JDM BMW E84 X1
Discussion
My wife's venerable Zafira B had a succession of bills, mostly consumables but enough for her to decide it was new car time.
I showed her this JDM BMW X1
...and she said 'eurgh - white BMW? Absolutely not. No thanks.'
After silently pondering her response, I concluded it was ambiguous at best and decided the only sensible course of action was to go and view it the very next day without her.
I met the dealer, small time indie importer but pleasant enough and he passed the vibe-check. Car was better in person than the photos, very clean including underneath. Test drive went without drama, final chat to check the auction sheet and then the inevitable question: 'So, what do you think?'
With my wife's cryptic message still in my head, I considered my next move. If only she had just given me some clear indication how she felt about this car.
After a duration of silence passing from being a negotiating tactic to just being an awkward silence, I blurted out an offer loosely associated with the asking price.
Which the seller declined.
But he countered and being the hard-bargainer I am, I rejoined with... 'yeah go on then'.
I returned home triumphant with my shrewd bargaining skills and told my wife of my endeavours.
And that is how I became the registered keeper and sole owner of a BMW X1 X25i, which I'll be using to take my wife to view a Skoda Karoq, which she has confusingly described as 'the car I told you I wanted in the first place'.
Despite not being an SUV admirer, I really like this. I'm about 700k in and still really enjoy driving it, more so than my Octavia II VRS. The roads around here are utter s
te. I know everyone says that these days, but pop over to Northamptonshire sometime to see where the roads are paved with the fillings that rattle free of people's teeth. In any case, this handles them with ease whilst still being a decent to drive quickly.
It's got the N52 which was the only engine I'd consider (though the USDM cars had the option of the N55) and the hydraulic steering rack. Basically an E91 underneath.
Came with some nice rare Kelleners wheels, quite a pricey JDM aftermarket option by all accounts, although they are shod with Dunlop Winter Maxx which are a bit noisy and vague feeling so I'll prob swap them out for something else come the Summer.
Few little jobs to do in coming posts, but the Skoda is going and this is staying.
I showed her this JDM BMW X1
...and she said 'eurgh - white BMW? Absolutely not. No thanks.'
After silently pondering her response, I concluded it was ambiguous at best and decided the only sensible course of action was to go and view it the very next day without her.
I met the dealer, small time indie importer but pleasant enough and he passed the vibe-check. Car was better in person than the photos, very clean including underneath. Test drive went without drama, final chat to check the auction sheet and then the inevitable question: 'So, what do you think?'
With my wife's cryptic message still in my head, I considered my next move. If only she had just given me some clear indication how she felt about this car.
After a duration of silence passing from being a negotiating tactic to just being an awkward silence, I blurted out an offer loosely associated with the asking price.
Which the seller declined.
But he countered and being the hard-bargainer I am, I rejoined with... 'yeah go on then'.
I returned home triumphant with my shrewd bargaining skills and told my wife of my endeavours.
And that is how I became the registered keeper and sole owner of a BMW X1 X25i, which I'll be using to take my wife to view a Skoda Karoq, which she has confusingly described as 'the car I told you I wanted in the first place'.
Despite not being an SUV admirer, I really like this. I'm about 700k in and still really enjoy driving it, more so than my Octavia II VRS. The roads around here are utter s
te. I know everyone says that these days, but pop over to Northamptonshire sometime to see where the roads are paved with the fillings that rattle free of people's teeth. In any case, this handles them with ease whilst still being a decent to drive quickly.It's got the N52 which was the only engine I'd consider (though the USDM cars had the option of the N55) and the hydraulic steering rack. Basically an E91 underneath.
Came with some nice rare Kelleners wheels, quite a pricey JDM aftermarket option by all accounts, although they are shod with Dunlop Winter Maxx which are a bit noisy and vague feeling so I'll prob swap them out for something else come the Summer.
Few little jobs to do in coming posts, but the Skoda is going and this is staying.
Well played! And top lurking.
Whereabouts in the country was the dealer and what level of info did you get on the car? Much in the way of service history? Auction papers? What is the VED? Lots of questions, sorry...
I find myself looking at a replacement for my runabout Fabia in the next year and needing something cheap and economical I find myself budgeting for a late 957/958 Porsche Cayenne. Logic dictates I should look at the diesel or the 3.6 petrol to keep a lid on cost but the 4.8s keeps getting saved in my list. At this age/price point many of the lower mileage/less barried models are Japanese imports, however a number of the importers/sellers present as questionable people selling in questionable areas with questionable reviews so I am keen to hear real life experiences!
Either way - lovely looking car and looking forward to more pix.
Whereabouts in the country was the dealer and what level of info did you get on the car? Much in the way of service history? Auction papers? What is the VED? Lots of questions, sorry...
I find myself looking at a replacement for my runabout Fabia in the next year and needing something cheap and economical I find myself budgeting for a late 957/958 Porsche Cayenne. Logic dictates I should look at the diesel or the 3.6 petrol to keep a lid on cost but the 4.8s keeps getting saved in my list. At this age/price point many of the lower mileage/less barried models are Japanese imports, however a number of the importers/sellers present as questionable people selling in questionable areas with questionable reviews so I am keen to hear real life experiences!
Either way - lovely looking car and looking forward to more pix.
deprivedofsleep said:
My wife's venerable Zafira B had a succession of bills, mostly consumables but enough for her to decide it was new car time.
I showed her this JDM BMW X1
...and she said 'eurgh - white BMW? Absolutely not. No thanks.'
After silently pondering her response, I concluded it was ambiguous at best and decided the only sensible course of action was to go and view it the very next day without her.
I met the dealer, small time indie importer but pleasant enough and he passed the vibe-check. Car was better in person than the photos, very clean including underneath. Test drive went without drama, final chat to check the auction sheet and then the inevitable question: 'So, what do you think?'
With my wife's cryptic message still in my head, I considered my next move. If only she had just given me some clear indication how she felt about this car.
After a duration of silence passing from being a negotiating tactic to just being an awkward silence, I blurted out an offer loosely associated with the asking price.
Which the seller declined.
But he countered and being the hard-bargainer I am, I rejoined with... 'yeah go on then'.
I returned home triumphant with my shrewd bargaining skills and told my wife of my endeavours.
And that is how I became the registered keeper and sole owner of a BMW X1 X25i, which I'll be using to take my wife to view a Skoda Karoq, which she has confusingly described as 'the car I told you I wanted in the first place'.
Despite not being an SUV admirer, I really like this. I'm about 700k in and still really enjoy driving it, more so than my Octavia II VRS. The roads around here are utter ste. I know everyone says that these days, but pop over to Northamptonshire sometime to see where the roads are paved with the fillings that rattle free of people's teeth. In any case, this handles them with ease whilst still being a decent to drive quickly.
It's got the N52 which was the only engine I'd consider (though the USDM cars had the option of the N55) and the hydraulic steering rack. Basically an E91 underneath.
Came with some nice rare Kelleners wheels, quite a pricey JDM aftermarket option by all accounts, although they are shod with Dunlop Winter Maxx which are a bit noisy and vague feeling so I'll prob swap them out for something else come the Summer.
Few little jobs to do in coming posts, but the Skoda is going and this is staying.
Nicely done I showed her this JDM BMW X1
...and she said 'eurgh - white BMW? Absolutely not. No thanks.'
After silently pondering her response, I concluded it was ambiguous at best and decided the only sensible course of action was to go and view it the very next day without her.
I met the dealer, small time indie importer but pleasant enough and he passed the vibe-check. Car was better in person than the photos, very clean including underneath. Test drive went without drama, final chat to check the auction sheet and then the inevitable question: 'So, what do you think?'
With my wife's cryptic message still in my head, I considered my next move. If only she had just given me some clear indication how she felt about this car.
After a duration of silence passing from being a negotiating tactic to just being an awkward silence, I blurted out an offer loosely associated with the asking price.
Which the seller declined.
But he countered and being the hard-bargainer I am, I rejoined with... 'yeah go on then'.
I returned home triumphant with my shrewd bargaining skills and told my wife of my endeavours.
And that is how I became the registered keeper and sole owner of a BMW X1 X25i, which I'll be using to take my wife to view a Skoda Karoq, which she has confusingly described as 'the car I told you I wanted in the first place'.
Despite not being an SUV admirer, I really like this. I'm about 700k in and still really enjoy driving it, more so than my Octavia II VRS. The roads around here are utter s
te. I know everyone says that these days, but pop over to Northamptonshire sometime to see where the roads are paved with the fillings that rattle free of people's teeth. In any case, this handles them with ease whilst still being a decent to drive quickly.It's got the N52 which was the only engine I'd consider (though the USDM cars had the option of the N55) and the hydraulic steering rack. Basically an E91 underneath.
Came with some nice rare Kelleners wheels, quite a pricey JDM aftermarket option by all accounts, although they are shod with Dunlop Winter Maxx which are a bit noisy and vague feeling so I'll prob swap them out for something else come the Summer.
Few little jobs to do in coming posts, but the Skoda is going and this is staying.
IMO you cannot beat Japanese import BMWs for overall condition, as well as cleanliness and underneaths that are spotless / corrosion free
I've had x2 Japanese import BMWs albeit older E39s - both superb cars and still going strong now
Yes they tend to need a full overhaul when it comes to suspension / cooling systems etc. But they make a superb platform for starting with as no UK car can match them on how clean they are
not a massive fan of the x1/x2s, but i will say, these really look good in the right spec. like this in the M sport and Orange makes it look genuinely stunning.
its also shocking we never got the N55 in Europe. wouldve been a great rival to the GLA45 AMG or RSQ3.
also love the N52, such a nice, responsive engine. shame BMW will never make a N/A 6cyl like that ever again
its also shocking we never got the N55 in Europe. wouldve been a great rival to the GLA45 AMG or RSQ3.
also love the N52, such a nice, responsive engine. shame BMW will never make a N/A 6cyl like that ever again
I did about 30,000 miles in my LCI gunmetal grey with tan well optioned E84 xdrive, it was a great car and really practical, as mentioned its basically a jacked up E91 and nothing wrong with that.
Sold as a result of the ULEZ expansion!
One of the last with the lovely hydraulic steering too.
Sold as a result of the ULEZ expansion!
One of the last with the lovely hydraulic steering too.
Om said:
Well played! And top lurking.
Whereabouts in the country was the dealer and what level of info did you get on the car? Much in the way of service history? Auction papers? What is the VED? Lots of questions, sorry...
I find myself looking at a replacement for my runabout Fabia in the next year and needing something cheap and economical I find myself budgeting for a late 957/958 Porsche Cayenne. Logic dictates I should look at the diesel or the 3.6 petrol to keep a lid on cost but the 4.8s keeps getting saved in my list. At this age/price point many of the lower mileage/less barried models are Japanese imports, however a number of the importers/sellers present as questionable people selling in questionable areas with questionable reviews so I am keen to hear real life experiences!
Either way - lovely looking car and looking forward to more pix.
No worries, happy to answer.Whereabouts in the country was the dealer and what level of info did you get on the car? Much in the way of service history? Auction papers? What is the VED? Lots of questions, sorry...
I find myself looking at a replacement for my runabout Fabia in the next year and needing something cheap and economical I find myself budgeting for a late 957/958 Porsche Cayenne. Logic dictates I should look at the diesel or the 3.6 petrol to keep a lid on cost but the 4.8s keeps getting saved in my list. At this age/price point many of the lower mileage/less barried models are Japanese imports, however a number of the importers/sellers present as questionable people selling in questionable areas with questionable reviews so I am keen to hear real life experiences!
Either way - lovely looking car and looking forward to more pix.
This guy is in Milton Keynes, but we’re talking a handful of cars that he sells and not a forecourt operation. Still would use him again though. Zero service history with this one, but I’m going to contact BMW and see if they can lookup any history from BMW Japan with the VIN.
Got a copy of the auction sheet (grade 4) and checked the deregistration papers from when it was exported.
VED on this is £360 per year, no emissions listed on the V5 so it falls into the catch-all VED class.
In general, for older stuff I’d always look towards a JDM car as the condition is generally so much better than an equivalent UK car, both since their Shaken motor vehicle inspection is so much stricter than our MOT and they (mostly) don’t salt their roads, some of the colder provinces still do so watch out.
I’d not touch anything that doesn’t have an auction sheet with it, and make sure the sheet you are shown actually matches up with the car. Avoid any R graded cars as that is usually an indication of crash damage (though can be applied to cars with aftermarket body kits).
If the seller seems dodgy then I just wouldn’t bother at all and ultimately if you are prepared to wait there are a few online agents where you can just bid for and buy your own import and have it shipped over yourself.
CMTMB said:
I quite like these, a bit more purposeful without being a full fat SUV. It would look much better with silver wheels and the vape vents / tints removed.
Black wheels and wind-deflectors (although I’m gonna have to start calling them vape-vents now) are staying as I love ‘em.Tints are a bit of a ball ache when reversing in the dark I will grant you.
jackcactii said:
Always get a good undercarriage coating to preserve the not-rusty underside of a Japanese import and keep it clean
This one actually has a thin layer of protection already. That and the winter tires make me think it’s from one of the colder provinces, but it’s still squeaky clean underneath. I’ll be Lanoguarding it in any case.
deprivedofsleep said:
jackcactii said:
Always get a good undercarriage coating to preserve the not-rusty underside of a Japanese import and keep it clean
This one actually has a thin layer of protection already. That and the winter tires make me think it s from one of the colder provinces, but it s still squeaky clean underneath. I ll be Lanoguarding it in any case.
Id highly recommend the Bilt Hamber Dynax over the Lanoguard kit
It's good, but Bilt Hambers stuff is better, with better longevity and it's much easier to apply
danb79 said:
Having used Lanoguard on my Jap import E39 Touring and then BH Dynax UB and UC on my Jap import 540i (and then most recently my previous E81 130i LE and my current E39 540i)
Id highly recommend the Bilt Hamber Dynax over the Lanoguard kit
It's good, but Bilt Hambers stuff is better, with better longevity and it's much easier to apply
Thanks for the tip, I’ll give it a look in that case.Id highly recommend the Bilt Hamber Dynax over the Lanoguard kit
It's good, but Bilt Hambers stuff is better, with better longevity and it's much easier to apply
Got a few jobs to tick off so far, couple already done.
First thing I had to sort was a smell like a damp and musty National Trust site coming from the AC. Apparently this era of BMW have a real issue with mouldy evaporators, so I got some Klima clean stuff and after much fannying around trying to decide the best way in I opted to just thread the hose as far into the vents as possible in the hope that it ended up in the evaporator and not the glovebox, before spraying the foamy contents in.
After leaving it for 30 mins or so I hit the wrong button on the AC controls, inadvertently setting the fans to full speed and got a face full of the stuff and a cabin that looked like a nativity. On the plus side the smell of mulching libraries has reduced by about 90%. I’ll prob give it another blast in a week or so.
While I was at it a put in a new cabin filter and cleaned some plastic engine covers because, well, it makes you feel like you are doing something useful I guess.
Also discovered that my OBDEleven supports BMW as well as VAG, so did a terror (you’ve already bought it, too late to scan it now) scan with my teeth clenched…
Got a couple of automatic shutdown codes which I think is due to my weak battery (see below) and a ride-height sensor error. No adjustable suspension on the X1 but I’m guessing the sensor is used to auto-level the headlights? I’ll have a look at that the next time I’m under it. In any case, nothing too concerning.
Jobs still to do / quirks still to look at:
- Low battery warnings when engine is off. Guessing the battery is the original and now end of life, not checked to see if it has a date code on it. Do I just measure this across the terminals like any other or do I have to account for the IBS sensor when taking a reading?
- Key fob missing alerts. Car has comfort access and keyless start. Never fails to start or let me in, but periodically chirps that it can’t find the key even though it’s in my pocket.
- ZF6 is pretty smooth but the 1<>2 shift is noticeable when cold or you catch the box napping. Will be doing a fluid change as I’m assuming it’s never had one. Ditto for the transfer case.
- Bit of a speed wobble at 60-70 so booked in for a wheel balance (would have been today but neither I nor the garage have the BMW jack adapters so ordered a set on Prime for tomorrow).
- New tires for summer - I’m really not sure about the Winter Maxx that are on it. Great for the dismal weather we have now, but they are noisy and not really confidence inspiring. Not sure what to go for next, not a sports car is it? But then it is a lot of fun to drive it like one. Hmm.
- Either recode the CIC to get UK nav and radio or fit an MMI box for CarPlay.
- Water-pump and thermostat as preventative maintenance.
- Maybe, maybe fit a 330i 3-stage intake for the full-fat N52 power.
Such a good engine too; you need to get the BDS intake elbow and the K&N dry filter for the airbox. Exactly what I did to my 130i LE and it sounded superb 
Your wobble could be suspension; the main thrust arms fail on the balljoint and allow too much movement. Fingers crossed it is wheel balancing, possibly a sticky caliper - unfortunately you'll not see the failed ball joint (or bush at the other end), until it's fully removed
I'd highly recommend 5W40 oil for the engine too (along with a decent filter); it does help to quieten down and smooth out the N52
And re the ZF6; the ZF service kit will do it a world of good. It's service will be well overdue. This is what you'll need: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305284428177
Your wobble could be suspension; the main thrust arms fail on the balljoint and allow too much movement. Fingers crossed it is wheel balancing, possibly a sticky caliper - unfortunately you'll not see the failed ball joint (or bush at the other end), until it's fully removed
I'd highly recommend 5W40 oil for the engine too (along with a decent filter); it does help to quieten down and smooth out the N52
And re the ZF6; the ZF service kit will do it a world of good. It's service will be well overdue. This is what you'll need: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305284428177
danb79 said:
Such a good engine too; you need to get the BDS intake elbow and the K&N dry filter for the airbox. Exactly what I did to my 130i LE and it sounded superb
Your wobble could be suspension; the main thrust arms fail on the balljoint and allow too much movement. Fingers crossed it is wheel balancing, possibly a sticky caliper - unfortunately you'll not see the failed ball joint (or bush at the other end), until it's fully removed
I'd highly recommend 5W40 oil for the engine too (along with a decent filter); it does help to quieten down and smooth out the N52
And re the ZF6; the ZF service kit will do it a world of good. It's service will be well overdue. This is what you'll need: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305284428177
Not seen the BDS kit before but have bookmarked their site for a perusal later.Your wobble could be suspension; the main thrust arms fail on the balljoint and allow too much movement. Fingers crossed it is wheel balancing, possibly a sticky caliper - unfortunately you'll not see the failed ball joint (or bush at the other end), until it's fully removed
I'd highly recommend 5W40 oil for the engine too (along with a decent filter); it does help to quieten down and smooth out the N52
And re the ZF6; the ZF service kit will do it a world of good. It's service will be well overdue. This is what you'll need: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305284428177
Balljoint - hadn't considered that. Def not a sticky calliper as the wheels are all stone cold after a drive. If it persists post balance I'll add that to my list.
The dealer did an oil change on it as soon as he imported it, but yeah I'll be sticking fresh stuff in come Spring as I've no idea what he used. It is very quiet though, almost too quiet. Only the slightest hint of inline-6 when you really get into the throttle, otherwise the noisiest thing (and it really is loud) is the AC.
Also thinking of a back-box delete but I'm not sure if that will just make it sound more Maccas carpark than 6-cylinder symphony.
Thumbs up on the ZF service kit too - I was just going to go with an oil change but that looks like the proper job.
deprivedofsleep said:
danb79 said:
Such a good engine too; you need to get the BDS intake elbow and the K&N dry filter for the airbox. Exactly what I did to my 130i LE and it sounded superb
Your wobble could be suspension; the main thrust arms fail on the balljoint and allow too much movement. Fingers crossed it is wheel balancing, possibly a sticky caliper - unfortunately you'll not see the failed ball joint (or bush at the other end), until it's fully removed
I'd highly recommend 5W40 oil for the engine too (along with a decent filter); it does help to quieten down and smooth out the N52
And re the ZF6; the ZF service kit will do it a world of good. It's service will be well overdue. This is what you'll need: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305284428177
Not seen the BDS kit before but have bookmarked their site for a perusal later.Your wobble could be suspension; the main thrust arms fail on the balljoint and allow too much movement. Fingers crossed it is wheel balancing, possibly a sticky caliper - unfortunately you'll not see the failed ball joint (or bush at the other end), until it's fully removed
I'd highly recommend 5W40 oil for the engine too (along with a decent filter); it does help to quieten down and smooth out the N52
And re the ZF6; the ZF service kit will do it a world of good. It's service will be well overdue. This is what you'll need: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/305284428177
Balljoint - hadn't considered that. Def not a sticky calliper as the wheels are all stone cold after a drive. If it persists post balance I'll add that to my list.
The dealer did an oil change on it as soon as he imported it, but yeah I'll be sticking fresh stuff in come Spring as I've no idea what he used. It is very quiet though, almost too quiet. Only the slightest hint of inline-6 when you really get into the throttle, otherwise the noisiest thing (and it really is loud) is the AC.
Also thinking of a back-box delete but I'm not sure if that will just make it sound more Maccas carpark than 6-cylinder symphony.
Thumbs up on the ZF service kit too - I was just going to go with an oil change but that looks like the proper job.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FJNVp98sQsBX7P92A
Swapped both sides out with brand new Moog arms; faultless after that
Yeah the BDS elbow is superbly made and works well; that with a decent filter it aids the engine breathing a lot; this is the page on the project for my previous 130i LE where I'd fitted it: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'm not a big fan of BMW X models but love their N52 engines - I'm on my 4th now!
Good to know there is a way to extract a bit more performance even if it does involve a new manifold. On the 125i it was just a remap away from 130i power.
If the battery is dying I'd get a new one fitted pronto as BMWs of this age often seem prone to throwing up random faults and warning lights when the battery is on it's last legs. Sorry I can't help with your question about testing it as all my BMWs have been older models without those modules.
Good to know there is a way to extract a bit more performance even if it does involve a new manifold. On the 125i it was just a remap away from 130i power.
If the battery is dying I'd get a new one fitted pronto as BMWs of this age often seem prone to throwing up random faults and warning lights when the battery is on it's last legs. Sorry I can't help with your question about testing it as all my BMWs have been older models without those modules.
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