Feedback on 120d x drive.....
Discussion
Just driven the 120d x drive M Sport and was happy enough to agree the purchase. No real world experience to give yet but found the car comfortable and responsive. There was a noticebale difference between the Sport and Eco settings which will be fun to play with. Noise levels were good (although wasn't able to push it fast on a motorway). Front seating was comfortable and supportive and easy to adjust to my tastes quickly. I found the foot rest to the left of the pedals a little intrusive but will get used to it. Not driven the Audi A3 quattro so can't compare it but locally the dealers seem to charge a considerable premium for their used A3 quattros compared with the 120d x drives - the A3 s tend to be more powerful but often less well equipped.
We added a BMW 120D X-Drive Sport to the garage last February. Initially not liked in the easy way a Golf or Focus can be used but over 5000 miles later opinions have changed. The car was originally to be used by my partner but a change of priorities (long commute with new job) meant I took it over. Relatively economical at around 50 mpg the car is easy to park and surprisingly practical with the back seats down. It ain't no Sport though and suspension and raised height of X-Drive can and has witnessed some high end float I had not been expecting at higher speed. However as a very quick surefooted 'point and squint' everyday car it's brilliant - especially now the mileage has loosened up the engine. I think BMW quote 0-60 in 7.1 sec (slightly quicker than the RWD 120D) but this eclipsed by the cars ability to nip past a lorry or a string of slow moving vehicles with ease. There is no doubt the M-sport has more presence but that front spoiler/splitter means being ultra careful parking nose to kerb. The X-Drive is great too especially on a wet road accelerating out of a roundabout or damp rural road. Driving position is quite sporty ie low and slightly offset driving position is initially off putting but you get used to it quickly. Finally if seriously consider one upgrade the headlights and enhance the Bluetooth. Standard spec even on the Sport is pants and as for storage space for sunglasses, mints etc forget it. Hope this helps.
I test drove a 120 xdrive M Sport just before Christmas. I wanted to dislike the car and BMW dealer just to get the itch out of my system.
Unfortunately the dealer experience was nearly excellent and I really liked the car too.
Although the dealer has not made a follow up call which is a bit disappointing.
Am still strongly thinking of one.
One thing to be aware of though is on the m sport(as standard) and the Sport(standard 17") and SE(standard 16") models when fitted with optional 18" (stupid IMHO) alloys is that the front and rear tyre sizes are different which may mean you cannot swap round to even out wear.
Nice cars though and a proper handbrake too.
On paper running costs seem to be on a par with a Leon FR !!
Unfortunately the dealer experience was nearly excellent and I really liked the car too.
Although the dealer has not made a follow up call which is a bit disappointing.
Am still strongly thinking of one.
One thing to be aware of though is on the m sport(as standard) and the Sport(standard 17") and SE(standard 16") models when fitted with optional 18" (stupid IMHO) alloys is that the front and rear tyre sizes are different which may mean you cannot swap round to even out wear.
Nice cars though and a proper handbrake too.
On paper running costs seem to be on a par with a Leon FR !!
[quote=loskie]I test drove a 120 xdrive M Sport just before Christmas. I wanted to dislike the car and BMW dealer just to get the itch out of my system.
Appreciate the comments. Sadly we didn't have such a good experience of the Glasgow BMW dealer. We went in with our 4 year old and new baby in the pram. We were just glared at by the staff who were not friendly / helpful. Got the feeling we were in the way! We then went into the Mercedes garage where we were made much more welcome and my son was made far more welcome by the staff!
Still like the BMW, but will need to try another (more friendly) BMW garage.
Appreciate the comments. Sadly we didn't have such a good experience of the Glasgow BMW dealer. We went in with our 4 year old and new baby in the pram. We were just glared at by the staff who were not friendly / helpful. Got the feeling we were in the way! We then went into the Mercedes garage where we were made much more welcome and my son was made far more welcome by the staff!
Still like the BMW, but will need to try another (more friendly) BMW garage.
My test drive was at Lloyd BMW in Carlisle not too far from Glasgow. Unannounced Sunday before Christmas I am not particularly smart in my dress.
I made the mistake of buying my current car(Volvo V50) new in 2009 from Parks, Volvo in Ayr, a shockingly poor experience. The salesman even had the cheek to tell me to come and pick up the car at 09:30 because they had customers coming in later!!! WTF. I went at 10:30 and the place was still deserted and we had to wait 1 1/2 hrs for the cars paperwork to be finished. Simple job too as I paid by Visa Debit the whole balance. Cheeky runt.
Anyway Parks is 50m north and lloyd in Carlisle 50m east. Never have I darkened Parks door since that July day. Lloyd Volvo on the other hand have been excellent, looked after me as if I bought from them, warranty jobs(gearbox and clutch to name two of several) fixed with no quibble, pick up my car and leave me one when serviced and services around £220 which not too bad for a main dealer. Car was 1 yr(86000m) out of warranty and even got the air con condenser replaced foc. Car is always returned spotless and it goes in quite mucky as I travel round farms.
Anyway if it was Douglas Park BMW that is the same as Parks Volvo, If Harry Fairbairn BMW that is Arnold Clark I think.
I may not buy another Volvo I'm not sure but may very likely buy from Lloyds again.
But never Parks Volvo, or another of their group for that matter.
Carlisle not too far from Glasgow.
I made the mistake of buying my current car(Volvo V50) new in 2009 from Parks, Volvo in Ayr, a shockingly poor experience. The salesman even had the cheek to tell me to come and pick up the car at 09:30 because they had customers coming in later!!! WTF. I went at 10:30 and the place was still deserted and we had to wait 1 1/2 hrs for the cars paperwork to be finished. Simple job too as I paid by Visa Debit the whole balance. Cheeky runt.
Anyway Parks is 50m north and lloyd in Carlisle 50m east. Never have I darkened Parks door since that July day. Lloyd Volvo on the other hand have been excellent, looked after me as if I bought from them, warranty jobs(gearbox and clutch to name two of several) fixed with no quibble, pick up my car and leave me one when serviced and services around £220 which not too bad for a main dealer. Car was 1 yr(86000m) out of warranty and even got the air con condenser replaced foc. Car is always returned spotless and it goes in quite mucky as I travel round farms.
Anyway if it was Douglas Park BMW that is the same as Parks Volvo, If Harry Fairbairn BMW that is Arnold Clark I think.
I may not buy another Volvo I'm not sure but may very likely buy from Lloyds again.
But never Parks Volvo, or another of their group for that matter.
Carlisle not too far from Glasgow.
loskie said:
Unless you are against a Skoda badge (and wives can be hard to persuade) For a wife and 2 little uns Octavia 4x4 estate well worth a look.
Without the badge you could easily tell her it was an Audi.
Good idea, I've already tried that! She is badge conscious - you should see her handbags!Without the badge you could easily tell her it was an Audi.
It has to be either an audi / merc / BMW or I would never be forgiven!
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