Topic: BMW X1 AWD

[Hammy]

Has anyone bought one of the new BMW X1s?  I was just reading about them and am seeing all good reviews.  Looking to hear input from owners if possible.

I have been blogging about my car buying exploits at www.nlcarblog.blogspot.com

I was thinking sedan but this X1 has me second guessing.

[auto_enthusiast]

Personally I like the style of the X3 much more than the X1 and the base price differential is only about 3000 dollars.  The X3 also has more space and standard features as well.   The engines are a bit of a tossup in that you get a bit better torque and fuel economy with the X1 but a better sounding and smoother six in the X3. 

[OliverD]

I wouldn't be surprised if the '13 X3 gets the new four cylinder, considering it's already in the Z4/5-series/new 3-series.

[ovr50]

I wouldn't be surprised if the '13 X3 gets the new four cylinder, considering it's already in the Z4/5-series/new 3-series.

An easy bet, the N20 4 cyl engine will be in the lower end X3 (ie X3 28i) for model year 2013, and model year 2012 will be a short year. I wouldn't be surprised to see 2013 models for X3 available in late Spring 2012.

[sailor723]

I had a X1 as a service loaner for a day last week. I was quite impressed. It drove well and seemed to have lots of power although the engine was a bit coarse compared to the six. Being a service loaner mine was very "base" and a bit bare inside but seemed well screwed together.

[G0dspd]

I saw a review of the X1 2.8 today and that turbo 4 is surprisingly quick ... 0-100 in 6.7s.  Should be great in the lighter (300-400 lbs) 2012 328i. 

[johngenx]

Looked at one, and lots to like, but the cargo space is very small considering that the X1 is about the same size as my old Forester.  18 (or 15 with the rear seats located rearward) vs. 30 cubic feet.

[SpecialistK2]

Hammy, sorry to read that your plans are on hold.  BTW nice job on the blog.

Like Sailor723, I had the X1 for a day as a loaner, and agree with Sailor's assessment.  However, I was much happier to get back into my sedan.  While the interiors are comparable, the drive and handling are much better in a 3 series sedan.  The way I see it, the sedan has much more "BMW-ness" in the way it drives, which is essentially what makes the brand appealing to many.  Since AWD seems important to you, maybe a 328xi will be right for you.

Hope car shopping shows up on the radar for you soon.  Maybe in time for the new 328xi (F30)

[ovr50]

Tuning the new N20 4 cyl turboed engine:

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=611684

[Hammy]

Hey Specialist thanks for the positive feedback on the blog!  I will still be keeping an eye out for new car deals every month (and posting from time to time) but I think I am hunkering down with the Pilot for the winter at this point.  Lots of new cars coming out next year including the new BMW, I just hope they keep the rates reasonably low!

[Julie]

Hammy, I just read the part of your blog where you sunk 2 grand into the Pilot.  Yeah, stick with it for the winter or....... until you find something you really like.

I find that once I get my winter wheels on, my interest in car swapping goes down.  Probably why deals are generally better in the winter, or so I've been told.

Contrary to what was initially reported, the new 3-series should start selling in Feb. of 2012.  While I personally wouldn't get something that just came out, it will be a good opportunity to at least test drive the new 3 soon.  M-Sport versions will come out later this summer.  It's entirely possible that upgraded engines will be offered in another year.

I'd go for an X3 over an X1, because the price difference is so small.  And I'd personally probably get the old in-line 6-cylinder, just because it's been such a tried and true engine.  But the new twin-turbo 4 should give you more power, torque and fuel savings...

[mmret]

I'd go for an X3 over an X1, because the price difference is so small.  And I'd personally probably get the old in-line 6-cylinder, just because it's been such a tried and true engine.  But the new twin-turbo 4 should give you more power, torque and fuel savings...

The engine thing would be a conundrum for me. In a sportier drive I'd prefer the old N52 I6, but in an SUV I probably would go for the better-on-paper motor.

But yeah the X3 really isn't much more $$ than the X1, and once the N20 is in the X3 that'd seal the deal I'd think?

[carcrazed]

X1's detachable cup holder is a JOKE.  I can't imagine anyone would like that idea if they saw one in person.

Unless you and the passenger don't plan to drink water/coffee in the car, that cup holder placement is horrible, I'd rather have the pop-out one that they used to have.

Still waiting for that turbo 4 in X3.

[ovr50]

X1's detachable cup holder is a JOKE.  I can't imagine anyone would like that idea if they saw one in person.

Unless you and the passenger don't plan to drink water/coffee in the car, that cup holder placement is horrible, I'd rather have the pop-out one that they used to have.

Still waiting for that turbo 4 in X3.

The earliest you will see the N20 turboed 4 in the X3 will be the 2013 model year, which is supposed to be available in mid-2012 or so.

[LBJGH]

I'm in the market for an x3 and wish there was some concrete proof of this statement.  I'm not in a huge hurry so I'd be willing to wait for the N20

The earliest you will see the N20 turboed 4 in the X3 will be the 2013 model year, which is supposed to be available in mid-2012 or so.

[Snowman]

I built one at bmw.ca and stopped when I got $2k over my fully loaded Venza. Insane.

[Julie]

I'm in the market for an x3 and wish there was some concrete proof of this statement.  I'm not in a huge hurry so I'd be willing to wait for the N20

The earliest you will see the N20 turboed 4 in the X3 will be the 2013 model year, which is supposed to be available in mid-2012 or so.

The X1 will receive its mid-cycle refresh and facelift in the Fall of 2012, so I bet that's indeed when the new twin-4 will be showcased in it.

I built one at bmw.ca and stopped when I got $2k over my fully loaded Venza. Insane.

My husband told me he started building one the other day and stopped with the same reaction.  But my dealership tells me they're selling like hotcakes.  I need to take one out for a test drive to see what the fuss is about...

I'm having trouble warming up to its looks though.

[Angry Chicken]

The looks don't do a thing for me.  I prefer the more grown up look of the X3, and the X1 is too much like a 5-door hatchback that's undergone a bit of origami-like folding to make it look bigger.

[airbalancer]

I'm in the market for an x3 and wish there was some concrete proof of this statement.  I'm not in a huge hurry so I'd be willing to wait for the N20

The earliest you will see the N20 turboed 4 in the X3 will be the 2013 model year, which is supposed to be available in mid-2012 or so.

The X1 will receive its mid-cycle refresh and facelift in the Fall of 2012, so I bet that's indeed when the new twin-4 will be showcased in it.

I built one at bmw.ca and stopped when I got $2k over my fully loaded Venza. Insane.

My husband told me he started building one the other day and stopped with the same reaction.  But my dealership tells me they're selling like hotcakes.  I need to take one out for a test drive to see what the fuss is about...

I'm having trouble warming up to its looks though.

are they selling or being leased?
selling or leasing the dealers gets there money, but make more on  the lease since they make a pot full of money on used Bmw

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I built one at bmw.ca and stopped when I got $2k over my fully loaded Venza. Insane.

The X1 starts pretty much where my 3.6R Limited ended, price-wise. I was parked next to one downtown and it's really pretty tiny.

And it's leasing that moves these things. $653/month taxes included for a low mileage, 4 year term on the X1 XDrive28i. BTW BMW naming convention is becoming increasingly stupid.