After two years on the market, the F30 BMW 3 Series has come in for a timely nip and tuck, or LCI in BMW speak. Judging from the images, it seems like changes will be relatively minor, limited to the front of the car – the F30 still looks fresh, and BMW might not want to upset current owners by updating it massively.
Expect the facelifted model – set to arrive mid-2015 – to sport a reprofiled front bumper as well as possibly some modifications to the headlights. Full LED headlights may also make it to the options list – having already been featured on the M3 sedan – as well as BMW’s latest driver assists and connectivity systems.
No mechanical changes are known at the moment, but it is possible that the F30 LCI will gain the new TwinPower Turbo 1.5 litre three-cylinder and 2.0 litre four-cylinder engines from the F56 MINI range. The three-cylinder in the Cooper makes 136 hp and 220 Nm, bang on what the current 316i makes.
The four-pot, meanwhile, can push out 255 hp and 400 Nm in its highest tune, which would be suitable for a 328i – the current model makes 245 hp and 350 Nm. In the Cooper S, it produces 192 hp and 280 Nm, an increase of 8 hp and 10 Nm over the current 320i. A version of this engine could also make it to a plug-in hybrid eDrive version.
boring old design..bmw lose to merc lah
Now way it can fight the new C-class.
The new C class interior wins hands down while the exterior is subjective and the standard safety features on any recent Benz is above when compared to the BMW.
In return BMW has always been good with their engines and even more so with the upcoming new petrol and diesel engines and their ride although a bit softer now isn’t as flappy as the others.
If the all new C class does come with adaptive dampers as standard like the rest of the world then it’ll be interesting… finally our local BMW will have to offer adaptive suspension as standard to match! We’re still waiting for the adaptive xenons too.
BMW is getting lazier with LCI lately…
You kidding right? Look at how extensive the x3 lci is
The msport is whut everyone is waiting for…
you’d be surprised how little people have m-sport in europe
Had to google what does LCI stand for.. feel like a noob now :(
Hmmm very little mods to the exterior but hope they address the wind noise issue at the wing mirrors and this time do better QC on all cars globally. Rusted seat frames issue really embarrassing for BMW.
As for the LED lights I wonder if BMWM will offer it. They have been quite stingy on the features lately (no comfort access, navigation, reverse camera, etc even if customers are willing to pay as options) and their two years warranty really sucks.
Underpower…moreover 2 years warranty from a German Car really sucks.As usual they bang on their brand.