[Ashwin34]

Hi everyone,

The M3 has been my dream car for quite some time, and I plan on making an order for one within the coming months. I am relatively new to the BMW / M3 community, but I've been viewing these forums for a while and am very impressed by the amount of knowledge and advice you all bring to the table.

I know cars are always updating and the whole debate of "get the current model or wait for new one" varies differently from person to person. That being said, I was hoping to inquire about the LCI timeline. I know there are multiple threads on this and that it is scheduled for around 07/24. My question is, when I do place an order, when would my allocation hypothetically transition to an LCI allocation from a MY '24? My local dealer quoted me 5-6 months for an order to delivery timeline, and 7-8 months if I spec it with a frozen paint option. I apologize if this thread is redundant or have already been asked/answered in the past, I figured this would be a good way to get involved and start posting on here.

I'm in no time crunch or hurry, but if there are new paint/trim options for an LCI I would be interested. I plan on going with the 6MT so am also wondering if there are any speculated power upgrades to the base MT like there is planned for the Comp. Either way, I'd be ecstatic with either year M3, so my question is mostly just based to give me a timeline for my decision.

I have a general understanding of the ordering process but largely am still new and unfamiliar with the ordering/allocation process, so any information would be greatly appreciated. I know most of this information is pure speculation and no one will truly 100% know, but for those who've placed orders and have had allocations change to the next year model, would you be able to provide some insight?

Thank you so much, and I hope to soon join this fantastic community with my own M3!

[worsy]

The 6MT won't take any more power.
Can't answer for the US but it seems like allocations are slim so the sooner you get a request in the better. You can always negotiate it out on the timeline if you want to wait.

[geko29]

You can expect to get your car 3-6 months after you receive a confirmed allocation. That is not the same as a dealer taking your order and deposit. Somewhat toward the longer end with Individual options, shorter without. My individual build was placed on 2/4, and I took delivery 6/2. I initially placed my deposit in October, so in my case it was ~4 months to get an allocation, and another 4 months for delivery.

As far as we know, only the Comp xDrive is getting a power bump--both RWD models are expected to stay at their current levels.

[echtors]

This year July allocations were when they switched model years.

I assume the same will be true for next year as well, allocations after July 2024 will be for 2025 LCI build.

Also recommend reading BIMMERPOST Guide to Ordering and Tracking your BMW

[harperium]

I waited 4 months for an allocation. Got one last week (because someone dropped out, otherwise would have waited longer). Paid deposit and production is scheduled for October, so probably a Thanksgiving/Christmas delivery. I guess I need to buy one of those giant car bows

I ordered the carbon buckets. On the US Configurator, these are only available on the M4 now. For some reason not available on the M3. My sales guy was able to select the carbon buckets on the factory order page, though. So who knows. If I can't get the carbon buckets on my M3, I may switch to the M4 (which has no wait for allocation).

The LCI looks to be updated headlights < and >, a slight power bump (but not torque bump) - I guess only for the xDrive model.

Personally, I'd rather have my dream M3 now rather than wait a year.

[christianb5s4]

Originally Posted by geko29

You can expect to get your car 3-6 months after you receive a confirmed allocation. That is not the same as a dealer taking your order and deposit.

The key indicator after locking in a confirmed allocation is getting a production number, correct?

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by christianb5s4

The key indicator after locking in a confirmed allocation is getting a production number, correct?

If you have a production number, you have an allocation 100%.

[christianb5s4]

Great, that I do and thank you for confirming.

[geko29]

Originally Posted by christianb5s4

The key indicator after locking in a confirmed allocation is getting a production number, correct?

That's correct. If you actually have an allocation, there will be a production number with your name attached to it. You can then add this to "My Garage" and track the status, or call the Genius line and ask them.

[twistedspoon]

I like the current headlights better than the snake eye style on the LCI so I’d go for a 2024 if you can.

[eddj]

Originally Posted by harperium

I waited 4 months for an allocation. Got one last week (because someone dropped out, otherwise would have waited longer). Paid deposit and production is scheduled for October, so probably a Thanksgiving/Christmas delivery. I guess I need to buy one of those giant car bows

I ordered the carbon buckets. On the US Configurator, these are only available on the M4 now. For some reason not available on the M3. My sales guy was able to select the carbon buckets on the factory order page, though. So who knows. If I can't get the carbon buckets on my M3, I may switch to the M4 (which has no wait for allocation).

The LCI looks to be updated headlights < and >, a slight power bump (but not torque bump) - I guess only for the xDrive model.

Personally, I'd rather have my dream M3 now rather than wait a year.

Additionally, I think the MY2025 will have new trims, new interior and new wheel options added to the configurator as this is rumoured to happen for the MY2025 3 Series production for example.
Also I am not sure if the new upgraded head units supporting the newest OS idrive 8.5/9 will be installed from factory starting this year for the MY2024 M3/M4s or this will be delayed with the production start of MY2025 ones next year ( March 2024 for M4 and July 2024 for M3)