New BMW X1 Owner
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,226
Likes: 222
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Oops....didn't see that part. Sometimes I have a tendency to miss things.
Yeah, when I was young, I made some car purchases that my parents didn't always agree with, either. Gave me good experience, though, and I can't say i'm sorry I did it, except that, before switching to Mazdas, I stuck with Chrysler and GM products too long in an age (late 70s/early 80s) when they were crap, and endured too many headaches with them.
Yeah, definitely stick around. 
Hey, if this forum can put up with me driving a Grandpa Buick, you certainly won't have any problems in a BMW LOL. 
I was surprised that my parents are still this high,
Originally Posted by JDR76
I hope you’ll stay around CL as I respect your comments and opinions.
Hey, if this forum can put up with me driving a Grandpa Buick, you certainly won't have any problems in a BMW LOL.
Last edited by mmarshall; Nov 25, 2018 at 03:27 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 223
From: New York
Congrats on the car!
I recently drove X2 but never X1 - its definitely not a typical BMW driving experience as its FWD platform but definitely very competitive in the entry level crossover class.
The lease deal that you got is very bad unfortunately.
With $5k down and $400 month you could have easily been in a nicely equipped X3. There is $3,000 lease cash available with current holiday promo on X1. What was the MSRP and selling price?
Also with BMW - its always better to custom order to your spec so you can get exact options / colors you want. They lock in the lease pricing for 90 days which is plenty of time for it to be built.
I recently drove X2 but never X1 - its definitely not a typical BMW driving experience as its FWD platform but definitely very competitive in the entry level crossover class.
The lease deal that you got is very bad unfortunately.
With $5k down and $400 month you could have easily been in a nicely equipped X3. There is $3,000 lease cash available with current holiday promo on X1. What was the MSRP and selling price?
Also with BMW - its always better to custom order to your spec so you can get exact options / colors you want. They lock in the lease pricing for 90 days which is plenty of time for it to be built.
Last edited by RNM GS3; Nov 25, 2018 at 04:20 AM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 223
From: New York
Congratulations. You don’t miss all the space you had in an RX? I am thinking of leasing a BMW next year as well, but not sure which sedan I will go with. I have been a Lexus fan since 2004, since I got my first GS. It’s been a long run, but I just don’t feel any connection with this brand anymore.
Next year it should be getting the revised B58 inline 6 with 335hp and the M550 should be getting bump to 530hp with the updated V8 thats in the new M850i.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
Hi All,
My time as a Lexus owner has come to an end as of yesterday. I was able to sell my 2011 RX450h after 8 years of ownership and just over 80 thousand miles very quickly through a craigslist posting. It's a bit sad to end 3 generations of RXs but I haven't found myself longing for another one, or any other Lexus for that matter. Though I am still excited to see the new models come out, and the styling does not offend me, other aspects have made me feel that Lexus is falling behind its luxury competitors. For one, gas engines don't seem particularly impressive, nor are hybrid powertrains that appealing to me as there are so many possible electric alternatives. I would have maybe considered a plug in hybrid or a range extending electric vehicle, but alas there are no options from Lexus. Maybe Im just bored of it all.
Anywhoo, in an attempt to downsize a bit, I have leased a 2018 BMW X1 black interior and exterior. I haven't touched a BMW in about 20 years, but do follow them sometimes online. The X1 uses a 2.0 turbo producing 228hp or so, using an 8 speed (though not the zf one IIRC). Transmission does not shift as seamlessly as the 9 speed in the new MBs, but its not bad. Its a peppy little thing. Ive noticed that the engine does have some turbo lag when starting off, more than my MB 2.0 turbo in the E class. Also, noise and vibration seem worse, though this may be an element of less insulation versus an E class in the hierarchy and not the engine. In the E, you can't even feel any vibration in the steering wheel though I guess this is the famous BMW steering feel :P. Start stop function is less intrusive than my E class, though time will tell whether this will be the case as the car gets more miles. I do not like the operation as much because it will shut the engine off no matter how far the brake pedal is depressed, seems to do it often right when the car just comes to a stop.
Things that drawn me to the X1 were that it is constantly rated very high in the luxury small ute segment, with the most interior volume and green house effect versus competitors. I think it has a very attractive front end, and the interior while nothing to rave about, is simple and smart. It doesn't offend me at all. It has a good engine, transmission, and features. I love the ambient lighting, kick foot trunk operation, and the pano roof. Oddly the car has self parking though it only works in parallel spots. It was impossible to find one with the larger Navigation screen and HUD premium package in my area, so I had to settle for the navigation business 6 inch display. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised that BMW put the effort in updating the business nav with their newest software, including a touch screen as found in the newer models, as well as single address voice command (I remember reading that previous business nav didn't have voice command functions?). Also impressive is the wireless apple CarPlay. I also noticed that some 2018s on the lot had a very ugly, old school instrument cluster, but my 2018 has an updated version with a larger info LCD display. I am not sure when it switched over, but even the BMW Geniuses (thats what they call the product specialist) didn't know about it until I pointed it out. I am however disappointed that the car I purchased doesn't have LED headlights, only halogen. Leg room is more than plentiful, so with my 6 foot frame in the front seat, I can sit behind myself no problem. Trunk space seems more than adequate, and without the spare tire in there, the underfloor storage is enormous and really convenient to place items away from view. The parcel shelf on the other hand its annoying and flimsy.
This is also my first interaction with I-drive and it is confusing me a bit. I don't know why people complain the Lexus nav is not intuitive with the menus, I find the BMW worse, and the short cut keys next to the wheel are hard to remember, as there are like 6 in the area. They put the back button behind and to the left of the controller, when it is more intuitive to put it in the front left. Anyway, I am sure I will get used to it over time.
All in all, I am very happy with the purchase. I leased this for 3 years, 36K miles for $400 a month/5K down. Not terrible, not stellar. I know this thread is worthless without pictures, but its been raining the last few days. Ill update this thread when I do take them!
My time as a Lexus owner has come to an end as of yesterday. I was able to sell my 2011 RX450h after 8 years of ownership and just over 80 thousand miles very quickly through a craigslist posting. It's a bit sad to end 3 generations of RXs but I haven't found myself longing for another one, or any other Lexus for that matter. Though I am still excited to see the new models come out, and the styling does not offend me, other aspects have made me feel that Lexus is falling behind its luxury competitors. For one, gas engines don't seem particularly impressive, nor are hybrid powertrains that appealing to me as there are so many possible electric alternatives. I would have maybe considered a plug in hybrid or a range extending electric vehicle, but alas there are no options from Lexus. Maybe Im just bored of it all.
Anywhoo, in an attempt to downsize a bit, I have leased a 2018 BMW X1 black interior and exterior. I haven't touched a BMW in about 20 years, but do follow them sometimes online. The X1 uses a 2.0 turbo producing 228hp or so, using an 8 speed (though not the zf one IIRC). Transmission does not shift as seamlessly as the 9 speed in the new MBs, but its not bad. Its a peppy little thing. Ive noticed that the engine does have some turbo lag when starting off, more than my MB 2.0 turbo in the E class. Also, noise and vibration seem worse, though this may be an element of less insulation versus an E class in the hierarchy and not the engine. In the E, you can't even feel any vibration in the steering wheel though I guess this is the famous BMW steering feel :P. Start stop function is less intrusive than my E class, though time will tell whether this will be the case as the car gets more miles. I do not like the operation as much because it will shut the engine off no matter how far the brake pedal is depressed, seems to do it often right when the car just comes to a stop.
Things that drawn me to the X1 were that it is constantly rated very high in the luxury small ute segment, with the most interior volume and green house effect versus competitors. I think it has a very attractive front end, and the interior while nothing to rave about, is simple and smart. It doesn't offend me at all. It has a good engine, transmission, and features. I love the ambient lighting, kick foot trunk operation, and the pano roof. Oddly the car has self parking though it only works in parallel spots. It was impossible to find one with the larger Navigation screen and HUD premium package in my area, so I had to settle for the navigation business 6 inch display. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised that BMW put the effort in updating the business nav with their newest software, including a touch screen as found in the newer models, as well as single address voice command (I remember reading that previous business nav didn't have voice command functions?). Also impressive is the wireless apple CarPlay. I also noticed that some 2018s on the lot had a very ugly, old school instrument cluster, but my 2018 has an updated version with a larger info LCD display. I am not sure when it switched over, but even the BMW Geniuses (thats what they call the product specialist) didn't know about it until I pointed it out. I am however disappointed that the car I purchased doesn't have LED headlights, only halogen. Leg room is more than plentiful, so with my 6 foot frame in the front seat, I can sit behind myself no problem. Trunk space seems more than adequate, and without the spare tire in there, the underfloor storage is enormous and really convenient to place items away from view. The parcel shelf on the other hand its annoying and flimsy.
This is also my first interaction with I-drive and it is confusing me a bit. I don't know why people complain the Lexus nav is not intuitive with the menus, I find the BMW worse, and the short cut keys next to the wheel are hard to remember, as there are like 6 in the area. They put the back button behind and to the left of the controller, when it is more intuitive to put it in the front left. Anyway, I am sure I will get used to it over time.
All in all, I am very happy with the purchase. I leased this for 3 years, 36K miles for $400 a month/5K down. Not terrible, not stellar. I know this thread is worthless without pictures, but its been raining the last few days. Ill update this thread when I do take them!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
This function can be coded. I haven't coded anything myself; and I don't understand why BMW creates all this functionally that can't just be activated through menus, rather than thru a secret process.
Thread Starter
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,481
Likes: 198
From: San Francisco, CA
Congrats on the car!
I recently drove X2 but never X1 - its definitely not a typical BMW driving experience as its FWD platform but definitely very competitive in the entry level crossover class.
The lease deal that you got is very bad unfortunately.
With $5k down and $400 month you could have easily been in a nicely equipped X3. There is $3,000 lease cash available with current holiday promo on X1. What was the MSRP and selling price?
Also with BMW - its always better to custom order to your spec so you can get exact options / colors you want. They lock in the lease pricing for 90 days which is plenty of time for it to be built.
I recently drove X2 but never X1 - its definitely not a typical BMW driving experience as its FWD platform but definitely very competitive in the entry level crossover class.
The lease deal that you got is very bad unfortunately.
With $5k down and $400 month you could have easily been in a nicely equipped X3. There is $3,000 lease cash available with current holiday promo on X1. What was the MSRP and selling price?
Also with BMW - its always better to custom order to your spec so you can get exact options / colors you want. They lock in the lease pricing for 90 days which is plenty of time for it to be built.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 223
From: New York
Not sure if you tried to shop around - pricing can vary tremendously from dealer to dealer.
Also you can use lease calculator and show dealer what the actual #s should be. BMW forums are great source to get residual, Money Factor and other incentives. They also have lots of sales ppl on there that can give you great deal.
Enjoy the car - next time Besides Loyalty you can sign up for BMW CCA and they give you a nice rebate of $500 to $1500 depends on the model you get. Also definitely custom order its one of the things I enjoy the most that BMW provides.
Also you can use lease calculator and show dealer what the actual #s should be. BMW forums are great source to get residual, Money Factor and other incentives. They also have lots of sales ppl on there that can give you great deal.
Enjoy the car - next time Besides Loyalty you can sign up for BMW CCA and they give you a nice rebate of $500 to $1500 depends on the model you get. Also definitely custom order its one of the things I enjoy the most that BMW provides.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,497
Likes: 251
From: Illinois
Congratulations on the X1. I hope you update your thoughts on the CUV every now and then. We thoroughly enjoyed our 2017 X1. It was a great CUV that seemed to do most everything well. Ours had the larger infotainment screen and HUD as well as LED headlights which were all nice to have. We bought ours off the dealers lot and were lucky to find one with most everything we wanted. Most of the niggles were just minor ones. It was reliable with no warranty work needed in nearly 2 years. No creaks, squeaks or rattles either. Enjoy your new ride.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 413
Likes: 43
From: PA
I was checking out the X1 and X2 with my parents over the Thanksgiving week. They've done a very smart job putting together these sport utilities (or sport activity vehicles as they call it). X1 was easier to get into and out of for my Mom. She liked the X1 more than the X2. X2 has a smaller rear cargo space. X3 seemed a bit too big for her.
She was looking to downsize from an Acura MDX and was surprised by what the X1 had to offer. It's amazing how BMW has a solid crossover line up that is actually good looking (Model years 2016 or later). X1/X2/X3/X5/X7 options makes Lexus look out of touch with only RX and RXL product offerings. It remains to be seen how relevant wants to be in this compact cross over space.
If I were to decide right now on a BMW or Lexus' RX, BMW's X1 would win in a well optioned configuration with heads up display (premium package). Funny thing, such a configuration can actually be more affordable than a Lexus. The X1 offers a huge amount of room for the 2nd row seating unlike the Audi's Q3 and Q5.
She was looking to downsize from an Acura MDX and was surprised by what the X1 had to offer. It's amazing how BMW has a solid crossover line up that is actually good looking (Model years 2016 or later). X1/X2/X3/X5/X7 options makes Lexus look out of touch with only RX and RXL product offerings. It remains to be seen how relevant wants to be in this compact cross over space.
If I were to decide right now on a BMW or Lexus' RX, BMW's X1 would win in a well optioned configuration with heads up display (premium package). Funny thing, such a configuration can actually be more affordable than a Lexus. The X1 offers a huge amount of room for the 2nd row seating unlike the Audi's Q3 and Q5.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
I was checking out the X1 and X2 with my parents over the Thanksgiving week. They've done a very smart job putting together these sport utilities (or sport activity vehicles as they call it). X1 was easier to get into and out of for my Mom. She liked the X1 more than the X2. X2 has a smaller rear cargo space. X3 seemed a bit too big for her.
She was looking to downsize from an Acura MDX and was surprised by what the X1 had to offer. It's amazing how BMW has a solid crossover line up that is actually good looking (Model years 2016 or later). X1/X2/X3/X5/X7 options makes Lexus look out of touch with only RX and RXL product offerings. It remains to be seen how relevant wants to be in this compact cross over space.
If I were to decide right now on a BMW or Lexus' RX, BMW's X1 would win in a well optioned configuration with heads up display (premium package). Funny thing, such a configuration can actually be more affordable than a Lexus. The X1 offers a huge amount of room for the 2nd row seating unlike the Audi's Q3 and Q5.
She was looking to downsize from an Acura MDX and was surprised by what the X1 had to offer. It's amazing how BMW has a solid crossover line up that is actually good looking (Model years 2016 or later). X1/X2/X3/X5/X7 options makes Lexus look out of touch with only RX and RXL product offerings. It remains to be seen how relevant wants to be in this compact cross over space.
If I were to decide right now on a BMW or Lexus' RX, BMW's X1 would win in a well optioned configuration with heads up display (premium package). Funny thing, such a configuration can actually be more affordable than a Lexus. The X1 offers a huge amount of room for the 2nd row seating unlike the Audi's Q3 and Q5.
In the X1 class, I'd want to look at the new Volvo XC40; and I'd also consider the Mini Countryman, which shares the same platform as the X1.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 413
Likes: 43
From: PA
RX is more of a full sized SUV. NX models looked at were used NX200t and recent NX300. X1 felt was more roomy. The sport seats are a nice touch.