Hi,

Thinking of getting the missus a BMW X1, it looks like the behind of a baboon in normal trim but msport trim sort of pulls it off. Aside from this it seems like a good compromise between a 1 series and a 3 series.

I've done some digging and seen some reviews, seems to tick most of the boxes.

Cant really see other alternatives which are of similar quality and size and maintenance costs.

The boxes to tick are things like:

Small stature (for manoeuvrability/parking) but big enough to not feel overwhelmed by other traffic.

Safer motorway/longer distance driving.

Good chassis and AWD seems to be a good plus point for safety in adverse road handling.

Anyone have any experiences in the X1? Or had thought about it then changed for something else?

Thanks!

Neighbour recently got one and he's not especially enthralled with it. Not great for visibility, too thirsty and too hard a ride are the complaints that I recall. Hes had CRV after CRV up until the BMW and he's going back to them as soon as his Mrs allows him.

Never really been a fan of the BMW X range, you'd need two hands to count the number of times my Dads next door neighbour had the RAC out to fix her X5 in 6 months. She spent more time driving courtesy cars than her own, so it was eventually part exchanged for a AMG Merc.

I'm afraid I can't help, I just don't see the point of an X1 :think:

No experience of the X but did have a118D Msport. Hope you don't have a back problem because the suspension on the Msport is rock hard. Reckon if you drove over a coin you could tell wether it was heads or tails!

Yeti or new Honda CRV are better all round 4x4 practical good quality cars IMO.

I can't see the point of paying for the BMW "premium" badge on a fairly naff car. Sorry.

One of the ugliest cars on the road but that's my opinion.

Know of many people who love their CRVs despite the dull image. Neighbour sticks winter treads on his and reckons it's pretty unstoppable in the snow.

My sister has the 1 series msport and ride is quite similar to my car (quite firm). Was hoping the x1 have extra ride height so it can soften that even if it is msport. How did the 18d cope in terms of power.

Gah, Tapatalk and mobile version cacked up... I'll try edit again

..

Crv and yeti are a size bigger, in any case I don't think I can persuade her to drive either.. If it's any consolation I suggested the yeti first

Can't find a size between the 1 and 3 series, 3 would be nice but bit too long for her esp parking in town.

For the money one could probably stretch to the baby land rover evogue but let's not go there lol.

If only they still made the rav4 in 3 door version. That would have been fun.

The normal x1 is fugly but the msport kit hides it quite well I thought...?

That looks dire to me but then I drive a Yeti! I just cant see the point of them myself - whats the size difference between a Yeti and the X1 then?

Wouldn't let me edit post anymore.....

Edit: no for an a3, q3 is a bit pricy, no jukes or quasqui, she won't drive an octy.. She will drive a b class and I lol'd..

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That looks dire to me but then I drive a Yeti! I just cant see the point of them myself - whats the size difference between a Yeti and the X1 then?

X1.

Length 4477 mm - 14'8"

Width 1798 mm - 5'11" - exc. mirrors

Height 1567 mm - 5'2"

Wheel Base 2760 mm - 9'1"

Yeti.

Length 4223 mm - 13'10"

Width 1793 mm - 5'11" - exc. mirrors

Height 1691 mm - 5'7"

Wheel Base 2578 mm - 8'5"

I was surprised to see the X1 is longer and wider, key things when manouvering.

X1 is based on the 3 series touring chassis but chopped behind (and stilts in place) to make the crossover.

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X1.

Length 4477 mm - 14'8"

Width 1798 mm - 5'11" - exc. mirrors

Height 1567 mm - 5'2"

Wheel Base 2760 mm - 9'1"

Yeti.

Length 4223 mm - 13'10"

Width 1793 mm - 5'11" - exc. mirrors

Height 1691 mm - 5'7"

Wheel Base 2578 mm - 8'5"

I was surprised to see the X1 is longer and wider, key things when manouvering.

Interesting - I did think it was at least very similar in length as I remember taking a photo of one in France in August with my Yeti on one side and a BMW 5 series on the other. My comment was along the lines of... its got hardly any more ground clearance over the 5 series and yet it looks longer than mine (but more cramped in the rear of the cabin). If it floats the boat of the missus then why not!

Based on the comments above about it being compact, it looks like the logic of it being compact looses all credibility.

Are you sure she hasnt been speaking to friends & decided on 1 up manship on buying the BMW badge ?

All i can think of is why ? when there are better specced cars that are more compact & also high up fro less money, even outside Skoda range ?

I like the 1-series and even my missus thinks the M-sport is comfortable. The 118d imho is a good engine with a decent balance between power, economy and emissions, but if you can stretch to it, the 120d is much more fun with only a slight drop in economy.

One left field suggestion, is the MINI (or not ) CountryMan:

Length - 161.3 inches (4097 mm)

Height - 61.5 inches (1561 mm)

Width - 70.4 inches (1789 mm)

Wheelbase - 102.2 inches (2595 mm)

Cargo capacity - 350 liters

Not driven one, but if it's anything like the hatch, it's be great fun to drive, well made and cheap as chips to run. All-wheel drive is also available if that floats your boat...

Chris

Edited 9 November, 201213 yr by ScoobyChris

Are you sure she hasnt been speaking to friends & decided on 1 up manship on buying the BMW badge ?

All i can think of is why ? when there are better specced cars that are more compact & also high up fro less money, even outside Skoda range ?

Colleague did this, BMW was added to the company car list and decided to go for a badge over functionalility and practicability - he chose a 1 Series. Now totally regrets it - poor boot space, poor levels of comfort etc. To add insult to injury, when they go on holiday as a family, they have to take 2 cars - they have 2 children and a dog! FOOL.

I ran a 118d for a couple of years before switching back to Skoda and although it was a good drivers car i wouldnt have another.

Overpriced and very little kit in std trim.

When I passed to car on to someone else at work at 98,000 miles they engine did another 5k before it blew up.

How about a Subaru Forester,

We went to have a sit in the cars today, she didn't like the new 1 series. Felt too squished in even though it's a 3 series chassis!

Looked at the x1 msport. I thought it was quite practical. She didn't like the look much but was much easier to see where everything is.

Then looked at the 3 series and she loved the styling etc. Suppose I'll need to dig deeper into the 3 series.

I assume no one can really fault a 320d can they :p unless you compare with a 330..

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Think you need to give some serious thought as to what sort of motor you want and why.

Good hunting!

320d is a good car actually. Good blend of driving dynamics, and economy.

Certainly very popular, you see loads of them about.

Just detailed one

Not my cup of tea at all

In fact...like some SUV's ..pointless IMO

Very hard paint though

If parking a 3 series is a reason not to buy a car that long maybe a bus ticket?

I like the new 3 series, particularly in touring format (but I always prefer the 'estate' version of cars). As Bossfox says above, the 320d seem to tick most boxes IMO - good running costs and great performance for a four cylinder diesel - probably the best in class. :-)

Just detailed one

Not my cup of tea at all

In fact...like some SUV's ..pointless IMO

Very hard paint though

is it wise to post some one else's reg plate and model details on an open forum?