X1 - good or not?

graan13

Active member
Hi All,
Just looking for some advice for my neighbour on the X1. His wife currently drives a 2002 e46 318i auto that they have had from new I believe and its now on 200k kms. They are in their 50's and she travels from Waterkloof to Krugersdorp for work and is looking to get something that is a little higher on the driving visibility perspective. They drove in an X3 a couple of weeks ago and were very impressed with it but they don't need the size or the off roading capability due to them having 2 Defenders (SWB & LWB) which they use for go away weekends etc. They do sometimes drive to CPT to there home down there, so sometimes they use the 318 and other times the Defender/s. He asked me my thoughts on the X1 and if I know of anything good or bad about them - which frankly, I don't. I said to him its a car that I am not sure of - where/what its market is to be honest, its neither a station wagon or an SUV although I am aware that there are both 2wd and allWD versions. I said I would post the question to the forum and try get some feedback - so if any of you can shed some info/light it would be appreciated. Also, which versions would be best suited... 2l Petrol or diesel etc.

Many thanks.
 

CocoPops

Honorary ///Member
graan13 said:
Hi All,
Just looking for some advice for my neighbour on the X1. His wife currently drives a 2002 e46 318i auto that they have had from new I believe and its now on 200k kms. They are in their 50's and she travels from Waterkloof to Krugersdorp for work and is looking to get something that is a little higher on the driving visibility perspective. They drove in an X3 a couple of weeks ago and were very impressed with it but they don't need the size or the off roading capability due to them having 2 Defenders (SWB & LWB) which they use for go away weekends etc. They do sometimes drive to CPT to there home down there, so sometimes they use the 318 and other times the Defender/s. He asked me my thoughts on the X1 and if I know of anything good or bad about them - which frankly, I don't. I said to him its a car that I am not sure of - where/what its market is to be honest, its neither a station wagon or an SUV although I am aware that there are both 2wd and allWD versions. I said I would post the question to the forum and try get some feedback - so if any of you can shed some info/light it would be appreciated. Also, which versions would be best suited... 2l Petrol or diesel etc.

Many thanks.

What about looking at 3gt? Might suit their needs perfectly?
 

OppositeLockMT

Active member
3GT may be more expensive given it's a newer car. I've never been a fan of the X1 but they are competent nonetheless. I'd personally have an xdrive20d.
 

peanut125i

Active member
Just had a look at a few comparative reviews between the X1, Q3 and tiguan. They seem to agree the BMW is the one to get. Although they did say if you want a more comfortable ride then the Q3.
 

DieselFan

Honorary ///Member
Friend of mine has a X1 n55 in the states. He loves it.

In my opinion they're good cars but I don't like the look.
 

graan13

Active member
DieselFan said:
Friend of mine has a X1 n55 in the states. He loves it.

In my opinion they're good cars but I don't like the look.

I agree 100%, never quite liked the look or understood its purpose - but each to their own I guess. Thanks for the feedback, appreciated.
 

notionza

New member
It does its job. The facelift bought in some great interior upgrades.

I drove down to cpt with 3 friends in it and it performed flawlessly. It really came into its own on that trip. My only gripe with the car is that the diesel needs more gears. It's comfortable, economical and does provide a slightly higher driving position.
 

Blert

///Member
my brother has one now fro about 2-3 months. 2.0d auto

has all the needs you want from it and fairly comfy drive.

so its a thumbs up from me.
as for problems he has non so far but a smile on his face.
 

Kimeran

///Member
I also don't see the point of it, therefore I don't like it. But ya, each to their own.
I've heard of some common issues to do with the gearbox or flywheel, something like that.
131Gav was telling me about it, maybe pm him about the issue.
 

dvst8

///Member
Great car. Based on the e90 chassis.

I had the 2.8i XDrive 8spd Auto which can be a bit heavy on fuel. My M135 is actually more economical.

For your neighbor's use, I would suggest the 2.0d XDrive with the 8spd Auto.

Really confortable and has loads of space.
 

Maljan

Active member
McCarthy Toyota is running a special on demo RAV4's now - R300K for a 2014 petrol CVT Auto. A family member is taking delivery of one soon.

Just saying. :tiptoe:
 

dvst8

///Member
Stay away from CVT's. Most annoying Box ever. Had it on my previous Jeep and hated it.

:smashScreen:
 

Maljan

Active member
dvst8 said:
Stay away from CVT's. Most annoying Box ever. Had it on my previous Jeep and hated it.

The lady buying the RAV4 had a Honda Jazz CVT before, so she is OK with it.

I have driven a Jazz and a Mitsubishi Outlander with CVTs and it was OK. I guess the annoyance factor takes some time to really get to you.
 

far2000

New member
i think the x1 is awesome, but foran older couple would the Merc GLA not be better? i know mercs are more on the comfy side and bmw more on sporty...
 

peanut125i

Active member
Forgot about the GLA. it's certainly better looking. Well apart from the infotainment thing stuck to the dash.
 

frs1

Member
Had the 2 lit petrol for 2 weeks when my X5 were in, a very nice car. I would prefer the 2.0d no problem !!!
 

Imraan

Events Organiser
My SO has an X1 2.0 d, beautiful all round vehicle. She gets 900 kms on a tank of diesel. Perfect utility vehicle, very comfy ride.
 

Jason330i

Member
Get the x1 i also never liked it but my friend got one in dec..... what a beautiful car ride comfort he has the mpack and harmon kardon sound ill see if i can get a pic... I am now considering getting the lady one haha 2.0d has more than enough power for highway driving. I just fell inlove with it haha
 

Twinz

Forum - Support
Staff member
My 2 cents....great car overall...suspension can be choppy on bigger rims...but runs nippy. Diesel all the way. Never had major issues with mine.

Like a high rise 3 series.
 
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