Purchase Advice

[mikepale60]

Good morning all,

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend!

I wanted to get your inputs on getting into an F80 M3. I’m considering a 2015 base. How much work would it need to get it into a lci state? And is it worth? Or should I target a post?

Thank you!!

[Keca10]

It would cost way more than buying an LCI to completely change everything. You are better off just modding it.

Why do you want to get it to “LCI state”?
Aesthetics? Performance? Infotainment?

[mikepale60]

Originally Posted by Keca10

It would code way more than buying an LCI to completely change everything. You are better off just modding it.

Why do you want to get it to “LCI state”?
Aesthetics? Performance? Infotainment?

Thank you!

Yeah that’s what I’m considering. I’m perfectly fine with a 2015, but if LCI it be mostly for the lights and infotainment.

[WhiteFox]

Would ensure it’s the comp pack and upgrading to LCI elements is not that hard

[Groganrocket]

Originally Posted by WhiteFox

Would ensure it’s the comp pack and upgrading to LCI elements is not that hard

Don’t think they made comp in 2015, I could be wrong.

[M2RAW]

Lci headlights itself already $5k unless you want aftermarket

[mikepale60]

Originally Posted by M2RAW

Lci headlights itself already $5k unless you want aftermarket

That’s what I was thinking too. Bottom line is I would have to price all that in vs just getting a 16 or 17.

I found a clean example, 2015 base with 40K miles and they’re asking 43K for it. It’s at a the price point where do it makes me question whether I should spend more and get a newer one.

Thanks!

[SYT_Shadow]

If you want to update it to lci, then get an lci.

Updating the idrive for example is not cost effective, does nothing to increase value and turns your car into a Frankenstein that cannot be coded by the factory software like a 2015 m3, as it has parts from the lci.

I wouldn't buy a 7-8 year old car for over 50% of its msrp. Prices are dropping and if these guys 'know what they have', then look for another car. Plenty of m3s to go around. Before covid, 2015s were already below 35k, no way I'm paying more 4 years later.

[N1rve]

LCI state…? There are more updates than just new head lights and rear tail lights. There’s Idrive 6, the HVAC display is different and less pixelated, there’s stitching on the dash, the M logo on the seat went from Silver to Black (original silvers cracked), somewhere in 2017/18 the bedplate for the crank hub got updated, bushing changed to poly from rubber, back up camera became standard, adaptive suspension became standard. CarPlay was introduced in 2018 (year of the LCI), the HUD was updated for LCI as well.

You got a lot of changes to change to “LCI” your car haha.

[RickFLM4]

Just get an LCI if the lights, iDrive, etc. are important to you.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by Groganrocket

Don’t think they made comp in 2015, I could be wrong.

They didn't in the U.S. Not sure about other markets.

[HotRodM4]

Either way, you’re gonna pay. I vote you get the LCI and call it a day.

[M2RAW]

Originally Posted by N1rve

LCI state…? There are more updates than just new head lights and rear tail lights. There’s Idrive 6, the HVAC display is different and less pixelated, there’s stitching on the dash, the M logo on the seat went from Silver to Black (original silvers cracked), somewhere in 2017/18 the bedplate for the crank hub got updated, bushing changed to poly from rubber, back up camera became standard, adaptive suspension became standard. CarPlay was introduced in 2018 (year of the LCI), the HUD was updated for LCI as well.

You got a lot of changes to change to “LCI” your car haha.

When I was on the market for f8x I noticed it’s the LCI ikon headlights is one of the reason these cars are expensive. Example my f82 2019 m4 comp. 44k miles $47k no lci headlights with moonroof that’s why its cheap(I think) lol

[mikepale60]

Thank all for the responses! That’s exactly what I was looking for. Unless I get a great deal on that 2015 I’ll shift my for focus to 16 and up.

The 15 currently in conversation is base (with the base sound system) with approx 40K miles. They’re on $43K.In your opinion what would a good number be?

Thank you again!

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by M2RAW

When I was on the market for f8x I noticed it’s the LCI ikon headlights is one of the reason these cars are expensive. Example my f82 2019 m4 comp. 44k miles $47k no lci headlights with moonroof that’s why its cheap(I think) lol

You need the exec package to get those headlights and I remember when I was shopping for my 2019 M4 new, getting Exec and Comp was very difficult unless you special ordered. It was very common to see Comp only without executive.

[Enzian]

I would wait and get in a position so you can purchase the vehicle with the major specs that you want. The modification you seek to install might bring up problems with the vehicle and cost more than just finding the right vehicle. Take your time. It will come.

[mikepale60]

Originally Posted by crustaceans

I would wait and get in a position so you can purchase the vehicle with the major specs that you want. The modification you seek to install might bring up problems with the vehicle and cost more than just finding the right vehicle. Take your time. It will come.

Thank you 😊 I do tend to get impatient with my car pursuits. I have some major FOMO! Really need to take your advice.

Currently I have an 18 RS3 that’s my daily but getting that itch again.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by mikepale60

Thank all for the responses! That’s exactly what I was looking for. Unless I get a great deal on that 2015 I’ll shift my for focus to 16 and up.

If money is no object, newer is better!

Do double-check whether or not a '16+ cars you are looking at have all the options you want. BMW has been whimsical in bundling options into packages over the years. Get the VIN, decode it, go from there.

Originally Posted by mikepale60

The 15 currently in conversation is base (with the base sound system) with approx 40K miles. They’re on $43K.In your opinion what would a good number be?

FWIW, my '15 with 40K miles *supposedly* has Carvana trade-in value of $34,105.

HTH,
a

P.S.: There was no 'comp' package in '15
P.P.S.: No, my car is not for sale

[saint80]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

If you want to update it to lci, then get an lci.

Updating the idrive for example is not cost effective, does nothing to increase value and turns your car into a Frankenstein that cannot be coded by the factory software like a 2015 m3, as it has parts from the lci.

I wouldn't buy a 7-8 year old car for over 50% of its msrp. Prices are dropping and if these guys 'know what they have', then look for another car. Plenty of m3s to go around. Before covid, 2015s were already below 35k, no way I'm paying more 4 years later.

I’m going to chime in here for a sec. While the above is all correct on LCI, I’d say it’s clear he hasn’t been watching car prices. There is NO way you’re going to get a good condition 2015 M3 for under $35k. The car market has significantly fluctuated up, which is leaving used cars, especially nice ones, with a much higher resale value than in 2015. I bought one of my 911 turbos in 2015 and I can easily double my money today on it.

If you want LCI, buy an LCI.

[M3SQRD]

Buying a LCI is the best $$$ approach and shortest time/frustration approach. Also, your car will have the appropriate valve for its MY vs. your MY ‘15 ”LCI” which may be worth less than a comparable MY ‘15. There are plenty of f80s out there so no rush.