Visual difference between 2012 and 2013 e89

[philip hedley]

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

 

[mr.tourette]

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

 

[B21]

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..

 

[philip hedley]

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.

 

[Argyll Andy]

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’ve had both those cars and never noticed those differences :rofl:

 

[Chippie]

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

 

[Badforgood]

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.

 

[Pondrew]

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.

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.

 

[BeardyJon]

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-h8-h9-led-headlight-bulbs

 

[B21]

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-h8-h9-led-headlight-bulbs

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..

I realise its not the same as the LCI lighting but provides and alternative that to me is as good..

 

[Big Bad Boris]

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

 

[BeardyJon]

Just as a guide, here's a few pics of the Novsights lit up:

 

[B21]

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..

 

[Argyll Andy]

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..

I just like letting you know I’m still there :wink:

 

[B21]

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..

I just like letting you know I’m still there :wink:

I’m working on it too…pass me the Quaife LSD, VSRF downpipes, Wagner intercooler and MHD stage 2+ map… :driving:

 

[tiglon]

The main visual difference was the introduction of Valencia Orange which, as we all know, is by far the best colour

 

[Silverstar]

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

Yes the ones I put in mine are the same Novsight ones and just as mentioned by Beardyjon and B21 they are fanstastic, they work really well.