[max_330i]

I'm curious to know how many people own LCI cars on the forums in 2017. There are a lot of factors that might influence your choice-- for me, since I wanted the 330i trim, my only option was a pre-LCI sedan. What was your choice, and what's the reason?

[siphor1989]

I have a pre-lci e90 but recently did a complete lci m sport conversion including headlights and taillights.

[aj90]

When I was looking for an E90, I was stuck between a Pre-LCI 330i and an LCI 328i, both around $10,000. The 330i had every option available excluding navi and 80k miles and the 328i didn't really have many options at all, but looked much newer and more luxurious with the LED lights and had 110k miles. I ended up buying the 330i because it felt much nicer driving wise and felt a little quicker. Also, the 330i came with the 18' 162 rims, which I couldn't pass up for some reason. I would go for an LCI conversion, but the car is 11 years old and I feel like the time window has passed for that.

[scanspeak]

I prefer the look of the LCI E90 and the pre-LCI E92 (which I have).

[racermp]

Lci n55. 330i is old now. Newer is better

[Greyfox]

umm... where is the option for both?

I have a pre-LCI and wife has an LCI. The only notable difference between the two is that I didn't have to spend $400+ dollars on replacement LED tail lights that I did for hers. Hers has also had far more interior issues than mine. Like the "paint" pealing off the start button, door grabs and steering wheel.

Other than those things, everything is superficial.

[Gohan335i7]

Both are unique in their own ways. Very subtle differences..

[F30lolz]

Honest opinion? I was dumping my F30 for a 2012 C-250 sport until at the very last minute I walked the lot and saw this LCI 335i.

[The_E92_Fan]

Ive had a 2007 E90 335i and currently have a 2010 E92. Each has their merits. My 2007 was alpine white and stock beige interior. My 2010 has the red and black interior with all the seats removed and recaro sportsters in place (thanks J. Dub). I put in new LED halo lights in the 2007, but they still didn't look near as good as the 2010 design. The tail lights don't bother me. I don't have a preference...yet. When i have more time, ill look into the "perfect" look. As for the lines of the car, the sedan always had something i couldn't figure out that i liked a lot. I think it was the high trunk and the body lines. My 2010 is a bit more rounded in all areas, but i don't mind it.

To each their own.

[Jarrod]

LCI, because I decided on a 335is and that is the only way they come.

On the regular 335i, the only styling difference that matters to me is the front bumper where I GREATLY prefer the pre-LCI. An LCI would have to have the M-sport front bumper. The other differences on the 335i that matter to me are the N55 engine, the shifter paddles, and the tech package, all which favor the LCI.

I had considered a pre-owned E93 M3 before I discovered the 335is. If I'd gone that route I doubt LCI vs. pre-LCI would have factored heavily into my decision. Condition, color combo, and price would have been primary factors.

[YouAreMyWorld]

Originally Posted by Jarrod

LCI, because I decided on a 335is and that is the only way they come.

For the 335i, the only styling difference that matters to me is the front bumper (I GREATLY prefer the pre-LCI). The other differences that mattered to me were the N55 engine, the shifter paddles, and the tech package, all which favor the LCI.

I had considered a pre-owned E93 M3 before I discovered the 335is. If I'd gone that route I doubt LCI vs. pre-LCI would have factored heavily into my decision. Condition, color combo, and price would have been primary factors.

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but you do know the IS comes with the N54 engine, right?

[S4NoMore]

Couldn't find my ideal LCI (2011 N55 sedan 6MT RWD M-sport with cold weather package, H/K, navigation) so I snagged a fully loaded 2006 330i sport/RWD/6MT with 110k miles, new tires, thermostat/water pump and VCG/OFHG recently done from a diligent private seller for $8k. Loving life without a car payment and the car is better than expected.

I definitely prefer the LCI look, much more aggressive, and might do the conversion if I had a 335i that ticked all my boxes. But I think I'll keep it as-is for awhile with some minor visual tweaks and then just get the LCI 335i that I really want.

[Jarrod]

Originally Posted by YouAreMyWorld

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but you do know the IS comes with the N54 engine, right?

LOL you are reading it wrong - I updated it to make it clearer.

DCT and factory tune/exhaust (and interior to a lesser extent) on the 335is superseded my preference of N55 vs. N54. Plus, on that car I do think it's kind of cool that they used the OG twin turbo when they could have opted for the N55. I know that makes no logical sense, but that's how I feel.

[Soles330i]

i have a pre-lci

its a love hate relationship

[joeinsd]

Pre, because I got a good deal on it at the time (2k under market) and it came from a family friend that I knew took care of it. Very happy with it for tuning purposes so far.

[max_330i]

Originally Posted by Greyfox

umm... where is the option for both?

I have a pre-LCI and wife has an LCI. The only notable difference between the two is that I didn't have to spend $400+ dollars on replacement LED tail lights that I did for hers. Hers has also had far more interior issues than mine. Like the "paint" pealing off the start button, door grabs and steering wheel.

Other than those things, everything is superficial.

Whoops! Sorry I forgot to create an option C; it hadn't occurred to me that some members might own both.

Thanks for all the responses so far gentlemen... looks like pre-LCI is currently ahead by a sliver. Interested to see the final results

[techietaichi]

I bought a used Pre-LCI '06 325i and I'm still driving it. Marching towards 182K miles! The price was right at the time, had heard a lot of great things about the N52 and I could modify it cosmetically and a little mechanically to my liking. Everything I needed/wanted. It's been a great "daily" since the day I bought it. She doesn't go fast, but damn it, she looks fast!

[Wolf 335]

I think you need to specify which pre-lci/lci chassis, E90 or E92.

E90 pre lci, for fcuks sake someone was high or drunk during that front end design. Those lights and that grill wow.
E90 lci, they sobered up and said what the hell did we do, we got to fix this. And they did. LCI looks pretty.

E92 pre lci front end a bit more edgier looking. You can add the M tech lip and it looks bad ass.
E92 LCI a big less aggressive front end. Will need an M tech bumper to make it look nice.
Overall when they designed the E92 they were all sober and on point.

There is a reason they put an E92 front end on an E90 M3!

[rsyed07]

Prefer LCI, looks more modern with the LED updates, eyebrow on headlights, and bright white DRLs.