Replace Pre-LCI Front Bumper
 

I'm thinking of replacing the front bumper on my pre-LCI, 2010 E70 x30i with an LCI bumper. I know I will also have to replace the fenders, but from looking at the drawings, everything else should fit fine. In other words, I shouldnt need to replace the hood and headlights. Looking at eBay, you can get the front fenders and bumper for less than $1000, ... all used of course.

Does anyone have any experience at this? Has anyone ever tried?

Interesting thread, I would be curious of this too. I have done this "up-conversion" on almost every vehicle I've owned (including my 3 and 5 series BMWs) and it's always just been the bumper. Until you mentioned that I didn't even realize how the fender / bumpers come together on these X's, that's kind of a bummer that you have to do all that for a bumper swap. Changes my mind completely on doing the mod.

it was done for the E53 - you change bumper, fenders and the hood... and the lights, of course... have no idea about the E70 - i am still stuck in the past... lol...

I find pre-LCI front bumper much more appealing, at least in alpine white. At the same time LCI's painted rear looks way better, though. Not sure how such combo would work in reality.

:iagree:

Definitely fenders, fender flares and bumper. I'm not sure about the headlights however. I think you'll be fine.

TY for the comments. Seems the only difference between pre and post LCI headlights are the Xenon upgrade. Dimensions appear to be the same. Looking for someone who has done this. Wondering if supporting structure underneath the fenders need to be replaced as well.

Phys

The headlights are the same, if you get the late 2011 headlights with LED coronas you also need the FRM3.

Just purchased LCI front bumper and right side fender on eBay. Looking for left but hard to find with cutout for headlamp washer. Will keep ya posted.

Phys

Turned over car to body shop yesterday. Will pickup 2 days later on Friday when I return from business trip. Will keep you posted, peeps.

Phys

Finally getting around to posting these. Had some fitment problems with the driver's side front fender. May have to replace at later date. Will be upgrading tail lights in near future. Overall, VERY satisfied with the look.

Phys

Looks great, now you need LCI tailights :D

Pics of the pre-LCI version can be found on page 43 of the E70 Official Picture Post in the forum. Link below:
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...thread-43.html

I was going to say why not do the X6 front end, that way you can swap to the LED adaptive headlights later on.

Thanks. Yes, still more work to do. Already purchased 2 of the 4 tail lights needed. Overall however, a fun project that had its challenges and kept me awake in bed at night. :-)

Hmmm..., never occurred to me that the X6 front end would work. Installed 20W CREE H8's in the angel eyes which look nice, but of course they're not as bright as the later version headlights.

I'm glad you're happy with your conversion but why didn't you go for the M Tech front and rear to make the car actually stand out more from the base LCI

As ridiculous as this may sound, I wanted to keep a conservative, family car look. Ok, I'll wait while you get back up in your chair. :rolleyes:

How much did this end up costing? For parts and installation? I really want to do this! :D

How is your painted rear bumper holding up? I know alot of people don't recommend painting the black bumper, but I think it looks good.

To begin with, once the pre-LCI bumper, etc, is removed, installing the new bumper, etc, is a snap. Spend your money on the paint job because that is what really shows. After purchasing parts, labor and paint cost me about $1000 for just the front. That includes removing the old, and repairing the used (scratches, etc,) and installing the new and used front bumper parts. Total for parts for front bumper was approximately $1000 to $1500. If you're patient, which I'm not, you can eventually find a few steals on eBay.

If you're like me, you've got the bug and you'll have to do this or you'll never sleep normally again. :wow:

Phys

Thanks for asking. Loved the look but eventually changed out my front and rear bumpers to LCI. Before then, the painted bumper held up very well (i.e no peeling, etc, after several car washes). I recall checking it out as I jogged along the nearby high school track and loving it each time I passed it by. Definitely looked more contemporary than the black bumper. :thumbup:

I've been dying to do this! I love the look of the LCI, I have the M-Sport front bumper, but I think the new M-Sport looks A LOT more aggressive!! :D :D

Did you paint the front fenders?!?! If so did they blend color into the door and hood? Having a hard time comprehending the costs for a proper paint job.

Yes, front bumper and fenders were blended in with the doors and hood. My only advice with getting a proper paint job is to rely on reputation.

Were there any problems with the parking sensors? Fog lights? Did the bumper and fenders mount properly or was there any modifying at all to make them fit correctly?

$1000 for two doors, two fenders, a hood and a bumper is astonishingly cheap.

People need to be aware this is NOT anywhere close to numbers achievable nationally.

$2500 is a good price, $3k+ not out of the question.

IMHO

The pre-LCI fog lights do NOT fit the LCI front bumper. Fenders and bumper mount properly, as do the parking sensors. No extra "mounting" was required. Be sure to get front fenders with the headlight washer ports if your current model has this feature. I recall buying the covers for the ports from the dealer.

Hope this helps!

I don't doubt it. I got a retiree to do mine in his "shop", but then South Florida has plenty of places to choose from.