Any BMW X1 Drivers or Experience?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 251
From: Illinois
I owned an X1 for just short of two years. We used primarily as a suburban/city run around and both my wife and I found it satisfying for our needs. It was dead reliable for the period that we owed it. Just the included oil changes and that was it. As mentioned, at the time, it was generally regarded as near or at the top of other SUV's in the segment. The pros and cons as well as the suggestions that have been mentioned here are all valid. I haven't followed the X1 for a couple of model years so I don't know if any of the shortcomings have been addressed. Are you considering a new or pre-owned X1?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
I owned an X1 for just short of two years. We used primarily as a suburban/city run around and both my wife and I found it satisfying for our needs. It was dead reliable for the period that we owed it. Just the included oil changes and that was it. As mentioned, at the time, it was generally regarded as near or at the top of other SUV's in the segment. The pros and cons as well as the suggestions that have been mentioned here are all valid. I haven't followed the X1 for a couple of model years so I don't know if any of the shortcomings have been addressed. Are you considering a new or pre-owned X1?
Ya, I usually buy CPO cars with less than 35k miles, but if I get the X1 it'd have to be less than 20k miles, plus buy an Extended Warranty.
Last edited by LaZeR; Oct 15, 2019 at 03:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS - hope you don't mind some questions:
Well for me BMWs have very unique performance/feel/handling - are you saying VW compares with that?
Can you re-phrase this part plz?
@RXSF how's this going for components/parts breakdowns and do you experience unexpected repairs? What was the buyout price at the end of your lease? Thanks!!
Thanks Again!!
@RXSF how's this going for components/parts breakdowns and do you experience unexpected repairs? What was the buyout price at the end of your lease? Thanks!!
Thanks Again!!
Last edited by LaZeR; Oct 15, 2019 at 11:14 PM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 251
From: Illinois
The current gen X1 has been out long enough that there should be some reliability information from Consumer Reports from their owner surveys or similar sources. Also you might want to post your questions on an X1 owner forum like Bimmerpost or Bimmerfest.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,001
Likes: 85
From: Southeastern PA
You missed a key phrase in the quote you blocked--he said X3 is the cheapest "worth considering".
FWIW, the Mini Countryman is essentially an X1 underneath. Personally, I like the Countryman styling better than the X1.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
Thanks - googled but couldn't find BMW forums.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
LaZeR - just wondering what is it about the X1 that you find so appealing?
tons of small crossovers that will likely be cheaper, better equipped, possibly nicer interior, perhaps even more reliable.
I know bmw has ‘legendary’ handling/engine prowess but the X1 is, as has been said, basically a FWD mini underneath so it’s no 3-series.
For the price of a 20K mi. used X1 you could probably get a brand new loaded Kia Soul with more features, great warranty, etc.
tons of small crossovers that will likely be cheaper, better equipped, possibly nicer interior, perhaps even more reliable.
I know bmw has ‘legendary’ handling/engine prowess but the X1 is, as has been said, basically a FWD mini underneath so it’s no 3-series.
For the price of a 20K mi. used X1 you could probably get a brand new loaded Kia Soul with more features, great warranty, etc.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
LaZeR - just wondering what is it about the X1 that you find so appealing? tons of small crossovers that will likely be cheaper, better equipped, possibly nicer interior, perhaps even more reliable. I know bmw has ‘legendary’ handling/engine prowess but the X1 is, as has been said, basically a FWD mini underneath so it’s no 3-series. For the price of a 20K mi. used X1 you could probably get a brand new loaded Kia Soul with more features, great warranty, etc.
Last edited by LaZeR; Oct 16, 2019 at 02:33 PM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,481
Likes: 198
From: San Francisco, CA
It will be one year this November with our X1. It has also been super reliable. Nothing has gone wrong. There is an annoying rattle coming from the steering column or headlight switch area.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 663
Likes: 45
From: CA > FL | ON > AB
Pretty good news. Did you buy it? If Leased, do you know what the buyout price is? Thanks!!
Last edited by LaZeR; Oct 16, 2019 at 12:37 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,312
Likes: 584
From: IL
Remember, the X1 isn't a "real" BMW. It's a FWD-based Mini with a roundel on the hood. Pretty fun for what it is, but does not have "unique performance/feel/handling" by any stretch.
No SUV anywhere near this price class is as much fun to drive as something like a Golf R. And the CX-5 swings a little in the other direction. It's still pretty engaging, but not quite as much as the X1. But significantly more comfortable and practical IMO, in addition to being 10 grand cheaper. So you have to decide what your priorities are. If you really need an SUV for the height/cargo space/whatever, then you have to compromise to some degree on engagement.
Thanks @bitkahuna ~ it doesn't have to be a BMW X1 ~ that's only this thread. I'm researching and shopping around for a 2nd car and want something: a) different than Lexus(es) which I've literally driven for decades (IS & GS in different locations), and b) something that offers a unique ride unlike "usual" "average" rides like Toyota/Honda/Nissan/etc. There's several models on the list including recommendations on this thread and even a Mazda Miata. Just have to do some test drives and make a decision. I have another thread clicking here.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 251
From: Illinois