LCI vs non LCI

[rmastale]

How can I tell if an X5 is LCI vs not. And what was the upgrade to LCI? Is it just the taillights?

[mrmomo313]

led halos, led tails, newer i drive. front end is a bit different as well with the fog light placement. just google a 2009 vs 2011 and you should see clear visual differences

[smyles]

Originally Posted by mrmomo313

led halos, led tails, newer i drive. front end is a bit different as well with the fog light placement. just google a 2009 vs 2011 and you should see clear visual differences

Actually, late 2009 pre-LCI cars came with newer iDrive/CIC.
To make things even more confusing, earlier LCI cars had regular non-LED halos.
And lets not forget LCI tail lights retrofit is rather popular

I'd say the front fascia is the most distinctive and rarely replicated sign ... 3.5 and 5.0 badges are next

[mrmomo313]

Originally Posted by smyles

Actually, late 2009 pre-LCI cars came with newer iDrive/CIC.
To make things even more confusing, earlier LCI cars had regular non-LED halos.
And lets not forget LCI tail lights retrofit is rather popular

I'd say the front fascia is the most distinctive and rarely replicated sign ... 3.5 and 5.0 badges are next

I'd say smyles here has you covered better than I did

[SchaumerMol]

Don't you guys forget the new engine and the new ZF 8 gear transmission?
Unless I misread the question: you just want to make it look like an LCI?

[Endless619]

The actual bodystyle is near the exact same. A good 95% of Americans will not know the difference between LCI and non-LCI.

All are labeled E70s.

[Techjunkie666]

Mine is 10/4 production date but I have the LCI and the new navi. It's hard to tell unless you know what you are looking for .

[SteveMD]

Fog lamp placement is the big giveaway.

[rmastale]

No... I want to be sure the version I'm buying is an LCI. That is the better option to purchase right? Basically; is a 2011 35d automatically an LCI?

[SteveMD]

Look at the fogs:

Pre LCI - fogs on the outside.



LCI - fogs on the inside.



Hope that helps.

[rmastale]

THAT is perfect... Thank you tons!

[smyles]

Originally Posted by rmastale

Basically; is a 2011 35d automatically an LCI?

Yes.
However, LCI diesels - in US - have the same engine & 6-speed tranny as pre-LCI, so the difference is pretty much just already mentioned cosmetics and maybe newer iDrive.

Not advocating pro nor against your choice, just sayin with diesels you get much less 'improvements' than with gas models and the gain is mostly in having a fresher car.

[1bbp]

When did the LCI start on the 2011 50i?

Thanks

[Rayden]

What does LCI stand for?

[smyles]

life cycle impulse

[windtendo]

So apparently the front grilles are slightly different? Can anyone shed some light on this or post side by side pictures? Looking at those two x5's up a few posts I can't tell a difference with the grill...

[Draper]

Originally Posted by windtendo

So apparently the front grilles are slightly different? Can anyone shed some light on this or post side by side pictures? Looking at those two x5's up a few posts I can't tell a difference with the grill...

The difference is subtle, but here's a good side-by-side comparison.
http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=794164

[DarkStarE70]

Hello. I am new to the forum so please don't eat me. I hope someone will still be able to answer this question in such an old thread. Can i use pre-LCI tail lights in a LCI. I have a 2011 35i and found a pair of aftermarket smoked LED's that I want. From what I can tell they will fit. But is anybody sure? Thanks.

[dtkw969]

Originally Posted by DarkStarE70

Hello. I am new to the forum so please don't eat me. I hope someone will still be able to answer this question in such an old thread. Can i use pre-LCI tail lights in a LCI. I have a 2011 35i and found a pair of aftermarket smoked LED's that I want. From what I can tell they will fit. But is anybody sure? Thanks.

Yes you can