X1 or 3 series touring

X1 or 3 series touring

Author
Discussion

brazenskies

Original Poster:

60 posts

116 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
Hi all,

I've had a 1 series M-sport Performance Edition for the past year or so. A growing family means we're now looking for something a bit bigger.

Go my eyes on either this...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

or this...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Anyone offer any insight into each? Load capacity/performance/fuel economy etc.

Any advice greatly received.

Cheers,
Greg

Smuler

2,286 posts

139 months

Wednesday 26th November 2014
quotequote all
I drive my father's X1. For a SE (I prefer M sport) I found it very comfortable, seems plenty of room in rear, good boot; but real plus over a car is ride height. Great visibility and my best passenger ride experience in any car. He has the more powerful 2.0l and found the 18d a bit underpowered. He gets around 44mpg urban, and high 50s on a good run. My only criticism is the servotronic steering, which is great around town but I feel too light on open road. The 318d shouldn't have this issue, but this apart I would chose the X1.

Earthdweller

13,532 posts

126 months

Thursday 27th November 2014
quotequote all
Having had both I feel able to comment

I currently run an X1 23d which replaced the e90. I find the x1 rides better has far more practicality and crucially for me xdrive. I too have small ( but rapidly growing kids) especially if you are lifting them in and out

The three way split folding seats and adjustable back rest are great, the boot is very usable too.

They are both on the same platform so offer similar space. I've had mine for 3 1/2 years and it has been totally faultless and has no rattles or squeaks ... A seriously underrated car if you ask me

I do believe that the 18d has different gear ratios to the 20d which negatively affects the fuel consumption though.

Mine is good on fuel though not as good as the 20d but then it is the twin turbo . I can still get high 40s on a run or around 40 in daily use.

I would recommend the X1 over an e90 all day long .. Not so sure over the f30' though.

gizlaroc

17,251 posts

224 months

Thursday 27th November 2014
quotequote all
2010 car will still have the older clutch and flywheel, can judder, but also makes it all feel a bit of an effort.
They were revised in late 2011, BMW swapped mine over and it made a huge difference, still didn't like the car in manual guise though.


I had a 18d sDrive, I was going through an economy stint at the time, big mistake. I used to get 36-44mpg from it no matter what, then when I had a 20d auto while mine was having the new clutch fitted I was seeing 42-55mpg from that, far better geared.
I believe the manual is the same as well, better geared for 75mph.

I had 2 E91's and much prefer the X1, and if you get one on 17s they are proper tyres too!
My E91s were straight off the run flats and the X1 still rode much better, far more comfy but also seemed to bite into fast corners better as well.

I do think the interiors are colour sensitive though, the all black interior can look a bit cheap and even back in 2010 when I got mine it was feeling a bit dated, I dind't have the idrive screen which didn't help.
The one I borrowed had a gorgeous interior, made it feel like a much more upmarket car all round.

It was this interior...



All round a great car, and I would have another one.

cerb4.5lee

30,538 posts

180 months

Thursday 27th November 2014
quotequote all
I had a 318d touring as a loan car a few years ago when the 330d was in for a service and I thought it was going to be completely gutless but I didn't think it was too bad and I wasn't sure at first about the X1 but I looked around one at a dealer and I really liked it.

From experience I had a manual 520d touring and if I was to buy another diesel BMW I would make sure it was fitted to an auto gearbox because you are just cog swapping all the time with a manual diesel and you don't get much back for doing so imo.

I don't honestly know which one I would go for in your shoes but I have had a X5 and 5 series touring but I preferred the way the 5 series drove but I did like the higher driving position of the X5 so both had merits.

Good luck in the search.

brazenskies

Original Poster:

60 posts

116 months

Friday 28th November 2014
quotequote all
Thanks for all the replies.

I'm heading to BMW tomorrow to make my decision. Still completely torn. The 3 series is high spec, the X1 is newer.

I have a tendency to always go for a newer car but I iust don't know right now. Hopefully seeing them again tomorrow it'll all become clear.

Thanks,
Greg

brazenskies

Original Poster:

60 posts

116 months

Saturday 29th November 2014
quotequote all
I went for the X1 in the end. Should get it on Monday. smile

Smuler

2,286 posts

139 months

Saturday 29th November 2014
quotequote all
Excellent, enjoy it!!