BMW X1 SUV (2010-2015) | owner reviews: MPG, Problems & Reliability

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Actually, it is a better car than Carbuyer thinks. Yes, the drive shaft blocks the middle seat and the ride is a bit rough but on the whole it is an excellent and cheap way to move your family around. The insides are pleasing, the car is reliable and the leg room at the back is brilliant.

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Pleased with car, should have upgraded to the sport seats as standard seats are very Uncomfortable on long journeys, disappointed with the fuel consumption was expecting 50+. Good ride if a little firm, good driving position, easy to park.

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Absolutely NO problems, first class

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No problems

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Very reliable as I would expect a BMW to be.

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No complaints - No Problems

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No Problems

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Never any problems

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2 new clutches under warranty, otherwise no issues

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No problems starts first time.

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No problems whatsoever

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My bmw x1 is a 23d top of the range with leather, etc. I like the size and it is spacious enough for us. My only gripes are that the steering is heavy when parking and reversing and the ride could be more refined. I am not a diesel lover - still too noisy and slow revving for me but i felt that the state of the roads and weather forced me to re-consider and sell my beloved 525i m sport. Too low slung for the pot holes and bumps.I Usually retain a car for 2 to 3 years and may look at an x3 next time but the pull of a 325 coupe might be too strong.

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My wife selected this car as she was impressed with the handling and that it can take our dogs in cages in comfort and still have room for passengers

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Love this car, can’t fault it. Plenty of power, really smooth. Heavy steering but I really like that as it gives you great feedback. It's great on fuel, too. All round great driving car and great spec.

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The overall look and performance of this car is spot on. Although the interior quality seems to remind me of the older X3 models. The steering in the X-Drive seems to be a bit heavy but responsive, almost like the front wheel drive setup in the MINI Coopers. For the price I can say it is certainly worth it.

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Bought it new. It was in the shop 6 times over the first 4 months. Had issues with broken pieces in the front brakes, replaced all the injectors, replaced the battery, licence plate fell off, etc. The battery technology is not sound. Had to install an after market engine heating/trickle charger ($1,100). Battery will not hold a charge in very cold weather. This apparently is a very common complaint. Because the battery can not handle extreme cold weather, the full charge is directed to essentials; therefore no heat in the cabin (but the heated seats still work, where is the logic in that). Replaced the injectors twice. The BMW service tech told me they are on their 12 update to the injector technology. A real shame they have not got the technology right. I have owned/still own 2 other BMWs. Both were/are great cars.

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I bought this to replace a twelve year old BMW 320td Compact which was a very successful second car for all that time. We live a mile up a gravel track which gets a bit potholey in winter, hence the need for extra ground clearance, but an advantage of the SUV shape for us maturer drivers is that it's a bit easier to get into. The only extras specified were the Driver Comfort package (parking sensors, cruise control, extra courtesy lights) and Fineline wood trim - the latter goes much better than the standard aluminium with beige upholstery. This is a good car - enjoyable to drive and practical. I don't understand the moans about the steering - it's not heavy when parking, probably due to the changed specification last year. Sure, if you tap the plastic fascia it sounds a bit cheap but how often does one do that, really? I do have two bugbears, though. First, the very cheap speakers - anyone buying one these really should find the money to specify the better ones. The standard ones give no listening pleasure at all and even sound tinny listening to speech. Second, in order to achieve its good economy the car is a bit overgeared. It has 20bhp or so less than the other equivalent models in the range, which are lower geared as well, so on the motorway you do have to change down quite often to keep up. Still, the economy at 51.3mpg (strangely, even the trip computer always come out at that figure whatever the driving) is good and the Road Tax at £30 a year very good for a 2 litre car. You know you're driving a diesel, but the noise isn't unpleasant and when cruising the engine's very quiet. I don't understand why BMW don't market the X1 more as a city car. It's shorter than a 3 series Touring, so easier to park, and at least as practical.

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No problems since new

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No problems in 2.5yrs of ownership

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Has not let me down once.

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No problems so far

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Love this car; excellent driving position, very strong performance and good economy. It's a joy to drive and to look at. No complaints either with the car or with the BMW service. Can't say I find the steering heavy, though that may be because it's the rear wheel drive version. Only problem is that my wife keeps borrowing it as she prefers it to her Audi.

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I upgraded from a BMW 1 Series which followed two Audi A4. There is no comparison both the 1 series and the X1 are so much nicer to drive, more economic and have a far better 2 litre diesel engine. The 2013 X1 is a great car, roomy comfortable with a fantastic engine. Each day I look forward to my 30 mile plus commute. Very pleased and sun roof is a joy.

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Great

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Very practical but over priced as all premium brands.

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Superb engine, gearbox, brakes and handling make this a good car to drive. That said the ride is hard and the steering heavy at low speeds which makes town driving and manouvering a real chore. I would strongly recommend any test drive is taken on uneven surfaces, as well as the usual dual carriageways, to make sure you can live with the uncomfortable ride over broken surfaces. Some of the cabin plastics are low rent and disappointing. Also the standard stereo could do with more watts output and better speakers. I opted for the sport seats as the standard ones supplied lacked the lateral support required, even so lumbar support is not standard on these and should be.

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Great car, economy not as good as expected

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We purchased this car as a vehicle for a family of 4. We had great expectations from a premium brand. For the first year it performed well but has since had issues. Tyres are £220 each and it takes different sizes front and back. Run flats are not practical, the right tyre sizes are not readily available and tyre garages close after 6pm, so without a spare wheel you are pretty stuck should you have a 4 hr journey to complete. A thread on the sump wore out and a helicoil repair was needed. The car now has a rattle at the rear and hesitates when pulling away and we suspect a clutch issue. For a premium brand all I can say is that we're disappointed. It's not at all practical and costly to run. The engine is very noisy and sounds like a tractor starting up. I also managed to skid on a snowy surface and nearly took the car out. I wasn't driving fast but expected more from a 4x4. Confidence in it has been lost so have no other option than to get rid. We have only done 50000 miles in it, and now it needs a new battery. One plus point is that we loved the comfy seats, the recline on rear seats was great. We really loved this car, it was a treat for us to own a BMW and even with the issues we're still gutted we have to sell it.

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I never get any problem since owned it.

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BMW Diesel engines are built to last. Vehicle has only done 10000 ml so far no problems.

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No problems so far

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excellent

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Very pleased all-round

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Brilliant, great car.

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I changed from a saloon to a crossover to achieve a more elevated driving position and easier bodily access. Perhaps i regret not going for a full four wheel drive in the light of the appalling winter weather and poor road surfaces but fuel economy and low emissions rating seemed more important at the time. As regards bmw they appear stingy when it comes to adding extras and adding one or two refinements can make what first appears an affordable car quite expensive. Having said that the overall build is good.

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I picked the S Drive (Rear wheel drive), 18D SE for the reduced CO2 figure (In 2010) and added a few extras, auto dimming R/View mirror, comfort light pack & Tow bar. I have driven about 22k miles per year and as it approaches 88k it shows 47.8mpg as the average, I have reset the computer several times over the 4 years and it always seems to settle at 47.8 so no real complaints on that front. Driving is a mix of long commute, frequent motorway and general local urban. The instrument panel is definitely old fashioned, I had an Audi A4 before and this had a much better instrument layout. The X1 is just that little bit better for overall driving precision though. I have found the seats to be comfortable, even on long journeys (up to Scotland and back). Space in the back can be an issue if you have 3 adults and the front seats are toward the back of their travel range. The rear centre tunnel is also an issue for a third, middle, passenger. Headroom however is good. Tall passengers may have to stoop a bit when getting in/out. Unlike other commenters I don't find the steering heavy at all, quite the reverse. Perhaps it's because its the S Drive version? Space in the boot area is good & the moulded in bag holders are a real boon when putting the shopping in. With the rear seats folded down I can get a 1 ton (size not weight!), builders bag full of garden rubbish in with ease! It has recently been in for a timing chain issue, this appears to be a weakness of this engine variant, however this was dealt with by the BMW dealer with no issues. The run flat tyres have lasted extremely well, I am just on the third set with the previous two sets lasting well over 40k miles :-) It tows well, although I don't tow regularly it is long (Glider trailer). All in all I have been satisfied and I am now looking to buy an X1 S Drive 20D Efficient Dynamics version for the lower CO2 emissions of 119.

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Got this car with great expectations but have been disappointed in a few areas. I've had the transfer box replaced for the xdrive along with a few computer adjustments being done. I've recently had to have the rear ball joints replaced and also the timing chain replaced ( a two day job for the timing chain done under warranty, seemingly a manufactures problem on the x1 which they are not doing a recall for. I've also had to complain recently re a judder from the clutch when pulling away which is what happened prior to my transfer box being replaced the last time. On a positive note though - yes it's nice to drive, handles the road well, great engine, steering is heavy but accurate, dealer service excellent but expensive.. Car will be out of warranty in april but due to the problems I've experienced I am getting rid of it and getting a new Tiguan at the end of the month. I am disappointed as when I bought my X1 I had intended to keep it longer but feel I cannot take the chance on keeping it when out of warranty due to the possibility of costly repairs. Ps. The brakes have also been a little eratic in the wet recently. My last service in December was just short of £500.

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Fantastic car. I love it. It is better with different tires. Handles great in hairpin turns. Many people complain about the steering... but really it is old school. I prefer it to any other type of steering I have tried. Makes you think before doing anything which is good these days. I always recommend only getting the extras that are needed. This way it keeps the car lighter and more agile.

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Nothing went wrong in the 12100 miles and 13 months I had the X1

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Only 3 months old but perfect so far.

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exceptional car

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So far, it is pretty good. Interior and exterior quality is good. Inside nothing ratlles and outside, when making a light tap on the body work, all parts sound very firm and solid( when compared to the same effect on a vauxhall insignia). When driving, the sound that the engine generates sounds nowhere near the same as the vauxhall. The insignia rattles and you can tell it's a diesel. With the bmw, you know it's a diesel but the sounds it makes when accelerating is so smooth and refined. Inside and out. I have driven alot of hire cars (saab, vauxhall, skoda, seat, ford - all diesels) and none have sounded this refined. That said, i've not tried any audi, mercs or other bmw vehicles.

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Brilliant, does everything i require from carrying the dog to all the shopping and very economical on short and long trips.

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Car is reliable for the short space of time i have owned it.

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A very practical and comfortable car. Built to last and a pleasure to drive.

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Great ride and handling and useful four wheel drive capability in snow / bad weather. Decent performance for a low emission vehicle. Some niggles re internal build quality and poor engine refinement- not up to usual bmw / premium standards. Fuel economy not as good as expected and a bit cramped inside.

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Great

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Looks not to everyone's taste, but i don't care. Quicker and more lithe than my previous car (crv). Well built, really good interior - reasonably quick, really good on servicing costs (250 pounds for 5 year package) slightly jittery ride due to run-flats. A nice car to own and drive.

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Highly competent, excellent economy and more than adequate performance coupled with a smooth ride (non runflat)

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Ideal but some of the plastics and components are cheapen compared to other bmws not what i'd expect

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This is an awesome car, I previously drove a Mini Cooper (BMW). Initially I was going to buy a Kia Sportage. I'm please I didn't, great size, very comfortable, high ride & good visibility and plenty of grunt under the bonnet, I decided to go for the automatic after never owning an auto before, with the 8 gears it's a smooth transition no jerking only a power jerk when you put your foot down. For a big car it shifts. I recommend that if you do buy one, get the lumber support and I drive. Personally I would never buy a new car out of principal, extremely happy with my second hand car :)

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Best car owned.

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no problems

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no problems so far.

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The X1 is a very comfortable, reliable, practical SUV which is excellent to drive. My wife uses it daily for a 80 mile commute and reckons it is the safest car she has driven. It replaced our family 5 series BMW but is far more practical. In poor weather conditions it excels and is as good as the 5 series on a long drive. We fit winter tyres over the winter and this coupled with four wheel drive provides it with unbeatable roadholding and grip. When you add in to the equation £250 for 5 year servicing and an excellent local BMW dealer Harry Fairbairn, Irvine you have a first class package.

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I have only just bought it and am delighted. I got an x1 4 wheel drive to cope with the snow and upsized from a 1 series saloon as i loved that too!

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For a "soft-roader" it behaves like a car on the road, handles well, is fun to drive and comfortable. I never thought i would 'move up' to the bmw label, but spec for spec this car is up there with the rest.

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No Red thumbs down