[Artic Blue]

I have been reading the comments about how much plastic was used in the interior for the 2025 X3. I am debating whether or not to buy a 2025 model or to wait until the 2026 comes out to see if any changes are made to the interior. What I dislike most about the X30 with Sport Package is the plastic door handles and armrests. At least with the M50 the front armrests are covered around with the Piano Black trim. If the X3 does not sell to BMW expectations, would it be possible that we can see some minor changes to the 2026 interior? Or Will that only happen with the LCI?

When can we expect the 2026 will arrive to dealerships? Where I live the G01 arrived at dealers on August. However, the G45 arrived on October.

[Sportstick]

Regardless of the plastic components, I would wait as field report warranty repair/quality issues for this new model will more likely have been addressed for the model year changeover. And 2027 should be better again, but usually the second year has the most year-over-year degree of improvement. I would expect to see 2026 on the ground by the end of August.

[l33v0nix]

the wait cycle nv ends.

[crackerjack15]

There is no way that any interior materials are going to change in one year. The logistics and costs of sourcing those materials are not trivial.

[MidnightLight]

One small glimmer of hope is that the LWB version of the G45 does have metal door handles. So they've already designed and sourced the parts for that market. It's less of a stretch to imagine that they might extend that to other markets.

But I wouldn't bet on it. It's still more likely that nothing significant changes until the LCI.

[srekal34]

Originally Posted by MidnightLight

One small glimmer of hope is that the LWB version of the G45 does have metal door handles. So they've already designed and sourced the parts for that market. It's less of a stretch to imagine that they might extend that to other markets.

But I wouldn't bet on it. It's still more likely that nothing significant changes until the LCI.

Have a look at the pictures of the g48 - its certainly not metal. Its the same plastic as in g45, just painted silver. 5 series g60 also have cheap plastic handles.

[MidnightLight]

Originally Posted by srekal34

Have a look at the pictures of the g48 - its certainly not metal. Its the same plastic as in g45, just painted silver. 5 series g60 also have cheap plastic handles.

Ahh, good to know. This photo definitely fooled me!

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Regardless of the plastic components, I would wait as field report warranty repair/quality issues for this new model will more likely have been addressed for the model year changeover. And 2027 should be better again, but usually the second year has the most year-over-year degree of improvement. I would expect to see 2026 on the ground by the end of August.

Solid reasoning.

[srekal34]

Originally Posted by MidnightLight

Ahh, good to know. This photo definitely fooled me!

Looks plastic to me
To be fair, in g45 it isnt that bad in person (its the same material as centre console in g01) - its feels ok-ish. Would have preferred metal of course at least you can now have black merino seats, its much more of an upgrade than metal handle.

[Artic Blue]

Originally Posted by Artic Blue

What I dislike most about the X30 with Sport Package is the plastic door handles. At least with the M50 the front door handles are covered around with the Piano Black trim.

Sorry that I forgot to add in my original post the plastic armrest. My edited post: “What I dislike about the X30 with Sport Package is the plastic door handles and armrests. At least with the M50 the front armrests are covered around with the Piano Black trim.”

[markronnie]

I would not expect much if any esthetic changes to the new gen for 2026. If anything, BMW may remove feature like were just done in the X1 & X2 (u11 & u10) between 2023, 24 & 25. Features like glove compartment light, door sill covers, Data ports & rear compartment tie downs we’re made obsolete within 2 years as BMW finds way to save costs, however small. 👎

[srekal34]

Originally Posted by markronnie

I would not expect much if any esthetic changes to the new gen for 2026. If anything, BMW may remove feature like were just done in the X1 & X2 (u11 & u10) between 2023, 24 & 25. Features like glove compartment light, door sill covers, Data ports & rear compartment tie downs we’re made obsolete within 2 years as BMW finds way to save costs, however small. 👎

Good thing is then there is very little to remove in g45

[ModernAngel]

Originally Posted by MidnightLight

Ahh, good to know. This photo definitely fooled me!

That red interior tho... still lament the loss of Tacora Red in the G45.

[BobBMWX3]

I would vote for the wait a year just for the kinks to be worked out. Maybe split the difference and wait until right before the next MY drops. That way kinks are worked out, you might get a decent deal, and you are still getting the new toy.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by BobBMWX3

I would vote for the wait a year just for the kinks to be worked out. Maybe split the difference and wait until right before the next MY drops. That way kinks are worked out, you might get a decent deal, and you are still getting the new toy.

I cannot speak definitively for BMW, but at the OEM where I worked, most first year issues required a root cause analysis, proposed solution, validation, and on occasion, plant operator training. That timing usually did not allow for first year changes unless some truly urgent need arose. Routinely, non-critical first year issues/changes were collected for a coordinated change at V1 of the following year.