nextelbuddy

I keep seeing threadds that refer to LCI, i tried googling it and also searching here, bimmerfest and bimmerforums and still dont understand what LCI means. its always a long drawn out explanation. is there just a simple description for LCI?

my car is a 2006 build date of 12/2005 is it LCI or is it not? and what does LCI mean?

please and thank you guys.

flipside

If you typed "what is LCI" in the google box up above there's a link to this thread.

It means life cycle impulse. Which is the fancy name for the refresh that started with the 2008 model year.

So, no, your car is not LCI.

550isport

LCI = Life Cycle Impulse, which means a slight update to the car. Remember when the 745 became the 750 and got a less ugly rear end...LCI. With the 5 series, LCI models offer the new twin turbo 6 cylinder; new LED tailights; revised front spoiler below bumper, new interior door designs, new optional automatic sport transmission w/paddles and gear shift lever, new ipod interface, new programmable heat sensitive buttons, etc...etc... Also, the 550 sports got overdue larger wheels, non runflat larger tires, throatier sport exhaust and stiffer M sport suspension as well as having the body kit included in the sticker price.

Your car is not an LCI. LCI production, as far as I know, began in March of 2007 (a scant 4 months after I got my 550----ouch!)

Depending on which 5 you have the improvements are likely relatively minor.

Hope that answers your question.

DRP

JSpira

Few, least of which BMW, would consider the LCI slight. BMW markets it as a ,,redesign`` which may be a bit over the top but brand new motors, major changes to the interior, updated CCC, new lighting, and a new sport package are fairly significant.

nextelbuddy

thanks guys for explaining that. so that would be the new 2008 5 series i see that have reflectors in the front and rear bumper covers where as mine has the spots for them but they are just not there.

i thought my tail lights were LEDs but after seeing a 2008 model this morning i can clearly see a difference when they depress the brake pedal compared to mine.

now i wish i would have spent a little more and got a 2008 535

pharding

Actually the reflectors in the rear bumpers were added after the car was purchased on pre-LCI models. You could add those yourself for a very modest amount of money and limited effort to install them yourself.

I had both versions, e60 and LCI e60. Your e60 is a wonderful car. The upgrades are not substantial. Enjoy your great car.

HotLap

First, you have a nice car - enjoy it!! I disagree though with the above statement that the upgrades are not substantial...one drive in the 535 tt and you can definitely tell the engine is wonderful - quite substantial in my book! I think, however, that you would have paid more than "just a bit more" depending on your purchase price of course. Look at it this way, you have more $$'s to mod your 530! Enjoy your new ride - it is a nice car for sure

By the way...any pics?

calpalmer

Thanks guys, this LCI question was bugging me as well, and hadn't been able to find it either.

Thanks,

Cal

JSpira

Substantial may be in the mind of the beholder but new motors, new interiors, new iDrive, new options - these are somewhat substantial

Heelsonwheels

I know what you mean nextel; I wasn't real clear myself on that.
Thanks for clarifying 550isport.