[QtheGenius]

I've tried looking around, and if there is a thread to point me to, please help we this isn't re-hashed out.

I'm considering getting a 2019 540i to add to my fleet. I've researched that the biggest changes between early and late cars are the idrive 6 to 7 system, LCI lights, and grouping of options into packages when specing the car from new. There are other items, but these are the biggest.

My question is does this board feel that the LCI updates are worth it? I've seen a handful of posts saying to say away from the first year LCI cars, but no real comparisons where the public say the LCI is totally worth it. It's almost a $10k difference between early and late cars, so I want to know if that cost is worth it.

[AP]

Personally I think it’s but the options you choose may bias this view

The driving assistant is better on the LCI , smoother, less likely to pick an exit lane, less requirement to touch steering wheel when in traffic jam assist mode

Whether you prefer the light pre LCI to LCI is a personal decision. For pre LCI I think the icon look better along with their functionality. LCI is nice if generic , just different.

Options may be missing on LCI due to the chip shortages so it depends on what you want

Note in pre LCI there is the 2020 model which has idrive 7 “lite” so this is constically idrive 7 but missing software updates and I think the camera for attentiveness isn’t there (correct?) so driving assistant is the older version I believe

To save a load of writing this is my review of my 550 coming from a pre LCI 540 which may help

Bottom line , my personal view is lci is better given the caveats

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=29904376

[Joe-BMW33]

Honestly, there is no compelling reason to go with one over the other, it is really just a matter of personal preference. For example, I hate ID7 (have it in my X5) and the arcade like meter gauges, ID6 is cleaner and more intuitive to me. But I do love the LCI tails, but not the LCI headlights. I swapped in the LCI tails to my Pre-LCI.

Then there is also the chip and supply chain issues of 2021-2022 where some options were removed or just deleted from build sheets, such as soft close doors, kick to open trunk, wireless charging pad or Bowers and Wilkins. That said, 540's generally aren't optioned with all the goodies anyway.

So yeah, if you are looking for a 540, there isn't anything compelling (like a more powerful engine) to choose one over the other. It's more a matter of what you prefer in terms of lights and operating system.

[QtheGenius]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Then there is also the chip and supply chain issues of 2021-2022 where some options were removed or just deleted from build sheets, such as soft close doors, kick to open trunk, wireless charging pad or Bowers and Wilkins. That said, 540's generally aren't optioned with all the goodies anyway.

Interested in your last line. Is that because it's the mid tier ca? Do the early cars have soft close doors, wireless charging and B&W speakers, or were those only later options?

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by QtheGenius

Interested in your last line. Is that because it's the mid tier ca? Do the early cars have soft close doors, wireless charging and B&W speakers, or were those only later options?

The 530 was meant for the $65,000 crowd, the 540 was meant for the $75,000 crowd and the M550 was meant for the $90,000 crowd. That's pretty much the starting price point. Most people looking for or building a 540 weren't looking to option it out to $90,000. The higher the model, the more options it comes with built into the base price. For most, the 540 was the right price point and the right engine for them.

Bowers and Wilkins on a 540 is extremely rare, it may not even be an option on the 540, but I think it was. It's a $3,400 option that moves the cost basis up pretty quickly. Wireless charging pad is pretty common on all pre-lci models, but honestly, it is trash and doesn't work well. Soft close doors were eliminated from all G30's in 2021 forward. I also think this is a rare find on a 540, but definitely not obtainable on a 2021+.

Maybe the 540 crowd can chime in and confirm or correct me.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

The 530 was meant for the $65,000 crowd, the 540 was meant for the $75,000 crowd and the M550 was meant for the $90,000 crowd. That's pretty much the starting price point. Most people looking for or building a 540 weren't looking to option it out to $90,000. The higher the model, the more options it comes with built into the base price. For most, the 540 was the right price point and the right engine for them.

Bowers and Wilkins on a 540 is extremely rare, it may not even be an option on the 540, but I think it was. It's a $3,400 option that moves the cost basis up pretty quickly. Wireless charging pad is pretty common on all pre-lci models, but honestly, it is trash and doesn't work well. Soft close doors were eliminated from all G30's in 2021 forward. I also think this is a rare find on a 540, but definitely not obtainable on a 2021+.

Maybe the 540 crowd can chime in and confirm or correct me.

My 2019 was pretty well optioned with the driver' assist stuff (parking, which I still don't know how to use) and H&K (which is fine with me as the interior of a car is a TERRIBLE soundstage). It had Dakota leather, which is perfect for me. No soft-close, but comfort access; also adaptive LED lights.

https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/wbaje5c59kww18649

[LogicalApex]

There has been robust discussion here so you have a lot of food for thought.

BMW started limiting options down trim from the M550 in LCI model years citing chip shortage issues. Pre-LCI cars all had the same options available for order during build time. So depending on which options you care about you have a higher chance of finding them on a pre-LCI if you're patient and look around.

For instance, my model, the 530e, is usually optioned pretty low as many people would just buy the 540i once you option it up. I optioned it up anyway and ordered my car. So my car has a MSRP of $70K compared to the $54K starting price on the 530e, $60K 540i, and $77K M550i (in MY2020). You can definitely find well optioned lower trims if that's what you're interested in.

[Joe-BMW33]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

My 2019 was pretty well optioned with the driver' assist stuff (parking, which I still don't know how to use) and H&K (which is fine with me as the interior of a car is a TERRIBLE soundstage). It had Dakota leather, which is perfect for me. No soft-close, but comfort access; also adaptive LED lights.

https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/wbaje5c59kww18649

If you had B&W, you would realize how weak the HK amp is, which is unfortunate, because they upcharge for it on the 540 where it is standard on the M550. A cars interior may not be a soundstage, but B&W would put a smile on your face if you enjoy the experience of driving with high fidelity music playing. It's certainly not important to everyone

By no means was I saying that 540's are built or optioned stripped, I think you know that. Yours is nicely optioned for sure. Some of the options are standard features on the M550, which I was trying to demonstrate how BMW goes about pricing, models within the model and flexibility. For example, if you want the V8, you can't strip out features to put it in the low $80's, but adding too many options to the 540 bumps it up against the M550, which most people won't do because a big part of the 540 for them is price. BMW has a method to their madness.

[tsbrown]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

The 530 was meant for the $65,000 crowd, the 540 was meant for the $75,000 crowd and the M550 was meant for the $90,000 crowd. That's pretty much the starting price point. Most people looking for or building a 540 weren't looking to option it out to $90,000. The higher the model, the more options it comes with built into the base price. For most, the 540 was the right price point and the right engine for them.

Bowers and Wilkins on a 540 is extremely rare, it may not even be an option on the 540, but I think it was. It's a $3,400 option that moves the cost basis up pretty quickly. Wireless charging pad is pretty common on all pre-lci models, but honestly, it is trash and doesn't work well. Soft close doors were eliminated from all G30's in 2021 forward. I also think this is a rare find on a 540, but definitely not obtainable on a 2021+.

Maybe the 540 crowd can chime in and confirm or correct me.

My 2019 540i is RWD with several options important to me but not fully loaded. So I think Joe’s price ranges are accurate and typical of what I recall when I ordered the car and what dealer stock was at the time. It’s also typical for BMW to include certain options as standard on larger engine models to tease you into the more expensive model. Mine has M sport package, 19” wheels, blue M sport brakes, multi contour Nappa seats, HK stereo, Surround view 360 with self parking, ceramic controls, factory spare. ID6 was standard that year. Didn’t care about soft close doors, leather dash, rear sun shades and don’t remember if B&W was optional for the 540i or if only on the M550i that year. I wouldn’t have ordered B&W anyway because the HK was good enough for me. Our X3 has iD7 and I like that it will show Apple Maps in the HUD.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

The 530 was meant for the $65,000 crowd, the 540 was meant for the $75,000 crowd and the M550 was meant for the $90,000 crowd. That's pretty much the starting price point. Most people looking for or building a 540 weren't looking to option it out to $90,000. The higher the model, the more options it comes with built into the base price. For most, the 540 was the right price point and the right engine for them.

Bowers and Wilkins on a 540 is extremely rare, it may not even be an option on the 540, but I think it was. It's a $3,400 option that moves the cost basis up pretty quickly. Wireless charging pad is pretty common on all pre-lci models, but honestly, it is trash and doesn't work well. Soft close doors were eliminated from all G30's in 2021 forward. I also think this is a rare find on a 540, but definitely not obtainable on a 2021+.

Maybe the 540 crowd can chime in and confirm or correct me.

I came across someone on another board with a 540i with an msrp of 88k. Really something, never have seen anything else like it. It had everything possible on a g30 other than merino leather. B&W was possible on some years, ‘17-‘20 I think, but is exceedingly hard to find.

Overall your reasoning is spot on…and 95k+ msrp m550i’s are also hard to find, because at that point, many will say to hell with it and go for an m5…

[CMK]

Don't forget the 48V mild hybrid system introduced in 2021 on the 540i. Adds weight and complexity, but makes the automatic stop-start actually bearable.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

The 530 was meant for the $65,000 crowd, the 540 was meant for the $75,000 crowd and the M550 was meant for the $90,000 crowd. That's pretty much the starting price point. Most people looking for or building a 540 weren't looking to option it out to $90,000. The higher the model, the more options it comes with built into the base price. For most, the 540 was the right price point and the right engine for them.

Bowers and Wilkins on a 540 is extremely rare, it may not even be an option on the 540, but I think it was. It's a $3,400 option that moves the cost basis up pretty quickly. Wireless charging pad is pretty common on all pre-lci models, but honestly, it is trash and doesn't work well. Soft close doors were eliminated from all G30's in 2021 forward. I also think this is a rare find on a 540, but definitely not obtainable on a 2021+.

Maybe the 540 crowd can chime in and confirm or correct me.

I’ve looked extensively over the last couple years. Sometimes shopping and sometimes just for fun. You’re right. Bowers was an option I think but not sure I’ve found any with it. Same with individual interiors (pre 2021 merino was an “individual” interior option).

I have seen soft close doors. That may have been part of the Exec package at one point.

[tsbrown]

The 840i GC I drove the other day had ivory merino seats. Definitely nice but my mocha Nappa comfort/multi contour seats don’t give up much to merino. So if you want nice leather but can’t find merino, Nappa leather is quite nice and mine has been durable.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

The 840i GC I drove the other day had ivory merino seats. Definitely nice but my mocha Nappa comfort/multi contour seats don’t give up much to merino. So if you want nice leather but can’t find merino, Nappa leather is quite nice and mine has been durable.

I agree. I have black Nappa and my wife has tartufo Merino (X7). I wanted merino and looked hard for a 2020 with merino and my other “must have” options. I ended up compromising on the merino. But the reason I wanted it was for the colors. They did merino in Smoke White/Black, Caramel/Black, and Tartufo/White. I would’ve taken any of them but really wanted one of the tans. The only other tan is Congac Dakota and I wanted nicer leather and Lux seating package.

My ultimate point is that you’re right. The material is different but not enough that I’m jealous of my wife’s upholstery. It’s more about the color options.

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

The 840i GC I drove the other day had ivory merino seats. Definitely nice but my mocha Nappa comfort/multi contour seats don’t give up much to merino. So if you want nice leather but can’t find merino, Nappa leather is quite nice and mine has been durable.

how'd you like it? is it basically your 540 in just a different form?

the interior has more design, but smaller and has less visibility

was the drive dynamics any/much different? drove a m850i convertible a few times, but never the gc.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by BMW012

how'd you like it? is it basically your 540 in just a different form?

the interior has more design, but smaller and has less visibility

was the drive dynamics any/much different? drove a m850i convertible a few times, but never the gc.

I’m curious about the driving dynamics also. Steering, throttle, ride, etc.

[tsbrown]

Borrowed from another post I made on the 840i GC driving experience....

I drove the 840i GC (RWD version). It was a 2020 so had the smaller iDrive 7 screen, but most of the other typical options. My main purpose for driving it was to see if it could be a potential replacement for the G30 in 6-12 months. I know it's 4-5 inches longer than a G30, and wider, and heavier, but it hides it's extra size very well when driving. Plenty of power actually, no issue there, and I found myself traveling 5-10mph faster than normal without immediately noticing. I think they use a different ASD soundtrack in this car because it sounds more aggressive inside, but when you park it and rev the engine with the door open it sounds the same as my 540i.

The issue for me was the low seating position - I'm 6'3" and have my G30 seat higher to help with occasional sciatica. The 8GC doesn't have as much headroom with the seat raised a bit. You definitely feel like you're sitting in a low coupe, but with more back seat room. The trunk is also substantially smaller and probably wouldn't work for me with golf clubs and push carts that are regularly kept there. Overall really liked the car, drives very similar to my G30 540i, but I don't think it would work for me because of the seating position and smaller trunk. Bit of a shame really. If not for these two issues it very well could be my next car.

[QtheGenius]

How have the white leather seats held up for those that have it? Granted it's been a decade, but I remember lots of negative reviews of blue jeans staining white seats as people slide in and out of them. I was always curious why someone would go for a white interior.

For myself, I'd ideally find a brown Nappa leather, or black ranked 2nd. I have a Magna brown leather in my e36 M3, and love that color.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by tsbrown

Borrowed from another post I made on the 840i GC driving experience....

I drove the 840i GC (RWD version). It was a 2020 so had the smaller iDrive 7 screen, but most of the other typical options. My main purpose for driving it was to see if it could be a potential replacement for the G30 in 6-12 months. I know it's 4-5 inches longer than a G30, and wider, and heavier, but it hides it's extra size very well when driving. Plenty of power actually, no issue there, and I found myself traveling 5-10mph faster than normal without immediately noticing. I think they use a different ASD soundtrack in this car because it sounds more aggressive inside, but when you park it and rev the engine with the door open it sounds the same as my 540i.

The issue for me was the low seating position - I'm 6'3" and have my G30 seat higher to help with occasional sciatica. The 8GC doesn't have as much headroom with the seat raised a bit. You definitely feel like you're sitting in a low coupe, but with more back seat room. The trunk is also substantially smaller and probably wouldn't work for me with golf clubs and push carts that are regularly kept there. Overall really liked the car, drives very similar to my G30 540i, but I don't think it would work for me because of the seating position and smaller trunk. Bit of a shame really. If not for these two issues it very well could be my next car.

On the faster part, I do that in my G31 all the time. Always 10-15 km/h over the limit when not paying attention. The 5er chassis is so capable that you just don't feel the speed.

Normally, I would expect the coupe to be a bit sportier, but modern BMWs largely seem to be set up similarly these days.

[AF]

Originally Posted by QtheGenius

How have the white leather seats held up for those that have it? Granted it's been a decade, but I remember lots of negative reviews of blue jeans staining white seats as people slide in and out of them. I was always curious why someone would go for a white interior.

For myself, I'd ideally find a brown Nappa leather, or black ranked 2nd. I have a Magna brown leather in my e36 M3, and love that color.

I have the Ivory white in my 2021 M550 and at 3 years old it looks great and there are no blue jeans stains and that is pretty much what I wear most of the time.

[JSKS76]

I recently purchased a 2020 540 xi M performance.

I found many 2021+ to be missing 360 camera due to chip shortage.

I use android auto, so 2020 having android auto met requirement.

Also, since this will be an used car and I don't drive a lot, I prefer not having the mild hybrid system in an out of warranty car in the 2021+ cars.

Not sure if others have mentioned this, but one thing that I wished I found out before I purchased the 2020 is that the turning radius is a bit big, and you have to turn the steering wheel quite a bit (ie slow turning). I have since found out 2021+ with M performance package includes Variable Sport Steering (VSS). This was an a la carte option on 2020 and probably quite rare. You may want to test drive pre CLI and post CLI M performance to see how you feel about the steering. My basis of comparison was my previous Genesis G70, that car was very nimble by comparison and was a blast to toss around.

[Alscoob]

I have a G31 540i X-drive 2020 LCi it came with certain options as it was the 'M sport Edition' here in the UK.

Has the adaptive lights, heads up display, HK, Charging pad, park assist, reverse assist, 20"1001M wheels, Comfort access & part elec sports seats, plus the usual speach stuff and car play or andriod auto & adaptive & rear air suspension, reverse camera.

In fairness I was looking for a 5er last year and the LCi just stood out as nicer looking car over the pre LCi to me. Tested a 530d first, which was good and came with (as a lot do over here) comfort seats, so nappa leather. Actually decided that I preferred the sport seats as they have better bolsters on the seats and more support than the comfort. Despite the comfort being adjustable in so many ways I really found the lack of wrap round in the seats not so good. So ended up with the 540i as really, did also prefer petrol.

Having owned it for 7 months now It's still a good car but to some extent I feel I would have been happy with a Pre LCi as that could be had with -

full electric memory sports seats
better dash (round clocks as opposed to opposing part angular semi circles)
rare but possibly no X-drive
ability to tune / alternative exhaust
Classic round adaptive headlights
smaller centre screen
ability to switch off start/stop
No 48v MHT

While the 48v MHT makes the start /stop fairly seamless helping also with economy and nowhere near as agricultural as the pre LCi system it will cut out the engine before you stop which is dam annoying in slow moving traffic, or if you're crusing up to a junction and need to accelerate a fraction after its shut down, it can all come together with a bit of a thud through the system. So to avoid that you have to have it in sports mode or knock the lever to the left so it disables the start stop. It's all a faf so would like to have it set to off, but not possible.

So it really is personal choice dependant on how you use your car and if you need the ability to adapt your car the way you would like it. I came from a F31 340i non adaptive so had that car set up with ACS suspension and a few subtle enhancements, it was a little more analogue which I liked and while the 540i pre LCi its way ahead of the 3er it's just not as far as the 5er LCi.