X1 2.0d xdrive thoughts
 

So over the weekend i got to drive the X1 2.0d xdrive.
Here's a quick list of my likes and dislikes.

Likes-

Diesel power was very impressive (as usual)
Handling was decent
Interior space was much larger than I was expecting
Loved the big panoramic sunroof
Fit of the interior materials


Dislikes
The "feel" of the interior materials (big step down) IMO
Slightly awkward styling
Size of the boot in comparison to the rest of interior


Overall i was quite impressed with it. I can now see the market that Bmw was aiming for. Not really the family with young Kids (maybe 1).

Anyway that was just my opinion. I know some of the likes/dislikes might be a bit vague but this is just my first initial thoughts.

Congrats to everyone has purchased one. I'm a fan :thumbup:

I wish it had arrived here in the US, sooner,
(as in now), and had diesel and/or 6 spd manual available.

I suspect it would have been priced out of our
retiredbum budget; thus, we got a Hyundai Tucson
for the CEO.
GL, mD

Am about to switch from an X3 2006 2.0d into a 320d as the leasing's finance rate of the touring (specially because it's a fleet edition) was much cheaper than the X1 but had a look at the X1 details:

- the quality can't be worse than the X3, and even if the quality of the materials *may* be better than the 3 series, the design kicks the old 3 series - e.g. where's the inner door handle on the driver's side, why is the electric glass switch *after* the handle on the right side, why does the lines of the doors not follow the lines of the dashboard (much better even on the X3), etc.

- the interiour feels (and in some cases is) much bigger than the 3 and the X3 - might be smaller side-to-side, but there are more space for the legs and much more space for the head (1meter+ compared with less than 1 meter for x3 and 3). This of course compromises the boot.

- the boot sucks - 420 liters compared with 460 for the touring and 480 for the X3. On the other hand, yes it's more than enough for a single kid family.

- the moonroof (as they call it here) is overall the same size as the other cars, but opens 50/50% - meaning only half opens completely, compared with the previous moonroof of much more 60/40% or maybe even 70/30% on the 3/X3/5/etc. Not an issue though :D

- the X1 can take the 1series's 2.0D bi-turbo engine with 204HP (the x23), including the auto and the thingies on the steering wheel. There is no 323d.


An excellent and recommended option for young couples with or without a kid. Too bad my leasing monthly quote was almost 30% more expensive or else I'd had taken one for myself :D

- the X1 can take the 1series's 2.0D bi-turbo engine with 204HP (the x23), including the auto and the thingies on the steering wheel. There is no 323d.


Yeah would love to take the X1 23d for a test drive!!!

Congrats on picking up a 320d!

BTW the X1 as specced that i drove came in at around 70k AUS (60k USD):wow:. We pay far too much for cars in this country!

Was that the 20d or the 23d?

It was the 20d. After reading up a bit, the 23d doesnt have a great deal more power. Probably able to bridge the gap with some sort of chip.

Are you interested in one Fraser?
Would be a hard come down after driving the X5M around :thumbup:

You are on the ball!

Don't know about bridging the gap with a chip. You probably could but then again you can chip a 23d. My sources tell me the 23d is a noticeable jump up from the 20d.

23d is twin turbo and I dont think that you can safely boost the power of the 20d up to the stock levels of the 23d.

BMW aus's site says that the 20d has 130kw and 350 nm and the 23d has 150kw and 400nm. Thats why i assumed you could chip the 20d to the 23d power levels. I have seen these gains on other diesel engines, but i'm sure these engines from BMW might be a bit different.

Fraser, Have you had a chance to take one for a test drive yet? 7.3 sec to 100 for the 23d sounds like fun ;)

Not yet. Even the 20d in the X3 is a really good thing so I suspect the 23d in the X1 will be something special. One of my mates has driven the X1 23d and said it was a "pocket rocket".