XBimmers | BMW X3 Forum - View Single Post - LCI M Sport or Pre-LCI M Sport

Roundown · 07-05-2014, 09:59 AM

r33 - welcome to the X3 community. You might remember me from the F15 forum (formerly riM3, figured it was time to update as it has been about a year since I let my E92 go).

Out of curiosity- is the X3 in addition to the X5 or in replacement of?

Anyway, I struggled a bit with the LCI vs. Pre-LCI and X-Line vs. M-Sport decision myself. Here's my thought process;

1. M-Sport vs. X-Line: this one- unfortunately- is pretty easy for me. I've always felt that a largely cosmetic M-Sport pack on a small, not all that sporty crossover was a bit odd. Conversely, the 2015 X-Line package, in my opinion, looks great, adds a lot of maturity to the X3 and offers the most utility (marginally higher ground clearance; plastic wheel arches, side skirts and bumper strips that are easy to repair, etc.). Unfortunately, not being unable to option sport seats on the X-Line (no more SAP) is a deal breaker. No matter how much I like the way a car looks- if I can't stand driving it, I won't own it all that long. Other more minor nits; I prefer the Sport Auto transmission (I like the control offered by floppy paddles), I dislike the staggered wheel option available on the X-Line (though I much like the standard 19"x8" X-Line wheel, they'll likely be my winter set up) and I don't like chrome trim (or roof bars, both standard on the X-Line). So, I was going M-Sport, which begs the next question:

2. Pre-LCI M-Sport vs. LCI M-Sport: no matter how much I like it (I owned a 2011 xDrive35i M-Sport in BSM), the Pre-LCI is now dated and will become more so as a greater number of F15s, F26s and LCI-F25s hit the roads. It's inescapable. For every new model transition or LCI transition, there will always be the voices that will say that the last version is "a classic" and that "BMW ruined the new one"... They are entitled to their opinion, but progress is progress. You heard the same voices in the F15 forum about the F15 M Sport and, as you know, those voices all but silent 12 months after launch. Most importantly, go take a look at one in person, if YOU like it, then go LCI; if you are allergic to it, try and find a pre-LCI (or maybe check out the SQ5 and Macan S). Which brings me to my second point;

3. It was difficult to find a fully optioned 2014 X3 xDrive35i M-Sport or 2013 X3 xDrive35i with SAP. I could have sacrificed options or color combinations, but I'd almost surely regret doing so.

And so here I am... 2015 X3 xDrive35i M-Sport.

I've looked at one in person and - while I don't think it's BMW's best work - it certainly looks better in the flesh.

07-05-2014, 09:59 AM	#6
Roundown Colonel 576 Rep 2,353 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	r33 - welcome to the X3 community. You might remember me from the F15 forum (formerly riM3, figured it was time to update as it has been about a year since I let my E92 go). Out of curiosity- is the X3 in addition to the X5 or in replacement of? Anyway, I struggled a bit with the LCI vs. Pre-LCI and X-Line vs. M-Sport decision myself. Here's my thought process; 1. M-Sport vs. X-Line: this one- unfortunately- is pretty easy for me. I've always felt that a largely cosmetic M-Sport pack on a small, not all that sporty crossover was a bit odd. Conversely, the 2015 X-Line package, in my opinion, looks great, adds a lot of maturity to the X3 and offers the most utility (marginally higher ground clearance; plastic wheel arches, side skirts and bumper strips that are easy to repair, etc.). Unfortunately, not being unable to option sport seats on the X-Line (no more SAP) is a deal breaker. No matter how much I like the way a car looks- if I can't stand driving it, I won't own it all that long. Other more minor nits; I prefer the Sport Auto transmission (I like the control offered by floppy paddles), I dislike the staggered wheel option available on the X-Line (though I much like the standard 19"x8" X-Line wheel, they'll likely be my winter set up) and I don't like chrome trim (or roof bars, both standard on the X-Line). So, I was going M-Sport, which begs the next question: 2. Pre-LCI M-Sport vs. LCI M-Sport: no matter how much I like it (I owned a 2011 xDrive35i M-Sport in BSM), the Pre-LCI is now dated and will become more so as a greater number of F15s, F26s and LCI-F25s hit the roads. It's inescapable. For every new model transition or LCI transition, there will always be the voices that will say that the last version is "a classic" and that "BMW ruined the new one"... They are entitled to their opinion, but progress is progress. You heard the same voices in the F15 forum about the F15 M Sport and, as you know, those voices all but silent 12 months after launch. Most importantly, go take a look at one in person, if YOU like it, then go LCI; if you are allergic to it, try and find a pre-LCI (or maybe check out the SQ5 and Macan S). Which brings me to my second point; 3. It was difficult to find a fully optioned 2014 X3 xDrive35i M-Sport or 2013 X3 xDrive35i with SAP. I could have sacrificed options or color combinations, but I'd almost surely regret doing so. And so here I am... 2015 X3 xDrive35i M-Sport. I've looked at one in person and - while I don't think it's BMW's best work - it certainly looks better in the flesh.
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