED lights include headlight washers

 

[AshG108]

4. Bumper revisions and designs between the 2 excluding M-Sport.

since we going into such detail...item number 4
this includes the msport as well...LCI msport bumper has no headlight washer (none of the lci models have this)  :fencelook:

100% bud, I have not taken notice of this...checked now and I wonder why they took that away. Cost cutting maybe cause the UK models on launch had them on those pics years ago

 

[Kyle]

4. Bumper revisions and designs between the 2 excluding M-Sport.

since we going into such detail...item number 4
this includes the msport as well...LCI msport bumper has no headlight washer (none of the lci models have this)  :fencelook:

100% bud, I have not taken notice of this...checked now and I wonder why they took that away. Cost cutting maybe cause the UK models on launch had them on those pics years ago

I noticed this first while playing on the configurator, as soon as you select LED lights, the headlight washers get removed... Maybe they aren't as sensitive to dirt as xenons.

 

[AshG108]

4. Bumper revisions and designs between the 2 excluding M-Sport.

since we going into such detail...item number 4
this includes the msport as well...LCI msport bumper has no headlight washer (none of the lci models have this)  :fencelook:

100% bud, I have not taken notice of this...checked now and I wonder why they took that away. Cost cutting maybe cause the UK models on launch had them on those pics years ago

I noticed this first while playing on the configurator, as soon as you select LED lights, the headlight washers get removed... Maybe they aren't as sensitive to dirt as xenons.

I wonder lol

 

[PsyCLown]

I believe only the models with Xenon lights get the headlight washer.
From what I have noticed, it applies back to the E90 even - halogen has no headlight washer and any model with xenon will have the washer.

@"AshG108" very nice list, thanks.
Do you know from when the F10 got the B47 engine for interest sake?

 

[///M Individual]

5[/ATTACH]PsyCLown pid='1441505' dateline='1601990333']I believe only the models with Xenon lights get the headlight washer.
From what I have noticed, it applies back to the E90 even - halogen has no headlight washer and any model with xenon will have the washer.

@"AshG108" very nice list, thanks.
Do you know from when the F10 got the B47 engine for interest sake?

Even the LCi F30's with LED (upgrade from xenons in the pre-LCi) do not have headlight washers bud. Cost cutting.

 

[Kyle]

Don't think it has anything to do with cost, but rather the technology in the LED headlights... (you pay more for LEDs on the cars that also have xenons as an option)...

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showpost.php?p=24074618&postcount=20

 

[AshG108]

I believe only the models with Xenon lights get the headlight washer.
From what I have noticed, it applies back to the E90 even - halogen has no headlight washer and any model with xenon will have the washer.

@"AshG108" very nice list, thanks.
Do you know from when the F10 got the B47 engine for interest sake?

Hey bud,

Nope, not at all but i would imagine a wiki search or realoem may reveal that more or less.

 

[Mr.k]

So I just bought a f30 , and I went for the pre LCI, and as much as I love the cosmetic changes on the LCI I saved Soo much on the purchase price and quite low mileage, 103xxxkm. So keep that in mind, a few deals out there on Pre LCI , maybe even use it to negotiate a lower price ?

 

[tman]

A lot of great advice already given here especially from Mnr. Sub...but my 2c on some info i feel was not shared:

The differences between the 2 out the top of my head (Pre-LCi - LCi)
1. Headlights - halogen / xenon - halogen / LED
2. Foglights - Halogen - LED
3. Tail-lights - Design difference between the 2
4. Bumper revisions and designs between the 2 excluding M-Sport.
5. Interior - Orange LEDs (climate control display) - White LEDs (climate control display)
6. Side air intakes - Were supposed to be broader on the LCi, not sure how much or if true as I have not seen a massive difference to be honest.
7. Chrome accents fitted on more interior controls compared to pre-LCi
8. There was supposed to be a tray that goes over the cupholders when not in use (i have seen a few with them and few without)
9. LCi came with B47 engines and pre-facelift have N47.... tly.

I felt some plastics just looked cheaper in the LCi in the interior...i think when you pop open the boot floor, there is no cover around that area where most pre-LCis had it.

I have driven both and also the F10, the F10 in consideration is in another league...if you get in that and like it and you can definitely find decent ones with decent mileage for a pretty awesome price compared to the F30s as well...even the G-series too...

The 3 series...go LCi for the latest revision of the engines as well, the B-series engines push out more power and the drive is different from pre-facelift. However, both perform very well too...but in terms of latest tech, LCi will always win but if you on a budget...nothing wrong with the pre-facelift at all even reliability is certain.

Comprehensive list.

Changes so suttle and minor it takes a trained eye to see it.

 

[Shakez_03]

A lot of great advice already given here especially from Mnr. Sub...but my 2c on some info i feel was not shared:

The differences between the 2 out the top of my head (Pre-LCi - LCi)
1. Headlights - halogen / xenon - halogen / LED
2. Foglights - Halogen - LED
3. Tail-lights - Design difference between the 2
4. Bumper revisions and designs between the 2 excluding M-Sport.
5. Interior - Orange LEDs (climate control display) - White LEDs (climate control display)
6. Side air intakes - Were supposed to be broader on the LCi, not sure how much or if true as I have not seen a massive difference to be honest.
7. Chrome accents fitted on more interior controls compared to pre-LCi
8. There was supposed to be a tray that goes over the cupholders when not in use (i have seen a few with them and few without)
9. LCi came with B47 engines and pre-facelift have N47.... tly.

I felt some plastics just looked cheaper in the LCi in the interior...i think when you pop open the boot floor, there is no cover around that area where most pre-LCis had it.

I have driven both and also the F10, the F10 in consideration is in another league...if you get in that and like it and you can definitely find decent ones with decent mileage for a pretty awesome price compared to the F30s as well...even the G-series too...

The 3 series...go LCi for the latest revision of the engines as well, the B-series engines push out more power and the drive is different from pre-facelift. However, both perform very well too...but in terms of latest tech, LCi will always win but if you on a budget...nothing wrong with the pre-facelift at all even reliability is certain.

Comprehensive list.

Changes so suttle and minor it takes a trained eye to see it.

Just to add to this, the LCi also came with a few interior bits as standard such as business navigation and connected services

 

[v1p3r]

I might be in the minority but in my opinion the pre-LCI headlight design is nicer because it still has a fully enclosed circle instead of the bevelled LCI light. Taillights still look good on the pre-LCI although the LCI is very nice and would consider a retrofit of Blacklines.

I have the cover for the cupholder area - I think people take it off and leave it off most of the time because it's a las to take it off and stow it in the glovebox every time you want to use the cupholder area for a drink or storage. Then it gets lost also.

The base 6.5 inch screen in the LCI is nicer than the one in the pre LCI and doesn't have the plastic bezel around it, I am actually going to swop mine out just for the updated "mobile phone/tablet" aesthetic it gives compared to the "old" screen.

Although I appreciate the differences on LCI models, I do not regret purchasing a pre-LCI and do not pine for a LCI model. The differences design-wise are minute.