[bSwiazzy]

rims look like bmw version of BBS

[///minh]

Good lord, the lci back end is so aggressive.

[Max Well]

2020 and 2022 side-by-side for comparison

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Excellent side by side photos Max Well. Simply wish you could've gotten some rear comparison photos as well during this quick shoot.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

... wish you could've gotten some rear comparison photos as well...

Here you go

[adc]

Hmmm, the extra downforce from the new taillights might negate the effect of losing the glass roof in the 1/4 mile.

Who knows how they truly affect the handling of a 2.1 ton SUV...


Nice car, but please keep it in perspective. It's all cosmetic, and the placebo effect as strong as ever.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by adc

Hmmm, the extra downforce from the new taillights might negate the effect of losing the glass roof in the 1/4 mile. Who knows how they truly affect the handling of a 2.1 ton SUV... Nice car, but please keep it in perspective. It's all cosmetic, and the placebo effect as strong as ever.

Yeah, I have no idea how/why the LCI's rear light design ended up this way, but for us it's a neutral issue and just doesn't matter. The pano is another story and you'd have a tough time factually debating the Physics supporting it's removal (and our near 2 year experience with and without identical builds).

[RSASupra]

Originally Posted by adc

Hmmm, the extra downforce from the new taillights might negate the effect of losing the glass roof in the 1/4 mile.

[new2the3]

Originally Posted by Max Well

2020 and 2022 side-by-side for comparison

Both look great, lci is way more modern, but the 2020 is classic 2000s-2018 bmw style where the design is more reserved, not over styled, a great balance of sport and class. Now the design is change for the sake of change. It looks good, but it's different.

[Quadruple VANOS]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Yeah, I have no idea how/why the LCI's rear light design ended up this way, but for us it's a neutral issue and just doesn't matter. The pano is another story and you'd have a tough time factually debating the Physics supporting it's removal (and our near 2 year experience with and without identical builds).

Wait, doesn't everyone know theoretical analysis across the Internet is more reliable than first-hand experience?
/Sarcasm

[XZLR8]

Absolutely fantastic looking. That might be my new favorite non-Individual color. Well done!

[///minh]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Yeah, I have no idea how/why the LCI's rear light design ended up this way, but for us it's a neutral issue and just doesn't matter. The pano is another story and you'd have a tough time factually debating the Physics supporting it's removal (and our near 2 year experience with and without identical builds).

Do you know for the rear signals if they are amber or red?

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by ///minh

Do you know for the rear signals if they are amber or red?

Hadn't thought about it TBH, so took a few images when my wife got home. Since daylight it was too bright, so lowered shadowing and highlights to produce this (which is why paint looks like a dark Nardo here).

Front turn is amber, side mirror has an amber spot, and rear appears a bit more complex. Looked red to me when I took the photos but may be amber linear inner and red background outer. Didn't take a straight on as wouldn't have seen the front and side as well.

[HoJoRo]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Hadn't thought about it TBH, so took a few images when my wife got home. Since daylight it was too bright, so lowered shadowing and highlights to produce this (which is why paint looks like a dark Nardo here).

Front turn is amber, side mirror has an amber spot, and rear appears a bit more complex. Looked red to me when I took the photos but may be amber linear inner and red background outer. Didn't take a straight on as wouldn't have seen the front and side as well.

Beautiful photos again mate ... your (Wife's) BGM in these shots look almost like Terminator 2 "liquid metal"

[Lenny_RDM]

MaxWell congrats on new car for me interior for plus for changes, wheels are awesome, but this taillights and front I don't know I'm confused, for me pre lci is like "This is Sparta!!!"
Is like movie 300 are epic ,part 2 is like ok but is something missing,anyway this color is epic!!!
You say this one got better torque??? What they change on engine?

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by HoJoRo

Beautiful photos again mate ... your (Wife's) BGM in these shots look almost like Terminator 2 "liquid metal"

Thanks, HoJoRo - and appreciate the Terminator reference as we enjoyed those movies back in the day!

Originally Posted by Lenny_RDM

MaxWell congrats on new car... You say this one got better torque??? What they change on engine?

Thanks, Lenny_RDM . Here's an excerpt from the BMW US Press release back in June regarding the torque -

The new 2022 BMW X3 M and X4 M

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – June 8, 2021…BMW is proud to announce the updated 2022 BMW X3 M and X4 M. Two years after the launch of the first BMW X3 M Sports Activity Vehicle and the X4 M Sports Activity Coupe by BMW M GmbH, both vehicles receive exterior and interior design changes as well as meaningful updates in the areas of technology, infotainment and driver assistance systems. Both the X3 M and X4 M as well as the Competition Package equipped models also offer a notable increase in torque for 2022.

New Engine Tuning for Increased Torque

In 2019, BMW M GmbH developed the inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine of the BMW X3 M and the BMW X4 M from scratch. The engine put out 473 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. With an output of 503 hp at 6,250 rpm, the Competition version was the most powerful production inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine built by BMW. Now, also used in other BMW M models, such as the M3 and M4, the latest version of this engine currently delivers 457 lb-ft of torque in the BMW X3 M and X4 M and 479 lb-ft of torque in Competition tune. This is an increase of 37 lb-ft of torque for the Competition package equipped models and an increase of 13 lb-ft for the 2022 BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M. The new increased torque production lowers the 0-60 acceleration time of the BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M from 4.1 seconds to 3.9 seconds and from 4.0 seconds to 3.7 seconds for the Competition package-equipped X3 M and X4 M.

Internal S58 Engine Enhancements

The inline 6-cylinder engine in the 2022 BMW X3 M and BMW X4 M now features the forged lightweight crankshaft of the BMW M3 and M4 models. It’s extremely torsion-resistant design enables transmission of the higher torque numbers, while its low weight and reduced rotating mass also benefits the engine’s ability to rev.

That's the official version. But you've probably read some Forum comments discussing that pre-LCI HP/Torque numbers didn't seem to mesh with what dynos were showing and what many of us were seeing at the Drag Strip. As I and many others have shown with bone stock X3MC's results, we were already seeing 0-60mph in 3.6s in the pre-LCI, whereas the official version was 4.0s.

Regardless of whether some of this is adjusting the marketing message as has been suggested or actually defined changes to the torque production, I can say the LCI definitely feels faster off the line than my pre-LCI in just everyday driving. Realize I haven't done LC yet as haven't had break-in, but clearly I (and others) sense improved acceleration down low. How that will translate officially at the Strip I'm anxious to find out, but I won't be surprised if 11.5s 1/4mile becomes the new benchmark rather than 11.6s as it stands now. IMO...

[Max Well]

Update - 1,000 miles

Originally Posted by f82fanatic

Question: does music sound. Lot better when you play it from the usb stick vis-à-vis Spotify via Bluetooth? I'm assuming it does, but I want your input. I haven't tried it yet!

After researching and trying out different methods, we've ended up keeping FLAC for our album files playing through the USB-C port, and for streaming we've gone with HD (also hard-wired). Bluetooth works fine, and TBH we probably wouldn't be able to distinguish between the two if tested. But as it's so easy to just plug in the cable, why not go with what is arguably the best transfer method for audio data?

Originally Posted by Quadruple VANOS

Does the LCI have the same ride quality? I hear the pre-LCI rides harshly.

Definitely not the same ride at the 1,000 mile mark. I've actually caught myself in the past 100 miles checking to make sure I'm still in Sport across the board, and then making sure I'm not losing tire psi, it has been that different. And these are on roads which I routinely travel and know exactly which bumps and potholes and repairs to avoid. And it really has seemed to improve in just this 1,000 mile timeframe.

To summarize, the LCI is a definite improvement in many respects - early low acceleration, tech, suspension, cabin appointments and overall 'fit and finish'. Some may debate the rear light design (and I'd be included), but this is a well-done step forward by M with this model. They've clearly listened to the suspension and early lag complaints so kudos to them.

At some point if they would allow at least M Enthusiasts to option out of the utilitarian roof rails for a cleaner performance aesthetic like the F96, I'm in...

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

@Max Well - Thank you for this recent feedback. Despite the love it or hate it rear tail light revision, it's a pretty sweet bit of kit. I sincerely hope at some point BMW would allow us pre-LCI guys to benefit from the additional 37 lb/ft of torque with a simple DME upgrade / bump. Sure would be nice! And very possible, right?

[Brendan///M]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Update - 1,000 miles

After researching and trying out different methods, we've ended up keeping FLAC for our album files playing through the USB-C port, and for streaming we've gone with HD (also hard-wired). Bluetooth works fine, and TBH we probably wouldn't be able to distinguish between the two if tested. But as it's so easy to just plug in the cable, why not go with what is arguably the best transfer method for audio data?

Definitely not the same ride at the 1,000 mile mark. I've actually caught myself in the past 100 miles checking to make sure I'm still in Sport across the board, and then making sure I'm not losing tire psi, it has been that different. And these are on roads which I routinely travel and know exactly which bumps and potholes and repairs to avoid. And it really has seemed to improve in just this 1,000 mile timeframe.

To summarize, the LCI is a definite improvement in many respects - early low acceleration, tech, suspension, cabin appointments and overall 'fit and finish'. Some may debate the rear light design (and I'd be included), but this is a well-done step forward by M with this model. They've clearly listened to the suspension and early lag complaints so kudos to them.

At some point if they would allow at least M Enthusiasts to option out of the utilitarian roof rails for a cleaner performance aesthetic like the F96, I'm in...

Glad I saw these last two posts. I have an X4MC in production currently. Never test drove these cars, until BMW UDE event yesterday, where I took a pre-LCI X3MC for a spin. Noticed the low end torque seemed lacking and the ride was pretty stiff, though I did not get a chance to try comfort mode. I was having some second thoughts but I think you've helped ease my concerns. Thank you!

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by Brendan///M

Glad I saw these last two posts. I have an X4MC in production currently. Never test drove these cars, until BMW UDE event yesterday, where I took a pre-LCI X3MC for a spin. Noticed the low end torque seemed lacking and the ride was pretty stiff, though I did not get a chance to try comfort mode. I was having some second thoughts but I think you've helped ease my concerns. Thank you!

Suspect you'll really appreciate the performance and handling of your X4MC LCI, Brendan///M.

The LCI elevates what was already a great vehicle IMO to an even more enjoyable ride. The fun of driving just for the sake of hitting the road to see where it takes you, and only stopping when the road ends!

[LeopardM3]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Update - 1,000 miles



After researching and trying out different methods, we've ended up keeping FLAC for our album files playing through the USB-C port, and for streaming we've gone with HD (also hard-wired). Bluetooth works fine, and TBH we probably wouldn't be able to distinguish between the two if tested. But as it's so easy to just plug in the cable, why not go with what is arguably the best transfer method for audio data?



Definitely not the same ride at the 1,000 mile mark. I've actually caught myself in the past 100 miles checking to make sure I'm still in Sport across the board, and then making sure I'm not losing tire psi, it has been that different. And these are on roads which I routinely travel and know exactly which bumps and potholes and repairs to avoid. And it really has seemed to improve in just this 1,000 mile timeframe.

To summarize, the LCI is a definite improvement in many respects - early low acceleration, tech, suspension, cabin appointments and overall 'fit and finish'. Some may debate the rear light design (and I'd be included), but this is a well-done step forward by M with this model. They've clearly listened to the suspension and early lag complaints so kudos to them.

At some point if they would allow at least M Enthusiasts to option out of the utilitarian roof rails for a cleaner performance aesthetic like the F96, I'm in...

Wonder if the new suspension is compatible with my pre-LCI 2020 car. I really prefer the pre-LCI car, and my only (albeit small) gripe is how harsh the ride can sometimes be.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

Wonder if the new suspension is compatible with my pre-LCI 2020 car. I really prefer the pre-LCI car, and my only (albeit small) gripe is how harsh the ride can sometimes be.

I don't have the knowledge to answer that one, LeopardM3. How much is just software vs hardware is beyond my pay grade, but maybe others can add info related to that.

For pre-LCI folks to appreciate the real differences (not just the aesthetic of the rear lights) you do really need to get some decent seat time first. As much as I like mine, especially with the rail delete and getting it just like I want it, I have to say that the LCI is a worthy upgrade in many respects. More refined is the best way I can put it, just like I indicated earlier about our perception going from F25 pre-LCI to LCI.

Picked her up today after the 1,200 mile break-in Svc (also asked them for alignment since we switched out the tires) and had another excuse to just hit the road and drive some. Would be interested in hearing others with pre-LCI background as to their thoughts after spending good time with the LCI.