Shopping for an X3M front lip? Check your bumper before you pick a style. BMW redesigned the X3 M and X4 M front bumper for the 2022 model year, the LCI (BMW’s term for a mid-cycle update). A lip shaped for one bumper won’t fit the other, and our pre-LCI splitter listing says so: not compatible with 2022+ LCI models. The rear is easier. Several of our spoilers and one diffuser fit both generations, as long as you match the body: X3 M SUV or X4 M coupe-style SUV.
Key takeaways
- In the US, X3 M and X4 M model years 2020 and 2021 are pre-LCI. Model year 2022 and later are LCI.
- Front lips are generation-specific. A pre-LCI lip doesn’t fit an LCI bumper, and an LCI lip doesn’t fit a pre-LCI one.
- Our two Unit 17 splitters each fit the X3 M and the X4 M of their own generation.
- Rear spoilers follow the body. Our X3M spoilers fit the X3 M only, and our X4M spoilers fit the X4 M only. Both fit pre-LCI and LCI cars.
- Our 3-piece X3M rear diffuser fits pre-LCI and LCI X3 M, but not the X4 M.
What BMW changed in the 2022 X3 M and X4 M LCI
BMW introduced the first X3 M (F97) and X4 M (F98) in February 2019 as 2020 models, with production starting in April 2019. US cars made 473 hp and 442 lb-ft, or 503 hp in Competition form.
On June 8, 2021, BMW announced the updated 2022 X3 M and X4 M, with a US market launch in September 2021. The US release lists 473 hp and 457 lb-ft, or 503 hp and 479 lb-ft in Competition tune.
For body parts, the changes that matter are mostly at the front. Here’s what BMW’s global press release lists:
- An enlarged kidney grille with a one-piece frame. The US release adds that it now reaches down into the redesigned front bumper.
- A black bar between the kidneys that houses the front camera lens.
- Headlights that are around 10 mm (0.4 inch) flatter.
- New side air intakes, vertical and elongated, angled down toward the spoiler lip and framed in gloss black trim.
- At the back, new full-LED tail lights on the X3 M and a new rear apron with a wide anvil-shaped insert on the X4 M.
Inside, BMW lists a 12.3-inch Control Display and a newly designed center console control island taken from the M3 and M4.
How to tell if your X3M is LCI or pre-LCI
The quickest check is the model year on your registration. In the US, a 2020 or 2021 X3 M or X4 M is pre-LCI, and a 2022 or later car is LCI. Our product pages list pre-LCI fitment as 2019 to 2021 and LCI fitment from 2022 on.
If you’re standing at the car, an LCI has these:
- The kidney grille has a single frame and drops into the bumper.
- The side intakes are tall, vertical openings that sweep down toward the lip.
- The headlights are slimmer.
- On an X3 M, the tail lights are the redesigned full-LED units.
- Inside, the console has the newer control island around the gear selector, from the M3 and M4.
Still not sure? Text us a photo of your front bumper at 609-525-4865.
Why X3M front lips are generation-specific
A front lip mounts to the bottom edge of the bumper and follows its shape. When BMW redesigned the bumper for 2022, that edge changed, which is why every lip we sell is listed for one generation only.
Our Unit 17 pre-LCI splitter is listed “Not compatible with 2022+ LCI (facelift) models.” Our LCI splitter is “not compatible with pre-facelift X3M/X4M models.” We designed both in-house from 3D scans of the car, and both come pre-drilled with self-tapping screws in the box.
The SQ Style lips use the OEM mounting points plus 3M double-sided tape, with no drilling. Their listings recommend professional installation, so follow the instructions that come with the part.
Both Unit 17 splitters fit the X3 M and the X4 M of their generation. The SQ Style front lip is the exception: it’s listed for the X3 M LCI only.
Searching for a gloss black X3M front lip? Ours are exposed carbon under a gloss clear coat. We don’t paint them black.
We don’t publish downforce figures for these, so think of a lip as a styling part first. For what “dry carbon” means, see our prepreg vs wet layup guide.
Front parts by generation
Prices below are at the time of writing (October 2026). They do change, so check the product page.
| Front part | Fits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 17 pre-LCI front splitter | X3 M and X4 M, pre-LCI only | $1,199 |
| Unit 17 LCI front splitter | X3 M and X4 M, LCI only | $1,299 |
| SQ Type-B front lip | X3 M and X4 M, LCI only | $1,009.99 |
| SQ Style front lip | X3 M LCI only | $949.99 |
| Single- or dual-slat carbon grille | X3 M and X4 M, pre-LCI only | $529.99 |
| Lower air duct trims | X3 M and X4 M, LCI only | from $600 |
| SQ Style air inlets | X3 M and X4 M, LCI only | $599 |
Which rear parts fit both pre-LCI and LCI?
Most of our rear and side parts fit both generations. Rear parts don’t swap between the two bodies, though.
X3 M rear parts
Our Unit 17 rear spoiler wing, the SOOQOO rear spoiler and the SQ roof spoiler are listed for pre-LCI and LCI cars. So is our 3-piece rear diffuser with corner splitters, which reuses the factory screw points. Its listing says it doesn’t fit the X4 M. The SOOQOO and SQ diffusers, rear canards and rear side vent trim are for LCI cars only, and the SOOQOO diffuser isn’t compatible with the factory automatic towbar.
X4 M rear parts, side skirts and trims
Our SQ trunk spoiler and SQ roof spoiler for the X4 M fit pre-LCI and LCI cars. Our two X4M rear diffusers are listed for the LCI only. One of them has a built-in brake light with plug-and-play wiring that takes power from the existing taillight, and its listing recommends professional installation.
Our side skirt extensions and V2 side skirts fit all four cars. The extensions stop just short of the factory underglow light, so it keeps working. The carbon hood fits all four too, but its listing warns that minor fitment adjustment may be needed. Mirror caps, fender vents and front side vents are listed for pre-LCI cars only.
| Rear or side part | Fits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 17 rear spoiler wing | X3 M, pre-LCI and LCI | $449 |
| SOOQOO rear spoiler | X3 M, pre-LCI and LCI | $299 |
| SQ roof spoiler (X3M) | X3 M, pre-LCI and LCI | $339 |
| SQ trunk spoiler or roof spoiler (X4M) | X4 M, pre-LCI and LCI | $369.99 or $389.99 |
| Unit 17 3-piece rear diffuser | X3 M, pre-LCI and LCI (not X4 M) | $899 |
| SOOQOO or SQ rear diffuser | X3 M LCI only | $1,089.99 or $1,212 |
| SQ rear diffuser, with or without brake light | X4 M LCI only | $1,139.99 or $1,119.99 |
| Unit 17 side skirt extensions | X3 M and X4 M, all years | $1,199 |
| V2 side skirts | X3 M and X4 M, all years | $1,258 |
| Carbon hood | X3 M and X4 M, all years | $1,349 |
X3M spoiler vs X4M spoiler: why they don’t swap
Our front splitters fit both cars. The rears don’t. The X3 M is an SUV with an upright tailgate and, from the factory, an M-specific roof spoiler above the rear glass. The X4 M has a sloping coupe-style roof, and on the LCI, BMW mounts a gloss black spoiler on its trunk lid.
Our Unit 17 X3M rear spoiler wing is our best-selling X3M part. The listing says it fits X3 M models only, not non-M X3s. So if you searched “X3M spoiler on X3 M40i”, this one won’t fit. If you’re looking at a different spoiler, ask us first.
Frequently asked questions
Will a pre-LCI X3M front lip fit an LCI?
No. BMW redesigned the front bumper for the 2022 model year, and our pre-LCI splitter is listed as not compatible with 2022+ LCI models. Our LCI splitter doesn’t fit pre-LCI cars either.
Is my 2022 X3M an LCI?
Yes, in the US. BMW announced the updated 2022 X3 M and X4 M in June 2021 and launched them in the US in September 2021. US cars from model years 2020 and 2021 are pre-LCI.
Does the X3M rear diffuser fit the X4M?
Our 3-piece X3M rear diffuser doesn’t. It’s listed for pre-LCI and LCI X3 M only, and the listing says it doesn’t fit the X4 M. For the X4 M we list two SQ Style diffusers, both for LCI cars.
How is an X3M front lip installed?
Our Unit 17 splitters come pre-drilled and mount with included self-tapping screws. The SQ Style lips use the OEM mounting points and 3M double-sided tape, with no drilling, and their listings recommend professional installation. Either way, follow the instructions that come with the part.
What if the part doesn’t fit my car?
If a part doesn’t fit the vehicle listed on its product page, contact us before you install it and we’ll cover the return shipping for a refund or replacement. Uninstalled parts can be returned within 14 days. Painted or installed parts can’t be returned.
Which X3M or X4M parts should you start with?
Figure out your generation first, then pick front parts for it. On an LCI car, start at our X3M and X4M LCI front lips. On a pre-LCI car, browse the pre-LCI X3M and X4M parts. Rear parts are simpler. See our LCI spoilers and LCI diffusers, or everything for the LCI X3M and X4M.
After the rear spoiler wing, our best sellers for these cars are the LCI front splitter, the pre-LCI splitter and the 3-piece diffuser. Put a lip, spoiler and diffuser on together and the carbon matches front and rear. Most orders ship within 5 business days, and our parts carry a 1-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Not sure which bumper you have, or whether a part suits your build? Text us at 609-525-4865.
