Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
-
- Newbie
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:10 pm
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
Looking for a post LCI facelift e89 Z4.
I've tried researching what changes were introduced for the LCI facelift in March 2013, most significant one seems to be the led front lights.
I've also read the 'boomerang' on the side indicators was added but I've seen 2012 models with the indicator trim fitted and a 2013 with led angel eyes and no boomerang trim which was registered in May 2013. They lights/trim may have been retrofitted.
Is there another easy visual telltale to determine if a z4 is post or pre-LCI facelift?
TIA
I've tried researching what changes were introduced for the LCI facelift in March 2013, most significant one seems to be the led front lights.
I've also read the 'boomerang' on the side indicators was added but I've seen 2012 models with the indicator trim fitted and a 2013 with led angel eyes and no boomerang trim which was registered in May 2013. They lights/trim may have been retrofitted.
Is there another easy visual telltale to determine if a z4 is post or pre-LCI facelift?
TIA
- mr.tourette
- Lifer
- Posts: 4294
- Joined: Thu Aug 27, 2015 9:16 am
- Location: north wales
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
The headlights and side indicators are the biggest visual clues but as you have noted the side indicators update is a popular retrofit on older models, there was some minor changes in the cabin too with some switches and gloss black surrounds on the air vents but I dont really think where was a raft of changes just some very minor tweaks
if its got tits or tyres..its trouble
-
OnlineB21
- Lifer
- Posts: 5443
- Joined: Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:15 pm
- Location: In my Banana Yellow Space Shuttle...somewhere over Southern Caledonia
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
Although I would say it as my cars are pre LCI..I would suggest you ignore that fact in your search…
Unless you find the new headlight visual design compelling above all else you should buy based on other choices…
The truism is that the revisions of which there are 100s over the 7 year production run means newer cars are fractionally better it’s best to buy on condition/ spec/colour/price. IMHO
So to answer your question only the led headlights are a true demarcation for most cars..
Unless you find the new headlight visual design compelling above all else you should buy based on other choices…
The truism is that the revisions of which there are 100s over the 7 year production run means newer cars are fractionally better it’s best to buy on condition/ spec/colour/price. IMHO
So to answer your question only the led headlights are a true demarcation for most cars..
We choose to go to on with this endeavour at this time and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…
A very modified Atacama Yellow 35is
A very modified Atacama Yellow 35is
-
- Newbie
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Mon Mar 29, 2021 4:10 pm
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
Thanks for the replies.
I do find the led front lights more appealing, cleaner and more modern looking. I've think I've noticed a subtle difference between pre and post LCI facelift.
The A/C control on pre cars has a snowflake symbol, same button on 2013 cars has the letters A/C on.
I do find the led front lights more appealing, cleaner and more modern looking. I've think I've noticed a subtle difference between pre and post LCI facelift.
The A/C control on pre cars has a snowflake symbol, same button on 2013 cars has the letters A/C on.
- Attachments
-
- Screenshot_20211021-115259_Chrome.jpg (76.46 KiB) Viewed 524 times
-
- Screenshot_20211021-114826_Chrome.jpg (75.14 KiB) Viewed 524 times
- Argyll Andy
- Lifer
- Posts: 5345
- Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2019 10:16 pm
- Location: Argyll & Bute
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
I’ve had both those cars and never noticed those differencesphilip hedley wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 12:07 pm Thanks for the replies.
I do find the led front lights more appealing, cleaner and more modern looking. I've think I've noticed a subtle difference between pre and post LCI facelift.
The A/C control on pre cars has a snowflake symbol, same button on 2013 cars has the letters A/C on.
G29 M40i Thundernight with Ivory interior, all option packs (here for a while, hopefully )
G29 M40i Misano Blue all option packs (Gone 26k of fun)
E89 35iS, Valencia Orange, Design Pure Traction pack (Gone)
E89 23i sDrive, Silver (Gone)
-
OnlineChippie
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2321
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2019 9:11 pm
- Location: Wakefield
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
As said the main difference is the headlights and side indicators, the Facelift headlights have a chrome strip that runs along the top edge at the bonnet line that matches the side indicators, whereas the pre facelift is an off white colour again same as the older style side indicators
E89 35is space grey Kansas coral red leather
-
- Newbie
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon Sep 27, 2021 11:30 am
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
I'm by no means an expert but I can tell you what I've observed. As far as I can see the side indicators were changed around 2013/2014,
I've seen some 2013 cars with both later and earlier side indicators but most 2014 cars I've seen have the later ones.
My car is 2010 and was fitted with the earlier side indicators which I never really liked as I don't think they suit the style of the car. I changed them for the later ones which I think personally are much nicer.
Indeed, my car also has the snowflake symbol on the ac so it looks like your observation on that is correct.
Just a by the way note, I also noticed a difference in the location of the parking sensor switch. On my 2010 car the switch is on the left hand side of the roof switches but in the picture you posted of the 2015 car the parking sensor switch is on the right. Assuming that's what the switch in your picture is for as the image is a little blurred.
I've seen some 2013 cars with both later and earlier side indicators but most 2014 cars I've seen have the later ones.
My car is 2010 and was fitted with the earlier side indicators which I never really liked as I don't think they suit the style of the car. I changed them for the later ones which I think personally are much nicer.
Indeed, my car also has the snowflake symbol on the ac so it looks like your observation on that is correct.
Just a by the way note, I also noticed a difference in the location of the parking sensor switch. On my 2010 car the switch is on the left hand side of the roof switches but in the picture you posted of the 2015 car the parking sensor switch is on the right. Assuming that's what the switch in your picture is for as the image is a little blurred.
-
- Lifer
- Posts: 8493
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2021 7:20 pm
- Location: Spaldingski
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
That's the auto start/stop disable button, not parking sensors (pdc). The car in the picture hasn't got pdc (it was an option). If it did it would be the third button from the left, next to the roof close button. LCI was from build date of around March 2013. So most '13' reg cars onwards will be LCI but not all. Also, all 18is are LCI, as they only built them from 2013 onwards.Badforgood wrote: ↑Thu Oct 21, 2021 1:26 pm ust a by the way note, I also noticed a difference in the location of the parking sensor switch. On my 2010 car the switch is on the left hand side of the roof switches but in the picture you posted of the 2015 car the parking sensor switch is on the right. Assuming that's what the switch in your picture is for as the image is a little blurred.
All good things come to those who wait. I'm really impatient which explains a lot.
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
F31 320i. Good car.
E89 20i Now fully dried
Z3 'free litre'. Project and a half. Complicated!
Mazda3 sold
Tatty old R56 Mini Cooper. Money pit!
-
- Member
- Posts: 510
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 5:24 pm
- Location: Edinburgh
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
I really really like the upgraded lci led headlights. Def look more up to date and cleaner than the backlit halos in the first edition models. Sadly its a £1000+ retrofit, so the only reasonable option is changing the bulb for something better. I've tried a few different LED bulbs and the best ones I've tried are Novsight led bulbs. Importantly, the actually fit in the headlight housing (which many are too big for), but they are very bright white lights that fully illuminate the halos nicely and (almost) evenly.
https://www.novsights.com/products/h11- ... ight-bulbs
https://www.novsights.com/products/h11- ... ight-bulbs
2012 E89 sDrive20i M Sport Celtic Tuning Stage 3 Remap
2008 E86 Z4 M Sport 2.0i - Gone
2003 E46 316ti M Sport - Gone
2008 E86 Z4 M Sport 2.0i - Gone
2003 E46 316ti M Sport - Gone
-
OnlineB21
- Lifer
- Posts: 5443
- Joined: Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:15 pm
- Location: In my Banana Yellow Space Shuttle...somewhere over Southern Caledonia
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
Having lead my 35is fitted with the LEDS that silverstar recommended being driven by PeeblesZ4 on the way to the garage, i have to say that they work brilliantly (pun) and give the car a good aggressive look as they burn very brightly..compared to the OE fit just no contest..BeardyJon wrote: ↑Fri Oct 22, 2021 11:54 am I really really like the upgraded lci led headlights. Def look more up to date and cleaner than the backlit halos in the first edition models. Sadly its a £1000+ retrofit, so the only reasonable option is changing the bulb for something better. I've tried a few different LED bulbs and the best ones I've tried are Novsight led bulbs. Importantly, the actually fit in the headlight housing (which many are too big for), but they are very bright white lights that fully illuminate the halos nicely and (almost) evenly.
https://www.novsights.com/products/h11- ... ight-bulbs
I realise its not the same as the LCI lighting but provides and alternative that to me is as good..
We choose to go to on with this endeavour at this time and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…
A very modified Atacama Yellow 35is
A very modified Atacama Yellow 35is
-
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1120
- Joined: Thu Sep 20, 2018 8:43 am
- Location: Braintree
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
Which were the ones recommended by Raj (Silverstar)? How do they compare to the ones suggested by Beardy-John.
I know Raj knows his stuff on this kind of thing, but John clearly has a beard so will no doubt be wise too
I know Raj knows his stuff on this kind of thing, but John clearly has a beard so will no doubt be wise too
-
- Member
- Posts: 510
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 5:24 pm
- Location: Edinburgh
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
Just as a guide, here's a few pics of the Novsights lit up:
2012 E89 sDrive20i M Sport Celtic Tuning Stage 3 Remap
2008 E86 Z4 M Sport 2.0i - Gone
2003 E46 316ti M Sport - Gone
2008 E86 Z4 M Sport 2.0i - Gone
2003 E46 316ti M Sport - Gone
-
OnlineB21
- Lifer
- Posts: 5443
- Joined: Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:15 pm
- Location: In my Banana Yellow Space Shuttle...somewhere over Southern Caledonia
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
Looks similar intensity to mine..I'll take a pic and report back..
Actually checked, yes novasight..so similar, your camera seems abit over whelmed so IMHO looks again better by the human eye than in the picture..
The good news is that there is no way than anyone couldn't say that they didn't see you coming..
Having lead quite a few runs, you are always looking at the following Zeds and apart from the bloody bright blue G29 of AA they are the best..so far..
Actually checked, yes novasight..so similar, your camera seems abit over whelmed so IMHO looks again better by the human eye than in the picture..
The good news is that there is no way than anyone couldn't say that they didn't see you coming..
Having lead quite a few runs, you are always looking at the following Zeds and apart from the bloody bright blue G29 of AA they are the best..so far..
We choose to go to on with this endeavour at this time and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…
A very modified Atacama Yellow 35is
A very modified Atacama Yellow 35is
- Argyll Andy
- Lifer
- Posts: 5345
- Joined: Mon Oct 21, 2019 10:16 pm
- Location: Argyll & Bute
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
I just like letting you know I’m still there
G29 M40i Thundernight with Ivory interior, all option packs (here for a while, hopefully )
G29 M40i Misano Blue all option packs (Gone 26k of fun)
E89 35iS, Valencia Orange, Design Pure Traction pack (Gone)
E89 23i sDrive, Silver (Gone)
-
OnlineB21
- Lifer
- Posts: 5443
- Joined: Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:15 pm
- Location: In my Banana Yellow Space Shuttle...somewhere over Southern Caledonia
Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89
I’m working on it too…pass me the Quaife LSD, VSRF downpipes, Wagner intercooler and MHD stage 2+ map…
We choose to go to on with this endeavour at this time and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard…
A very modified Atacama Yellow 35is
A very modified Atacama Yellow 35is