The classy BMW X1 provides prestige motoring at a reasonable price
Verdict
BMW is used to unqualified success whenever it launches a new car, but its X1 fell short in some areas. While the car has some of the best engines around and is genuinely engaging on the road, it’s not the default option thanks to some poor cabin materials and practicality which trails that of key rivals. However, if you can stretch to a facelifted example from the past year, you’ll be buying a car that’s noticeably more stylish, burns less fuel and is every bit as much fun to drive.
When the BMW X1 appeared in 2009, the stakes were high. We’d come to expect great things from BMW’s SUV models, after the brilliance of the company’s X5 and X3; a great driving experience, excellent cabin and array of brilliantly efficient engines.
The fact that the X1 is more of a crossover than a ‘proper’ SUV made BMW’s job easier, so the car’s spot-on handling was no surprise – although the ride left something to be desired. Also, cabin space and some of the materials used in early examples aren’t perfect. However, as classy crossovers go, this is still a compelling used buy.
History
The X1 arrived in December 2009, with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel in 18d (143bhp), 20d (177bhp) and 23d (204bhp) forms. The first two had rear (sDrive) or four-wheel drive (xDrive); the 23d was 4WD only. All early cars were SE spec; M Sport arrived in January 2011.
The 163bhp xDrive20d EfficientDynamics from September 2011 was rated at 119g/km, then in June 2012 a facelifted X1 brought revised interior and exterior styling, two new trim levels (Sport and xLine), cleaner-running engines and an eight-speed auto option. Also, the 218bhp xDrive25d replaced the xDrive23d and the 20d was boosted to 184bhp.
Alternatives
The Audi Q3 is the closest rival. It’s as efficient, solid and comfortable as you’d expect of the brand, but used ones are scarce. The Range Rover Evoque is more stylish and desirable; it’s also very new yet much more plentiful than the X1 or Q3. Used values are high.
The VW Tiguan has some great engines and is very capable, yet uninspiring – or you could try the Ford Kuga. The badge isn’t as prestigious, but the design, dynamics and equipment will impress; you’ll get a lot more for your money than with the X1.
How much?
If you’re prepared to travel, you can pick up the odd high-mileage X1 for less than £14,000, but most of the cars advertised cost more than this. Few of the used X1s available have done over 40,000 miles; £14,000 buys a 2010 60-plate sDrive18d SE with this mileage – an equivalent xDrive20d SE is another £1,000 or so. You’ll have to search to find an xDrive23d; 20,000-mile SEs start at £20,000 while the M Sport cost from £21,000. Four-wheel drive adds £1,200 to an X1’s value, whilean auto and leather trim are each worth around £750.
Running Costs
As with all BMWs, the X1’s variable servicing system indicates when maintenance is due. The most you can expect between garage visits is two years, even if you do very few miles; higher-mileage drivers should anticipate covering 15,000-20,000 between services. Costs vary according to what needs doing and when; few items are on a fixed schedule for replacement. The cheapest service is £100 (essentially a check-up), while a big one is up to £600; a typical bill will be around half this. All engines are chain-driven, so there are no cambelts to be replaced, but fresh brake fluid is needed every two years, at £100.
What to look for
• Some owners have had issues with vibrations through the steering wheel, causing discomfort on long trips.
• At motorway speeds, a huge amount of wind noise can be generated if the windscreen trim comes loose.
• The run-flat tyres cost around a third more than regular tyres, so check tread depth before you buy.
• At motorway speeds, a huge amount of wind noise can be generated if the windscreen trim comes loose.
• The run-flat tyres cost around a third more than regular tyres, so check tread depth before you buy.
With only a 2.0 diesel available second-hand – a 2.0 petrol didn’t arrive until March this year – you merely need to specify state of tune, box and spec. Early 23ds came as a six-speed auto only, but from July 2010 a six-speed manual was offered, too; all are good.
M Sport suspension is too firm, with the standard set-up a no-cost option. None of the engines is weak, yet it’s worth going for a 20d over an 18d; the 23d and 25d are rare and make high-speed cruising effortless, but a 20d is all you need.
Recalls
Encouragingly, there’s been only one recall so far. It came in July 2012, affecting X1s built between November 2011 and 2012. The potential glitch centred on the electrically assisted power-steering (EPS), the control module for which could play up, leading to power-assistance failure. Steering would still be possible, but it would be very heavy. The solution involved replacing the steering mechanism and module. In all, 699 BMWs were affected, including 1 Series, 3 Series and Z4 models.
Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.
Driver Power
Our view:
Buyers praised it for its reliability, braking and performance. However, the model was heavily criticised for its ease of driving – and the in-car tech didn’t do much more to impress owners, either.
Buyers praised it for its reliability, braking and performance. However, the model was heavily criticised for its ease of driving – and the in-car tech didn’t do much more to impress owners, either.
Your view:
Rory Banks from Redditch, Worcs, owns a 2011 X1 sDrive20d. He said: “The only bad thing about my two-wheel-drive car is its ability in snow; other than that it’s superb. It’s economical, quick, great to drive and spacious enough for three. The facelifted car looks better, though.”
Rory Banks from Redditch, Worcs, owns a 2011 X1 sDrive20d. He said: “The only bad thing about my two-wheel-drive car is its ability in snow; other than that it’s superb. It’s economical, quick, great to drive and spacious enough for three. The facelifted car looks better, though.”
Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/x1/63988/used-buyers-guide-bmw-x1/page/0/2#ixzz2Twigqzoj
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