[tjbuggy2b]

So, I have an honest question. Why does it seem that everyone that has a pre-LCI G30 is doing everything they can to make it look like either an LCI G30 or an M5?

Between so many posts about headlight conversions, gauge cluster retrofits, and M5 bumper replacements, do you all even like your car? If you wanted an LCI, why didn't you just buy an LCI. It probably would have been cheaper than doing all of the retrofits. As far as the M5, ok fair. It would have been way more expensive but are we really so dissatisfied with the G30 that we just have to make it look like a different car, entirely.

I just don't get it.

I'm all for customization via modification (splitter and diffuser, etc.) but I'm not trying to make it look like a different generation/model, altogether.

[Chappers 71]

I’m not aware of anyone on here that’s done the front lci conversion, a few have done the rear lights….I think you exaggerate

[tjbuggy2b]

Well, if they aren't doing, they sure want to. This was a 5 second search.

[Chappers 71]

Like I said I think you exaggerate, I haven’t come across many, if indeed any front end lci conversion threads in any posts or threads I’ve seen & sadly I’m on here everyday.
And you only found 4 posts in your ‘5 second search’

[tjbuggy2b]

I am exaggerating to make a point. It's called hyperbole. It should be easily recognizable in the tone of my original post because obviously it's not "everyone."

The point is, there are way more people wanting to do these things than what I would consider normal. I've had quite a few vehicles in my life, most of which would be considered "enthusiast" type vehicles. This is the first car I've owned that I can remember anyone really trying to make it look like a different car than what it is.

Anyway, I wasn't trying to start an argument. It's just an observation that I was curious about.

[Gautam]

I have not done much other than an m5-style diffuser and LCI taillight retrofit, though that’s perhaps enough to answer.

I got my car right around the time that the LCI was unveiled.

But in short, I did those mods because I love everything about my non-LCI other than what its rear was at stock. The non LCI stock diffuser is imho too subdued for an M550i and doesn’t match the character of the car.

Even LCI g20 330’s have much more aggressive ones. The LCI diffuser is acceptable but also subdued. Ultimately the M5 knockoff style is what I felt looked best.

The non-LCI g20’s also got the black taillights in MY2019, while it took MY2021 for the G30’s to get them.

I like the front of the non LCI just fine. I’m in fact one of the probably dozen people alive who prefers cerium grey on the grille and trim to black.

I’m tempted to upgrade the head unit to a larger screen as well but not a high priority. Some temptation around the gauge cluster, although most seem to prefer the non LCI style anyways.

I have no interest in switching to an LCI. Aside from having no need to upgrade my car entirely, I have many options that are either borderline or fully impossible to obtain on LCI’s. The cosmetic mods are for the most part cheap and simple and improve the look, so why not. The before/after is hard to argue against for me.

[tjbuggy2b]

Here, I fixed it.

So, I have an honest question. Why are there more people than one might expect to see trying to modify their pre-LCI G30 to look like either an LCI G30 or an M5?

Just seems like there are a lot of posts asking about headlight conversions, gauge cluster retrofits, and M5 bumper replacements. If you wanted an LCI, why didn't you just buy an LCI. It probably would have been cheaper than doing all of the retrofits. As far as the M5, ok fair. It would have been way more expensive but is the G30 really not good enough?

I just don't get it.

I'm all for customization via modification (splitter and diffuser, etc.) but I'm not trying to make it look like a different generation/model, altogether.

[tjbuggy2b]

Originally Posted by Gautam

I have not done much other than an m5-style diffuser and LCI taillight retrofit, though that’s perhaps enough to answer.

I got my car right around the time that the LCI was unveiled.

But in short, I did those mods because I love everything about my non-LCI other than what its rear was at stock. The non LCI stock diffuser is imho too subdued for an M550i and doesn’t match the character of the car.

Even LCI g20 330’s have much more aggressive ones. The LCI diffuser is acceptable but also subdued. Ultimately the M5 knockoff style is what I felt looked best.

The non-LCI g20’s also got the black taillights in MY2019, while it took MY2021 for the G30’s to get them.

I like the front of the non LCI just fine. I’m in fact one of the probably dozen people alive who prefers cerium grey on the grille and trim to black.

I’m tempted to upgrade the head unit to a larger screen as well but not a high priority. Some temptation around the gauge cluster, although most seem to prefer the non LCI style anyways.

I have no interest in switching to an LCI. Aside from having no need to upgrade my car entirely, I have many options that are either borderline or fully impossible to obtain on LCI’s. The cosmetic mods are for the most part cheap and simple and improve the look, so why not. The before/after is hard to argue against for me.

Oh, hey, look. A thoughtful answer to an honest question. Neeto!

Thanks for the insight, Gautam.

For the record, the "M style" bumper looks good, but it just takes styling queues from the M5. It's much more subdued than than the actual M5. I've seen full bumper retrofits (which, naturally, I can't find now. lol).

[tjbuggy2b]

Apologies. My tone is getting sarcastic, which takes away from the original "honest question" comment.

[ezaircon4jc]

I love my pre-LCI & I have no desire to change the lights, front or rear. I had a loaner last week with the full digital dash. The first time I had it a couple of years ago I really liked it. This time, not so much. The "arrowhead" shaped speedo & tach are very tough to read. I much prefer my round gages. I've even learned that I miss the HVAC wheel from my F10.

Understand, this forum is a very small example of G30 owners.

[Gautam]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

Apologies. My tone is getting sarcastic, which takes away from the original "honest question" comment.

Live and let live. (Unless it involves fake m badges or grille stripes)

[Rocket455]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

So, I have an honest question. Why does it seem that everyone that has a pre-LCI G30 is doing everything they can to make it look like either an LCI G30 or an M5?

Between so many posts about headlight conversions, gauge cluster retrofits, and M5 bumper replacements, do you all even like your car? If you wanted an LCI, why didn't you just buy an LCI. It probably would have been cheaper than doing all of the retrofits. As far as the M5, ok fair. It would have been way more expensive but are we really so dissatisfied with the G30 that we just have to make it look like a different car, entirely.

I just don't get it.

I'm all for customization via modification (splitter and diffuser, etc.) but I'm not trying to make it look like a different generation/model, altogether.

Short answer: because #modding and #modders (did I use these hashtags things correctly?). I know your question was about G30 BMWs, but that's what people who modify their cars do, doesn't matter what brand or model or trim or in-depth cost-benefit analysis of the viability of going down that road, etc. The goal/objective (or "need" or "want") is to modify, regardless of what you have. Modders will mod their car if they got a base G30 or a loaded M5 comp. Take a look at these celebs customizing their Rolls and Bentleys and Lambos. We can't help ourselves. Shoot, I borrowed my mom's Nissan Quest minivan for 3 weeks (this is about 15 years ago) while by POS Eclipse turbo was in the shop (again), and I couldn't help but get her car tinted and slapped some rims on there for good measure too [she didn't have a sense of humor about it though...] Actually, attempting to modify to an LCI (or equivalent) look is one of the more benign/kosher staples of modding, practically every car forum out there will have patrons trying to update their cars to the newer "look" in some way or the other.

[jsf721]

I’m super happy witn my 2019 540 x drive.

[HerkHealer]

I prefer the headlights on the pre LCI.
I prefer the rear tail lights on the LCI.
Merry Christmas.
Drink and watch Football. That is what is important.

[LogicalApex]

The basic answer. You’re on a car forum so you’ll get posts from people who mod their cars. Some for just the sheer fun of it.

But the modding for generational upgrades are mostly popular in Asia. So you’ll see the detailed mods coming from there. It’s driven by a couple of factors. Cars are extremely expensive in those counties (a 530i would usually start at over $100K USD) and BMW doesn’t make all options available in some countries. So there is a healthy market for tweaking the cars to add options or to make cosmetic upgrades.

There really isn’t anything wrong with it. Ain’t hurting nobody.

Lastly, like others said, the LCI actually lost options. So a pre-LCI actually can be a much better equipped car.

[Qsilver7]

Adding LCI tweaks to the pre LCI has been going on a long time. I don’t think most owners are trying to make their older car “LOOK” like a newer car…they are mostly “personalizing” their ride or may just admire the new tweak and if it fits/works on the older model…they can inject some new pizzaz to the car they love.

• My 1985 e30 325e - added the front lower bumper from the 86 325es
• My 1991 e32 735iL - swapped 16” wheels for 17” MContour wheels, added Euro wide angle aspherical mirror on driver’s side
• My 1995 e34 525iT - added the HOMELINK GDO from an e39, swapped regular US side mirrors for Euro wide angle aspherical side mirrors
• My 1997 e38 740iL - swapped in the LCI kidney grilles, added 01 crystal tail lights, swapped amber front turn indicators to white Euro lenses, updated halogen headlights to chrome-line HID, updated 16” style 5 wheels to staggered 18” MPars, swapped single stage 4 spoke steering wheel to single stage 3 spoke M steering wheel
• My 1999 540iT - updated 17” wheels to 18” staggered MPars, swapped amber front turn indicators to smoked
• My 2006 e53 X5 4.4 - swapped 18” style 153 wheels to 20” Style 87
• My 2013 f06 650ixGC - swapped in the LCI 9 slat kidney grilles vs the orig 10 slat kidney grills
• My 2014 f15 X5 50i - no mods…left it like it came from the factory
• My 2015 f06 650ixGC - swapped in the LCI 9 slat kidney grilles vs the orig 10 slat kidney grills

I think one of the most copied modifications was the e39’s Angel Eyes. When those hit the market in 2001…lots of BMW owners with models built prior to 2001 or later and did not have them were finding ways to add AEs to their cars. Even non BMW cars clamored for them.

Also, the 18” MPars which were only originally offered on the e31 8 series, e34 5 series, e38 7 series, and e39 5 series…were very popular across multiple BMW platforms and models that weren’t offered that wheel.

[tsbrown]

I’ve had my pre-LCI 2019 540i since new 5 years ago. I actually prefer the front to the LCI lights. LCI taillights are interesting but not enough to upgrade. What I really like about the LCI cars is the better 19” wheels than my 664M, but I never jumped onboard and did it. As previously mentioned, I think it’s greatly exaggerated that many are upgrading the front. I actually noticed this more on the G30 FB page by second or third owners. I don’t really have much in common with them.

[Joe-BMW33]

Disclaimer, I didn’t read this whole thread. It’s too long and too stupid of a topic (especially the title) if I am being honest.

I love my pre-LCI and I love LCI’s. I love the G30. I’ve swapped in the LCI tails, that’s it. I did this a few years ago because I love the look of them. Not the first time I’ve freshened up tail lights on BMW’s.

I think your query is more appropriate for the Facebook groups. I honestly haven’t seen many “LCI conversions” here. Mostly tasteful logical owners here.

What you are seeing on those groups is common. The price of the older G30’s enters Honda territory and this brings on an entirely different demographic and profile owner. .

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by tjbuggy2b

So, I have an honest question. Why does it seem that everyone that has a pre-LCI G30 is doing everything they can to make it look like either an LCI G30 or an M5?

Between so many posts about headlight conversions, gauge cluster retrofits, and M5 bumper replacements, do you all even like your car? If you wanted an LCI, why didn't you just buy an LCI. It probably would have been cheaper than doing all of the retrofits. As far as the M5, ok fair. It would have been way more expensive but are we really so dissatisfied with the G30 that we just have to make it look like a different car, entirely.

I just don't get it.

I'm all for customization via modification (splitter and diffuser, etc.) but I'm not trying to make it look like a different generation/model, altogether.

LCI looks like a Skoda to me, and that seems to be the general consensus over here in Euroland.

I prefer the entire pre-LCI look, with the exception of the rear diffusor on the G31. The LCI diffusor is a bit sportier looking, but that can be solved by simply upgrading to M-Performance.

[Mach550]

Yes, I was hopeful years ago about the LCI and the new G60 5 series until they were unveiled. Now I'm planning on keeping my pre-LCI for a lot longer than I was originally thinking.

The only thing I like about the LCI are the tail lights. I've had them sat in a box though for quite some time and haven't bothered installing them.

[Chappers 71]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Adding LCI tweaks to the pre LCI has been going on a long time. I don’t think most owners are trying to make their older car “LOOK” like a newer car…they are mostly “personalizing” their ride or may just admire the new tweak and if it fits/works on the older model…they can inject some new pizzaz to the car they love.

• My 1985 e30 325e - added the front lower bumper from the 86 325es
• My 1991 e32 735iL - swapped 16” wheels for 17” MContour wheels, added Euro wide angle aspherical mirror on driver’s side
• My 1995 e34 525iT - added the HOMELINK GDO from an e39, swapped regular US side mirrors for Euro wide angle aspherical side mirrors
• My 1997 e38 740iL - swapped in the LCI kidney grilles, added 01 crystal tail lights, swapped amber front turn indicators to white Euro lenses, updated halogen headlights to chrome-line HID, updated 16” style 5 wheels to staggered 18” MPars, swapped single stage 4 spoke steering wheel to single stage 3 spoke M steering wheel
• My 1999 540iT - updated 17” wheels to 18” staggered MPars, swapped amber front turn indicators to smoked
• My 2006 e53 X5 4.4 - swapped 18” style 153 wheels to 20” Style 87
• My 2013 f06 650ixGC - swapped in the LCI 9 slat kidney grilles vs the orig 10 slat kidney grills
• My 2014 f15 X5 50i - no mods…left it like it came from the factory
• My 2015 f06 650ixGC - swapped in the LCI 9 slat kidney grilles vs the orig 10 slat kidney grills

I think one of the most copied modifications was the e39’s Angel Eyes. When those hit the market in 2001…lots of BMW owners with models built prior to 2001 or later and did not have them were finding ways to add AEs to their cars. Even non BMW cars clamored for them.

Also, the 18” MPars which were only originally offered on the e31 8 series, e34 5 series, e38 7 series, and e39 5 series…were very popular across multiple BMW platforms and models that weren’t offered that wheel.

I did the angel eye upgrade on my 1998 e39 540i SE & added the later rear lights & sport body kit, was fairly costly once you add up all the parts needed to change the front bumper & the painting but to me was worth the cost for the improved look & it was all plug & play in the good old days of analog