[Encanto]

Originally Posted by Mako

When has bmw ever radically changed the face on a LCI?

Any new grill will be next gen

BMW just did it with the MINI...

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Encanto

BMW just did it with the MINI...

2022 on Right is bigger....kind of...

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Mako

When has bmw ever radically changed the face on a LCI?

Any new grill will be next gen

IMHO that makes sense, indeed.

However, a recent specimen could be considered as an exception: back in September 2018 the original F87 M2 with N55 engine (model codes: 1H91/1H92/1H93) was rather unexpectedly replaced - because of tightened EU emissions regulations - by the F87 M2 Competition with S55 engine (model codes 2U71/2U72/2U73). The front end got mildly redesigned (including a change from double kidneys to unibrow kidneys + redesigned angular air intakes + triple slats). No LCI, a new F87 M2 variant, but no new generation M2.





But then again, rumor has it that, years ago, the M2 Competition was initially supposed to be named "M2 CS" (rumored to feature an S55 engine with 410 hp output), and there was also the rumor of an M2 CSL (rumored to feature an S55 engine with 450 hp output and limited to 999 cars):

The "M2 CS" scheduled for production from March 2018 onwards (March 2017 screenshot surfaced on a forum), later rebaptized "M2 Competition" (with delayed start of production in Summer 2018):


And this screenshot surfaced in September 2016 on a forum:


Also, early 2017, coders retrieved an "F87CS":


And also pre-production M2 Competition cars (test mules) popped up as "M2 CS" early 2018. For example this one produced in January 2018 (several months before official launch in Summer 2018):


Finally, this 2019 screenshot mentions the 1J31 (model code for the EUR-spec M2 CS that went into production from March 2020 onwards) mistakenly as "M2 CSL":

(source: here).

[Teutonic]

Originally Posted by Mako

When has bmw ever radically changed the face on a LCI?

Any new grill will be next gen

I believe that this depends on the sales number. ..?
We shall see. Maybe you are right.

[JoeyBananaz18]

its that last little blurb that sends a dagger through my heart...

[Fugly M3]

Originally Posted by Mako

When has bmw ever radically changed the face on a LCI?

Any new grill will be next gen

Originally Posted by Encanto

BMW just did it with the MINI...

Originally Posted by Frosty

2022 on Right is bigger....kind of...

Attachment 2529621

Normally, the LCI is limited to the bumpers/grill/lights, as those are cheaper than the metal components. So, normally, we'd be inclined to say no. However, the G80/2/3 cars conveniently have a bumper that encompasses the entire front end. Perhaps the ripcord is already baked in?

[Williamld]

I might not understand this the best, but is it normal to have LCI production a year after initial release? I'm looking at the AWD M3 and seeing the dates, has me thinking.

[PLF69]

Originally Posted by Williamld

I might not understand this the best, but is it normal to have LCI production a year after initial release? I'm looking at the AWD M3 and seeing the dates, has me thinking.

It's because LCI follows regular 3 series schedule.

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by Williamld

I might not understand this the best, but is it normal to have LCI production a year after initial release? I'm looking at the AWD M3 and seeing the dates, has me thinking.

Logical explanation: the M version of a series model enters later in the life cycle and usually adopts the LCI of the series model:

Originally Posted by Artemis

Interesting.

G20 3er started production mid-October 2018. So no surprise that the 7th generation 3er gets an update (Life Cycle Impulse) mid 2022.

G80 M3: production started in November 2020 and first deliveries are scheduled to start in March 2021. So it seems that the launch version will already be replaced by an update mid 2022 (LCI start of production in July 2022).

But then again, the same happened with the F87 M2: deliveries started from April 16, 2016 onwards, LCI happened in 2017 (because of the F22 2er LCI) and production ended at the start of Summer 2018 (replaced by the M2 Competition from September 2018 onwards - moving from N55 engine to S55 engine because of tightened EU emissions regulations).

G82 M4: the launch version is expected to stay around longer, with an update early 2024 (LCI start of production in March 2024).

[pcai]

Are they only doing a CSL? Is that going to be like M4 GTS levels of money? Was interested in a G82 M4 CS potentially, are they really not making any CS models for the G80 gen?

[G80_Soom]

According to this schedule, the G80 M3 LCI is coming out after just 1.5 years? An LCI has never come out that fast. How accurate is this? Why would anyone lease or buy an M3 this year if an LCI will be out by next Fall/Winter?

[gemini.m3]

Originally Posted by TWIN_M_Car

I hope you're correct. That'll mean my beautiful G80 is more rare!😉

m3s are not rare, unfortunately. regardless of gen.

[Luminor513]

Originally Posted by E46toF30

According to this schedule, the G80 M3 LCI is coming out after just 1.5 years? An LCI has never come out that fast. How accurate is this? Why would anyone lease or buy an M3 this year if an LCI will be out by next Fall/Winter?

This has happened in the past. 2013 M5, a year later LCI 2014 M5.

[Ibiza]

Originally Posted by jimbethesda

Should I be worried that the G83 isn't listed? Is it still on track for July 2021 start?

G83 is still scheduled for SOP 7/2021– we're just the red headed step child that is forgotten about, as it's all about the G80/G81/G82.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by antzcrashing

What makes you think front end changes are more likely with the G82 than G80? If it is an LCI how would bmw not change the front end of the G80?

It's because the M3/M4 front end is based on the 4er front end, just as it was for the last generation and on the 3er Coupe/Convertible the generation before that. The headlights are the easiest way to see that for this generation since the M models get their own grill, but the lineage is nevertheless very clear. It’s far more visible than last generation, in fact, where the 3er and 4er headlights looked very similar (and everything used the same grills).

Furthermore, there is absolutely no way - not the tiniest chance - that the 4er's headlights nor any other external features of that car will get updated with the 3er LCI.

Also, if the front end change doesnt happen until G82 later, would they then simultaneously change the G80 to suit?

Yes, there is similarly no chance that the two will ever diverge. The F80 got the same headlight upgrade that the 4er/M4 LCI lineup did, and the same will hold for the G80 this time. What else may change, if anything, will remain a secret at least until test mules are spotted (probably early 2023).

Finally, do we expect the G8X to carry manual transmission throughout its life?

I would be extremely surprised if it does not

[G80_Soom]

Originally Posted by Luminor513

This has happened in the past. 2013 M5, a year later LCI 2014 M5.

Hmm, you are correct. However, this would be the quickest for an M3 I believe. I wonder if they will substantially change the grill.

[Germanauto]

Well ladies and gents, it appears that BMW's ICE/manual transmission days could come to a conclusion by 2027-2029 when the G-chassis M2 and M3/4 finish production. I hope I'm wrong!

[Nomana]

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Wow, M3 LCI in just 1 year?? I wonder why.

Well ladies and gents, it appears that BMW's ICE/manual transmission days could come to an end by 2027-2029 when the G-chassis M2 and M3/4 finish production. I hope I'm wrong!

M3 has 2 LCI
One at the time as 3er
Another when there's M4 LCI

[Germanauto]

Originally Posted by Nomana

M3 has 2 LCI
One at the time as 3er
Another when there's M4 LCI

I figure the first LCI will actually be since the regular G80 sedan would be due for a facelift.

Regardless I hope there will at least be the option for a new face.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by PrinceBarin

What, if anything, can we infer about the G81 from this? Seems it will be barely have time to make production before the LCI updates are rolling through the rest of the range...

As I mentioned in my first post, the G81 should arrive with the G20/G21/G80 LCI. This isn’t confirmed yet, but the window is small, and it would make the most sense.

[duky]

Wait so no M3/M4 CS? "Just" CSL?

Or did I just miss it here. Also any indication of manual coming with CS/CSL models or can we assume auto only?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Wojtasiak87

Hmm where the production of G80 xDrive lands in this schedule?

Originally Posted by jimbethesda

Should I be worried that the G83 isn't listed? Is it still on track for July 2021 start?

Originally Posted by M-SP0RT

July 2021 still the start of production for G80 M3 & G82 M4 M xDrive (AWD)?

July 2021 for these, as I mention in my first post. As with Artemis’ timeline, this information comes directly from ynguldyn’s Future BMW thread.

I’d update the OP, but I don’t own it so I’ll let Artemis make the call on that.