It seems like just yesterday that the G8X generation BMW M3 and M4 were unveiled. The grille that was initially hated has now become loved, the switch from the DCT to the ZF automatic transmission is finally being appreciated and the G8X vehicles have already outsold the previous generation in the first 3 years!
BMW recently unveiled the facelift BMW G82 M4 or, in BMW talk, the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse). With the LCI have come several changes to freshen up the look, improve performance and, let’s be honest, encourage pre-LCI owners coming out of their 3-year PCP finance term to upgrade to the new model.
Other than a small bump in power to 530PS over the previous 510PS, most of the changes are visual. There are new headlights, new rear lights, a refreshed interior and a new rear model badge that we’ll take a look at shortly.
New BMW G82 M4 LCI LED Headlights
For the 2024+ model year, you’ll notice a brand new headlight design that looks more modern and aggressive than the pre-LCI LED and Laserlight options. Whilst we’re a fan of the looks, there’s no denying that the pre-facelift Laserlights are vastly superior in terms of performance and visibility.
If you’re a pre-LCI vehicle owner and you do like the more modern look, you can retrofit these lights to your car without the need to step up to the new LCI model.
New BMW G82 M4 LCI Rear Lights
These new rear lights are a very welcome upgrade. You may recognise this style of tail lights from the M4 CSL - the rear Laserlights are now available on the standard G82 M4 and even G22 4 Series models. Just like the headlights, the rear Laserlights can also be retrofitted to pre-LCI vehicles, allowing you to bring your 2021-2023 G82 M4 right up to date.
New BMW G82 M4 LCI Steering Wheel
The new flat-bottom steering wheel is, hands down, our favourite update on the BMW G82 M4 LCI. The design is sleek, modern and ergonomic - far more suitable for a BMW M car. You’ll notice the bright red M1 and M2 buttons are still present with two steering wheel trim options - brushed silver or gloss carbon fibre. The wheel is also available in either full leather or full alcantara. The alcantara wheel is included within the M Driver’s Package along with the carbon bucket seats.
Fortunately for pre-LCI owners, this wheel can be retrofitted, allowing you to take your car’s interior to the next level without needing to spend considerably more money on the latest model.
Unfortunately, BMW has made purchasing the LCI steering wheel quite complicated. Instead of one part number for each wheel, you need to order all the single components to assemble the final product.
What you need:
- Leather steering wheel (naked): https://r44performance.com/products/genuine-bmw-oem-lci-steering-wheel-leather-bmw-g80-g81-m3-g82-g83-m4-g87-m2
- Alcantara steering wheel (naked): https://r44performance.com/products/genuine-bmw-oem-lci-alcantara-steering-wheel-bmw-g80-g81-m3-g82-g83-m4-g87-m2
- Brushed silver steering wheel trim: https://r44performance.com/products/genuine-bmw-oem-lci-m-sport-steering-wheel-trim-silver-g80-m3-g82-m4-g87-m2
- Gloss carbon fibre steering wheel trim: https://r44performance.com/products/genuine-bmw-oem-lci-m-sport-steering-wheel-trim-carbon-fibre-g80-m3-g82-m4-g87-m2
- Airbag
- LCI wiring harness: https://r44performance.com/products/genuine-bmw-oem-wiring-harness-lci-flat-bottom-steering-wheel
- Flat bottom insert: https://r44performance.com/products/genuine-bmw-oem-2025-lci-m-sport-flat-bottom-steering-wheel-insert-32305a8a910
- Top steering wheel cover: https://r44performance.com/products/genuine-bmw-oem-lci-msport-steering-wheel-top-cover-32305a8a907
- OEM horn plate (you can use your existing horn plate): https://r44performance.com/products/genuine-bmw-oem-horn-plate-for-bmw-1-4-series-61319882774
New BMW M3 and M4 LCI Rear Model Badges
We weren’t sure about these when we first saw them. The revised rear badge design now features a silver outline around the M3/M4 section of the badge, whilst the ‘Competition’ emblem remains unchanged. At Le Man earlier this year, we asked one of BMW’s designers why they made the change, and he explained that on darker paint colours the previous badge was difficult to read. On a black car, for example, the badges are now much more clear however we were not sure what the customer response would be.
After putting these badges on sale, we haven’t been able to keep them in stock - people certainly like the new design more than forums would have you believe. I mean… who wouldn’t want to facelift their car for £54.99?
New BMW G82 M4 LCI Silver 825M Alloy Wheels
Now available for the BMW G82 M4 Coupe and G83 M4 Cabriolet are BMW's new 825M alloy wheels with a full silver finish instead of the traditional gloss black and diamond-cut options. #bringbacksilverwheels
BMW G82 M4 LCI Power Increase
If you’re concerned about the 20-horsepower increase, I want to reassure you that the difference in performance will be miniscule. It’s certainly not a reason to sell your pre-LCI G82 and purchase the LCI model. With an exhaust modification, you could easily make up this difference and with tuning, you can blow the new car’s standard performance out of the water with up to +200bhp being achieved with a Stage 2 map.
Should You Sell Your Pre-LCI G8X To Buy A 2024 LCI Model?
Let’s do some maths. If we have a quick look on Autotrader, we can find plenty of 2021 BMW G82 M4 Competitions listed for sale at around £50,000 with 20-30,000 miles on the clock. With a trade-in to BMW, you can knock another £5-10,000 off that depending on condition and so on. M4s have unfortunately taken quite a hit - especially compared to the depreciation of a G80 M3 which was less expensive to begin with.
The new LCI car has a retail price of £87,495 at the time of writing. Do we think that it’s worth spending double of what your current car’s worth to upgrade? Absolutely not. However, if you’re in the market for a brand new G82 M4 then you’ll definitely appreciate the LCI updates.
To get some LCI upgrades for your BMW G80 M3 or G82 M4, shop here or contact our sales team.
