Videos: 2022 X3M LCI and X4M LCI

f82fanatic · 06-12-2021, 08:05 PM

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Originally Posted by allinon72

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Originally Posted by f82fanatic

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Originally Posted by FrankieNuo

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Originally Posted by evo-mike

It's not about the badge specifically. But I think most of us want a car that's special, and part of having a special car is one that looks special. Or more importantly, one that looks different. Something that sets it apart from the mundane wallpaper paste grocery getters. I like almost everything about the lci, including the taillights. But the one thing that's giving me hesitation is the bumpers, both front and rear. I don't hate them like I hated the g8x front end when I first seen it, but I don't love them either. I think my biggest hang up is the fact that there's no differentiator between the regular X3 models with the msport pkg and the M. For me it has less to do with an outsider confusing my car with a regular X3, I don't really care too much about what others think about me or my car. It's more about me knowing that my car (if I got an lci) isn't visually different and therefore maybe a bit less special.

It's a slap in the face to m loyalists.

I get the outrage, I don't like the fact that the cues are really similar now.

But let's face it, this is an SUV. An SUV M car… not sure if you can call it the car for the M loyalists.

Yeah that argument would have held up in 2010 but not in present time. Not when the X3MC would best 9 out of 10 sports cars on the track and out accelerates the Lamborghini Urus.

So what? Wasn't your point about how we are deviating from the roots and diminishing the brand in exchange of more sales? Maybe I read too much into it, but the comparison is not about performance. The performance difference between M40i and X3M is clearly there still.

The M loyalists have a large capacity to adapt to new realities, and they will adapt to this as well. The same way they adapted to the extinction of the manual in the M5, the introduction of large performance SUVs, and so on.

We'll get over this too.

But I digress. I am also bothered by the fact that my car feels less premium now that they made the m40i look too similar…

i128 · 06-12-2021, 09:44 PM

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Originally Posted by BMWsully

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Originally Posted by i128

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Originally Posted by BMWsully

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Originally Posted by JRobUSC

am I missing something or is there no longer any visual difference between the M Sport and the actual M's? As far as I can tell, other than wheels and badges, they're identical now - an X3/X4 30i M Sport or M40 has the exact same bumpers as the full on M.

These is now zero visual differentiation that I can see between the M40 and the M. Pretty sure I'm done with BMW at this point.

I guess you're one of those who chooses to drive the badge over the actual vehicle....

No, I'm one of those that wants some differentiation for their 80k spent. It's not rocket science.

You're right it ain't rocket science, BMW made a car for people that want to "differentiate"themselves...it's called the F80 M3.

f82fanatic · 06-12-2021, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kozumasbullitt

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Originally Posted by f82fanatic

I get the outrage, I don't like the fact that the cues are really similar now.

But let's face it, this is an SUV. An SUV M car… not sure if you can call it the car for the M loyalists.

You can for the amount BMW charges.

Ok, then the argument is make it different because I paid more money for it.

Not make it different because I'm a loyalist who believes in the brand and the purity of M.

Kozumasbullitt · 06-12-2021, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f82fanatic

Ok, then the argument is make it different because I paid more money for it.

Not make it different because I'm a loyalist who believes in the brand and the purity of M.

It can be a little of both.

xmanpro · 06-12-2021, 11:57 PM

Well done by BMW as they understand this market very well. They've done more than enough to ensure both these units sell handsomely.

535i MSport · 06-13-2021, 12:43 AM

I am still trying to work out if it looks better - or worse - than before?

I guess it's hard to make an SUV good looking at all, but it doesn't seem to affect sales.

Kevin_The_Clean1 · 06-13-2021, 01:32 AM

I love the new G80 wheels, the new laser lights and some of the rear bumper. But the front bumper is a touch too busy and those bulbous tail light are a bit loud. Overall I think it's a great revision and update. But not compelling enough to make me loose any of the love I have for my 2021 X3 MC.

allinon72 · 06-13-2021, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f82fanatic

So what? Wasn't your point about how we are deviating from the roots and diminishing the brand in exchange of more sales? Maybe I read too much into it, but the comparison is not about performance. The performance difference between M40i and X3M is clearly there still.

The M loyalists have a large capacity to adapt to new realities, and they will adapt to this as well. The same way they adapted to the extinction of the manual in the M5, the introduction of large performance SUVs, and so on.

We'll get over this too.

But I digress. I am also bothered by the fact that my car feels less premium now that they made the m40i look too similar…

It's not hard to understand....you pay a significant premium for am M car, a bespoke car, one that is different than any of the others and comes with a motorsport heritage. You want it to be the total package: performance, handling, looks, interior. You want it to have a presence on the road...when you pull up to a light, you want others to know that it's an M car. You want it to be exclusive, you don't want it to look basically the same as a regular ass production car. This is not buying based on a badge, this is paying the price for the total package.

Sadly BMW is turning the M Division into a trim package where the only real difference is the power bump. M cars are about more than that.

f82fanatic · 06-13-2021, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allinon72

Quote:

Originally Posted by f82fanatic

So what? Wasn't your point about how we are deviating from the roots and diminishing the brand in exchange of more sales? Maybe I read too much into it, but the comparison is not about performance. The performance difference between M40i and X3M is clearly there still.

The M loyalists have a large capacity to adapt to new realities, and they will adapt to this as well. The same way they adapted to the extinction of the manual in the M5, the introduction of large performance SUVs, and so on.

We'll get over this too.

But I digress. I am also bothered by the fact that my car feels less premium now that they made the m40i look too similar…

It's not hard to understand....you pay a significant premium for am M car, a bespoke car, one that is different than any of the others and comes with a motorsport heritage. You want it to be the total package: performance, handling, looks, interior. You want it to have a presence on the road...when you pull up to a light, you want others to know that it's an M car. You want it to be exclusive, you don't want it to look basically the same as a regular ass production car. This is not buying based on a badge, this is paying the price for the total package.

Sadly BMW is turning the M Division into a trim package where the only real difference is the power bump. M cars are about more than that.

Agreed. But then let's call It what it is then. It's not an M Loyalist/purist issue. It's a premium product issue. Still think it's bs to complain about the heritage when that has been already watered down many times over in the last 20 years. We've adapted, and we will again.

But I agree with you in the premium product department. I don't want my car looking the same as a base or M40 X3.

nick3753 · 06-13-2021, 08:16 AM

I'm surprised they haven't thrown quad exhausts on the M40i yet. I'm sure it's just a matter of time.

allinon72 · 06-13-2021, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick3753

I'm surprised they haven't thrown quad exhausts on the M40i yet. I'm sure it's just a matter of time.

Hell why stop there...just throw the s58 in it and detune it. Seems like that's where we're headed. Final destination being the same electric motors with different software.

W/// · 06-13-2021, 10:05 AM

Hmmm

nbennettksu · 06-13-2021, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W///

Hmmm
[IMG]https://www.netcarshow.com/BMW-540i_...-wallpaper.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/ima...9--1127_12.jpg[/IMG]

I remember this well, but it was a bit before my time, forum-wise.

Clear difference in the mirrors 😜

Swappy · 06-13-2021, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W///

Hmmm

See a big difference is they are not whoring out that 540 with m badges all around. It’s a car which stands tall without trying to create the image that it’s an “M”. Now the X3 “M”40i is littered with M badges , even on the grill now smh.

robopp · 06-13-2021, 02:59 PM

Should have wide bodied the X3/4M. That's always been the big differentiator between normal models and M models

f82fanatic · 06-13-2021, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swappy

Quote:

Originally Posted by W///

Hmmm

See a big difference is they are not whoring out that 540 with m badges all around. It's a car which stands tall without trying to create the image that it's an "M". Now the X3 "M"40i is littered with M badges , even on the grill now smh.

They are not whoring out the M5 of that time with a million M badges either. Right now, it's the name of the game. And they have figured out that it doesn't matter, there is no cannibalization (or at least that's what it looks like…)

Also, I feel there is nowhere to run now. BMWs competitors are doing this too. AMGs, Audis, etc.

Max Well · 06-13-2021, 05:10 PM

Although I'd agree it's puzzling to see BMW general group usurping M's proud heritage symbology by installing similar traits on their M-Performance lines, I take solace in knowing what I'm driving is leagues apart from those models in what matters - the precision track-inspired engineering and design used for our engines and suspension.

Just sharing some excerpts from the F97/98 Engine and Whole Vehicle tech documents found in the 'Stickies' for those who may be unfamiliar with just some of these differences (which aren't subtle for how the vehicles operate in even sub-max conditions). Often read that those differences are only noted at the track, but must respectfully disagree. These are key to what have brought back the fun of driving, to the point that I can't see going back to the M-Performance line, regardless of how similar they might appear from the outside.

JK479 · 06-13-2021, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRobUSC

am I missing something or is there no longer any visual difference between the M Sport and the actual M's? As far as I can tell, other than wheels and badges, they're identical now - an X3/X4 30i M Sport or M40 has the exact same bumpers as the full on M.

Yup- shame there is so much black shiny paint!

Neophyte · 06-14-2021, 05:35 PM

Strongly considering getting the X4M instead of the M3

Anldyxp718 · 06-14-2021, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlickShift

It's for new regulations. If any part of the tire pokes past the fender it has to be "covered". Don't ask me why. You'll start seeing it on a lot of 2020+ cars.

Correct! It's a cheat move so the wheel doesn't extend out of the fender. My 2021 SQ5 has the same thing. LOL

FrankieNuo · 06-14-2021, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anldyxp718

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlickShift

It's for new regulations. If any part of the tire pokes past the fender it has to be "covered". Don't ask me why. You'll start seeing it on a lot of 2020+ cars.

Correct! It's a cheat move so the wheel doesn't extend out of the fender. My 2021 SQ5 has the same thing. LOL

Time to lose the VW and join the dark side.

goose1207 · 06-17-2021, 11:27 AM

I own an E39 M5 and that has always been part of the appeal, that it flies under the radar and you think it's a regular 5-series unless you're an enthusiast. I feel the same way about my F97. Most people think it's just another SUV.

06-12-2021, 11:57 PM	#27
xmanpro Lieutenant Colonel 3099 Rep 1,822 Posts Drives: 24 M8C 24 X6MC 21 M3C Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Bay Area CA iTrader: (0)	Well done by BMW as they understand this market very well. They've done more than enough to ensure both these units sell handsomely. __________________ 2024 M8C; 2024 X6MC; 2021 G80 M3C; 2022 P992140 RETIRED: 2021 F93, 2021 F96,2019 F82 M4C, 2018 F80 M3C, 2018 F86 X6M- black fire, 2015 F13 M6, 2015 F10 M5, 2012 F10 550i M-Sport, 2012 F13 650i X-Drive, 2009 E60 535i M-Sport, 2007 E60 530i
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06-13-2021, 12:43 AM	#28
535i MSport Captain 1172 Rep 897 Posts Drives: 2017 C63S T Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: East Anglia iTrader: (0)	I am still trying to work out if it looks better - or worse - than before? I guess it's hard to make an SUV good looking at all, but it doesn't seem to affect sales. __________________ 2017 M3 Comp Pack 450PS 2017 C63S T 510PS
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06-13-2021, 01:32 AM	#29
Kevin_The_Clean1 Brigadier General 3261 Rep 3,904 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 MC Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Campbell, CA iTrader: (11)	I love the new G80 wheels, the new laser lights and some of the rear bumper. But the front bumper is a touch too busy and those bulbous tail light are a bit loud. Overall I think it's a great revision and update. But not compelling enough to make me loose any of the love I have for my 2021 X3 MC. __________________ 1998 E36 M3 - Totaled 2003 E39 M5 - Gone but not forgotten 2011 E90 335i M-Sport - Daily Driver 2017 F87 M2 - Sold & missed 2020 F97 X3 M Competition - Finally arrived ///
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06-13-2021, 08:16 AM	#32
nick3753 Major 1020 Rep 1,486 Posts Drives: 2012 e92 M3 DCT ZCP Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Audi S6 [0.00] 1997 BMW 328i Touring [0.00] 2012 BMW M3 [0.00]	I'm surprised they haven't thrown quad exhausts on the M40i yet. I'm sure it's just a matter of time.
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06-13-2021, 10:05 AM	#34
W/// Lieutenant General 7485 Rep 12,307 Posts Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (13)	Hmmm __________________ Current: 16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT 08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT 07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT 99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
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06-13-2021, 02:59 PM	#37
robopp Major 1673 Rep 1,365 Posts Drives: 2020 X3MC Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW X3MC [4.50] 2023 Porsche 911 Ca ... [5.25]	Should have wide bodied the X3/4M. That's always been the big differentiator between normal models and M models
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06-13-2021, 05:10 PM	#39
Max Well Colonel 4735 Rep 2,531 Posts Drives: '22 BG X3MC, '20 BSM X3MC Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Southeast USA iTrader: (0)	Although I'd agree it's puzzling to see BMW general group usurping M's proud heritage symbology by installing similar traits on their M-Performance lines, I take solace in knowing what I'm driving is leagues apart from those models in what matters - the precision track-inspired engineering and design used for our engines and suspension. Just sharing some excerpts from the F97/98 Engine and Whole Vehicle tech documents found in the 'Stickies' for those who may be unfamiliar with just some of these differences (which aren't subtle for how the vehicles operate in even sub-max conditions). Often read that those differences are only noted at the track, but must respectfully disagree. These are key to what have brought back the fun of driving, to the point that I can't see going back to the M-Performance line, regardless of how similar they might appear from the outside. Attached Images
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06-14-2021, 05:35 PM	#41
Neophyte Second Lieutenant 158 Rep 221 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW X4M Comp Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: MI iTrader: (0)	Strongly considering getting the X4M instead of the M3 __________________ IG: @f98comp
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06-17-2021, 11:27 AM	#44
goose1207 Enlisted Member 30 Rep 32 Posts Drives: BMW X3MC, Porsche 911, BMW M5 Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I own an E39 M5 and that has always been part of the appeal, that it flies under the radar and you think it's a regular 5-series unless you're an enthusiast. I feel the same way about my F97. Most people think it's just another SUV.
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