[Baldy]

this may be a silly question, but having done a search there are too many replies...so here goes

What is LCI ?

[Danny.B.]

Life cycle impulse. I think!

In other words, facelift!

[fat dog]

Danny's got the terminology right. BMW tend to tweak each model around half way through its lifespan, to keep things fresh before the next new model is introduced. BMW usually do very mild facelifts, often involving front and rear lights, slightly modified interior and exterior styling, perhaps also some chasis tweaks etc. As most BMW models have a lifespan of 7-8 years, the LCI occurs after around 4 years. On some models, the changes are so subtle that only a BMW aficionado might spot them, the E60 M Sport being a good example.

Some rivals, particularly Audi, might perform 3 or 4 iterations of a car within a particular model run. The current A3, although imminently being replaced, must have had a run for the best part of 10 years.

[Baldy]

thanks guys

[Mart1000]

A3 been through about 3/4 facelifts in 10 years though...

[fat dog]

That's what I was trying to say about the A3. Even though it's had 3 or 4 facelifts, it's still fundamentally the same car underneath that it was 10 years ago. I suppose it's credit to Audi that they still generate good sales just by keeping it looking fresh and classy.