What's with the X6 haters out there?

[NC_]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

...Why can't they go back to roots and make a proper, small car that's nimble and exciting to drive?

They did...it's called the 1 series!

[StanF18]

Gotta agree with Wagner and FSETH. Not feeling it man, not feelin' it.
Awesome V6 and V8 engines, goofy styling. Waiting for the Twin Turbo V8 to move over to the X5 frame, then we'll be in business.

[StumpyPete]

I quite like the X6, but there is no way I'd buy one (at least not for another 20 years, when the kids have left home!).

[E61Silver]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

I cannot see the point of the X6. I mean, okay the X5 as an SAV is pretty good. It's oversized, but it drives fairly well, has enough utility to carry around bikes/skis, and can hold 5 people in comfort. Great.

Now, the X6. You can't really carry gear around in that, not with the roof that slopes down like the front of a Prius. Plus, it has the elegance of a helicopter crash. You can carry four, but the rear passengers better not be too tall. It's supposed to be sportier than an X5, but I mean, it's still pretty dang heavy and loaded up with gadgets. So why? Why does BMW insist on spending R&D on making big, heavy trucks? Why can't they go back to roots and make a proper, small car that's nimble and exciting to drive?

With oil prices high and going higher this is not the car/truck for today.
http://www.xoutpost.com/lounge/46854-...l-not-fun.html

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by NC_

They did...it's called the 1 series!

Uh, really? I knew someone would say this.

The 1-series, especially what we get in the US, is NOT lightweight, small, or agile. The coupe is 150lbs less than the base 3er sedan. Now, even if we start including EU models, the 1 still isn't that small or light. The wheelbase in the 118i hatch is just 100mm shy of that in the 318i. The overall length is less than 300mm (~10in for non-metric folks) shorter. The weight differential is ~200lbs. At 1365kg (3010lbs), a 118i 3-door is 300lbs lighter than the 128i coupe, which is a good start. But of course we have to factor in all the useless kit that comes with our coupes, like rain sensors, automatic this and electric that, so the weight differential is probably wider than it seems.

And for some reason, BMW decided to tune quite a fair amount of understeer into the coupe. And understeer just kills the fun out of any mountain road. The hatch may be slightly better (there seems to be a lot of comments on European reviews about how the 130i hatch is adept at power oversteer). So if we can't have tail-sliding, tire-screeching fun in a package that's significantly different from an obese 3er, what's so novel about that?

[NC_]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Uh, really? I knew someone would say this.

The 1-series, especially what we get in the US, is NOT lightweight, small, or agile. The coupe is 150lbs less than the base 3er sedan. Now, even if we start including EU models, the 1 still isn't that small or light. The wheelbase in the 118i hatch is just 100mm shy of that in the 318i. The overall length is less than 300mm (~10in for non-metric folks) shorter. The weight differential is ~200lbs. At 1365kg (3010lbs), a 118i 3-door is 300lbs lighter than the 128i coupe, which is a good start. But of course we have to factor in all the useless kit that comes with our coupes, like rain sensors, automatic this and electric that, so the weight differential is probably wider than it seems.

And for some reason, BMW decided to tune quite a fair amount of understeer into the coupe. And understeer just kills the fun out of any mountain road. The hatch may be slightly better (there seems to be a lot of comments on European reviews about how the 130i hatch is adept at power oversteer). So if we can't have tail-sliding, tire-screeching fun in a package that's significantly different from an obese 3er, what's so novel about that?

Uh, yeah...really. You can quote stats all day long. The real proof is in the pudding and according to all of those who have taken delivery of their 1 series, (see http://www.1addicts.com/), and critical reviews, the 1 series is a "small car that's nimble and exciting to drive". Owners love it.

Reminds me of the designers of the Titanic that were telling people how safe the ship was as it slowly sank into the ocean.

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by cmyX5go

Oh Wagner....

Most definitely!

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

He will convert....just a matter of time.

Keep wishin'

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Uh, really? I knew someone would say this.

The 1-series, especially what we get in the US, is NOT lightweight, small, or agile. The coupe is 150lbs less than the base 3er sedan. Now, even if we start including EU models, the 1 still isn't that small or light. The wheelbase in the 118i hatch is just 100mm shy of that in the 318i. The overall length is less than 300mm (~10in for non-metric folks) shorter. The weight differential is ~200lbs. At 1365kg (3010lbs), a 118i 3-door is 300lbs lighter than the 128i coupe, which is a good start. But of course we have to factor in all the useless kit that comes with our coupes, like rain sensors, automatic this and electric that, so the weight differential is probably wider than it seems.

And for some reason, BMW decided to tune quite a fair amount of understeer into the coupe. And understeer just kills the fun out of any mountain road. The hatch may be slightly better (there seems to be a lot of comments on European reviews about how the 130i hatch is adept at power oversteer). So if we can't have tail-sliding, tire-screeching fun in a package that's significantly different from an obese 3er, what's so novel about that?

You gotta take the 1-series for what it is. The day of sub 3000 lb coupes/sedans are over. The only way to get below that weight is with a light-weight 2-seater that BMW doesn't currently offer. The Z4 is not far off from the 1-series weight. The 1 does perform better than the 3 and costs less. It is lighter, more nimble and actually rides better from the many articles I have read due to a re-worked rear suspension. I think the 1 is absolutely great. All the cabin room (front mainly here) of a larger sedan style car and faster than a Boxter around the track. Besides being just a tad heavy and pricey I think BMW hit the nail on the head with this car.

[Michelle]

I'll form my opinion after I see it in person tomorrow night at my BMWCCA chapter's social.