It’s been a while since we last saw prototypes of the facelifted F30 BMW 3 Series (Life Cycle Impulse or LCI in BMW speak) being tested, but here’s one now, captured by our European spy photographers. The refreshed entry-level (not for much longer) Munich sedan sports a few more discernible – if still subtle – tweaks than before, suggesting that it is inching closer to a reveal.
As before, we see a disguised front bumper – indicating that there are some changes underneath – but what is new here are LED headlights, which, M3 aside, are making their debut on a 3 Series for the first time. These units look different from those offered on the 4 Series (and the M3), with unique internal graphics – the trademark corona rings feature a semi-circular design as seen on recent BMW concepts.
The rear bumper and boot lid have been camouflaged for the first time as well, which again hint at some revisions made to those areas. The tail light internals have also been redesigned, with light guides that loop in onto themselves in a manner similar to the 4 Series and X4 concepts. Expect minimal changes to be made to the interior as well.
Under the bonnet, the 3 Series range will reportedly be revamped with new powertrains from BMW’s latest TwinPower Turbo engine family. The new B38 1.5 litre three-cylinder and B48 2.0 litre four-cylinder mills have already been slotted into the new MINI Hatch/5 Door and the 2 Series Active Tourer. The three-cylinder in the MINI Cooper and 218i AT produces 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 an eDrive plug-in hybrid.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Doesn’t seem like a lot of changes. But bear in mind that it is under a lot of camo. Now waiting for shots of the interior.
Facelift means … F30 end of life is around the corner
2018 seems like quite a while away
So here comes the ace of the class in its LCI form and I have the feeling it’s gonna have more chances than the F10 LCI by the looks of it.
So what you gonna do BMW Malaysia? Competition is stiff with all the upgrade specs given by them you better start giving more as standard. Which premium brand in this day of age does not come with true keyless entry, reverse camera and navigation as standard? I also hope the adaptive LED lights will be standard in the 328i form.
No matter how subtle is the facelift, owners must be able to keep up with the change to look premium and upmarket as nobody will take a second look at whoever is driving the outdated model.
I doubt many with present F30 will upgrade to the LCI, in the next 3 years an all new 3 will probabaly be out. LCI is after all only a facelift.
actually the f30 the last thing it needs is a refreashed looks , it still looks muscular,modern and fluid….no case on that front , bt it needs more specs n more premiuim feel ,atleast for the ckds we have here…
and they should disguise their pathetic 2 yr warrenty as well !
almost 300k new and probably be 100k in a couple of years, for the rich folks
BMW cars are powerful and nice to drive. The only problem is that they are only offering 2-year warranty, which is a major deterrent to potential buyers.
…and their factory QC is crap.
Thanks Jonathan for the update, keep up the good stuff. Do you know when will it be released in Europe and CKD plants like Egypt?