[v&v]

It all started about 8 months back, a plan to upgrade my Octavia vRS as it would complete 10 years in 2015. After driving a vRS, I was left with very few choices.

So the preference was preset to buy a pre-worshipped automatic preferably a BMW, again a long pending desire. My four pre-requisites were Corona rings, Sunroof, Idrive and BSI coverage. BMW 5 Series was the ideal upgrade fulfilling my pre-requisites and a 2010/11/12 registered (E60) would easily fit my budget of 25L. The tough job was to find a car with a 5 year BSI package.

So the search begins... Now with the sites like OLX, Cartrade etc its much easier to scan and find the preferred cars & price trend. I found that the 15 to 25L bracket, driven less than 50k and below 5 years proved to be a difficult zone as the option gets quiet limited. I also connected with a couple of dealers whom I knew and specified my requirements.

Got lots of inputs from the dealer, but most of them didn't have the BSI and if one finds a clean car then they were higher models 2012 F10 which were being quoted way too high for my budget. I did test drive a couple of 520d and then I realised the ground clearance of 5 series will be an issue for my need, as I would travel outstation for business as well as vacation needs. This was one of the primary issue I was facing in my vRS. Hence had to re-calibrate my requirements and shifted my focus to X series - left with only 2 variants X3 or X1. Scanning the market, got feedback that 2011 or 2012 X3 were going way above my budget and finally had to settle for X1. Hence a new lookout notice was re-issued .

Now 2012-13 X1 highline was difficult to find as most of them I came across were corporate editions. I was hoping that I get hold of a 2013 face lift version with the new 8 speed zf transmission. In between I got busy with work and in the last week of July got a message - Available 2012 X1 high-line with BSI. The owner owned multiple beammers in the family and was planning to dispose his 2012 x1. Did multiple TDs(Day n Night) and was happy the way the car performed and the panoramic sun roof was simply awesome. ODO reading was 42xxx. It had 5 years BSI ultimate package and breakdown assistance till Sep 2017. Bonus , the insurance was valid till May 2016 and tyres were also in good shape.

So in all no immediate expense. Principally gave a go ahead but before going through the deal I wanted to have a complete inspection at the service center. Got a clean chit from service center next day and finally after some hard negotiation got a sweet deal good 20% less to my set initial budget.

[v&v]

Initial 1500 kms report..

The X1 has already clocked 1500+ kms and its fun driving auto though at times is boring too. There is definitely a lag on the soft accelerator input in D mode but the character changes the moment you shift to DS mode. Driving around the city is easy and you do get road respect for the badge. Panoramic sun roof makes the cabin bright and roomy. Road feeling is similar to vRS little bumpy (Need to play around with tyre pressure) and 2L diesel motor is a gem, it touches triple digit speed effortlessly. Dual zone AC performance is satisfactory but actual performance will know next summer season. Music system is awesome and IDrive though limited options makes it easy.


Likes

1. Reasonably good GC of 193mm. Will not be a problem after driving a vRS.
2. Corona rings / Angle eye
3. Super smooth diesel motor and torque feel on DS mode
4. Panoramic sunroof
5. I drive
6. Car like handling and awesome brakes
7. Super sensitive steering. Better than vRs.
8. Powerful xenon headlight
9. Excellent ICE
10. Good mileage. Got 17.1 on a couple of trips to Karnal/Ambala
11. Top class built quality


Dislikes/Desirable

1. Ideal for 4 people only.
2. Bumpy ride
3. No Cruise control
4. No Rear AC vents
5. No Spare wheel
6. I liked the all black interior in vRS. Beige will need more maintenance.
7. Rear legroom is limited.
8. Auto hold feature (ideal for red signals)
9. No Paddle shifters
10. No Hill Descent Control
11. Navigation - Deactivated.


I already have a tyre inflator, so still thinking if a space saver wheel need to be bought. The current cost is Rs 27,500. Will search for a cheaper option. Need check to the OBD connectivity with ELM 327 and Scan-master software.

Some more pics. Will click more pics and share soon.

[v&v]

More info about iDrive

Its a five way joystick to browse through iDrive menu. The purpose is to manage entertainment, vehicle information, communication(Hands free) and navigation on the drive. Here is a quick walk through..

The joy stick with quick access buttons to menu. Wish the Navigation buttons was also functional



Main menu list



CD/Dvd menu - Play CD, DVD , Bluetooth interface, USB and Aux



Radio menu - Give access to FM, AM and channel tuning
Audio settings is accessible to CD as well as Radio menu. Wish it could have been more elaborate with equalisers. There is an option for speed sensitive volume under Audio settings




Telephone menu
Once your phone is paired with the vehicle, it automatically pairs. Contact list is available. The newer version should be able to display
Messages and email too via (Message Access Profile ) MAP. Seems like more friendly to Iphone.



BMW services
Dont know whats the exact use of this menu.


Vehicle information menu
This has information about current trip summary and Error reported are shown under this menu. Any one looking for a pre worshipped BMW , this is the first menu to browse. It will give a fair idea about last service and possible expense in terms of Brake pads and Discs too.





TPMS monitoring


Condition based service monitoring
There is a preloaded service scheduler and It checks the time/mileage recommendations for fixed services as the kms are clocked plus the error reported by sensors..





Setting menu for general setups

[v&v]

Panoramic Sunroof
The huge sunroof gives an airy feeling and feels like a convertible. The cabin gets bright. The operation is done by one button. Slide it once it opens the shade. Slide down once more to open the glass. Instead of slide push the button to tilt open.








Projector Xenon lights with Corona rings and fog lamps
Xenons HL are powerful and the spread is very good for night driving. I can see a markable difference from my Octavia Xenon HL. The controls are similar rotary control.
A is Auto headlight control. gets activated based on lighting condition.
Next is parking lights, HL and two buttons for front & rear fog lamps.









Steering Wheel & Instrument cluster
Steering is nice to grip and heavy which I like. Had a similar setting in Octavia.
Controls include Volume, Voice command, Call answer, track skip, music source.
Instrument shows speed, fuel, instant fuel consumption, Techo. Electronic display shows
Outside temperature, time, DTE, ODO, Trip kms.










Voice control system.
Tried couple of times. Works to access iDrive menus, Radio switching, Dialing numbers though not accurate.

DIAL <NAME>
DIAL <NUMBER NINE - EIGHT - ONE ...>
RADIO ON
SETTING



Auto Dimming Rear View Mirror & Side mirrors
The side mirrors are electrically adjustable and aspheric on the driver side. Rearview and side mirrors come with automatic anti-glare function. At night it turns darker. Control on drive door is simple. OVRM's rear electrically retractable. Wish the auto function was there.












Music System & Air Conditioning
Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with amplifier & 8 speakers is awesome. DVD plays movies but not tried. Bass is very good and the sound quality is same irrespective where you sit(front or back). The presets are touch sensitive as it shows the stored FM channel.
Connectivity include CD, DVD, Bluetooth, USB.

Air conditioner is dual zone with relatively good cooling. Actual performance will know during peak summers. AC vent for rear passengers should have been provided for Indian condition.

[v&v]

Drive Stick - Automatic transmission
X1 has a six gear auto transmission with D , DS(sports) and Manual. Gear shifts are smooth and up-shifts happens around 3000 rpm under normal driving. In sports mode it goes all the way till 4500 rpm. In manual mode downshift happens automatically based on speed. Wish Paddle shifters were also provided.




Armrest
Front armrest has sliding feature with a 12 -V socket and phone adapter. Also has a storage option and cup holder.







Connector for Mobile charging. Probably for Iphone/Ipod



Rear Seat
I feel rear seat row is a little cramped with the transmission tunnel protruding from the middle eats into the legroom and difficult for 5th person. X1 is ideal for 4 people. Also the seat backrest are adjustable and can be split and fold in a 40:20:40 ratio.



Child seat's Latch




Engine Compartment
Bonnet is supported by struts and lifts off easily. It brings a smile on when you see the engine compartment , neat layout with bmw badge.






Ground clearance
X1 comes with 193 mm GC but visually feels much lower around 160 mm. Never scraped anywhere till now. GC was one of the primary reason to choose x series over 5 series sedan. IMO sensible driving should take this car to most of the tourist places. Will be buying a space saver spare wheel kit soon




Run flat tyres
Previous owner has already switched to tubeless tyres. Currently rear wheel tyres are on Falken ziex with speed rating of W and front wheel are on RFT's. They are good for 10-12 k kms more. Will switch them to tubeless soon.

[v&v]

Rain sensing wipers
Rain sensor once activated, the rain sensor automatically turns on the windscreen wipers according to the intensity of the rain and independently controls the wiper interval. The manual also says that it will automatically turn on the headlights too.

Also along with the rain sensor, there is high-beam assistant (Not sure if its activated) helps the driver at night by automatically switching between high and low beam according to oncoming traffic though I have not tested this feature yet.




Start/Stop Button and HL controls





Dynamic Braking Lights begin flashing during emergency braking.




Bottle holders and storage on front & rear doors




420 lit of Boot space under load compartment floor has four variable partition elements for flexible usage. Don't know whats exact purpose/use.






Battery & Amp


Electrically Adjustable Driver N Passenger Seats
Driver side comes with 2 pre set memory. Front seats are very comfortable and can be adjusted to suit driver comfort.

[v&v]

Dashboard


Wireless key fob


Sdrive Badge- RWD drive


Obd port on driver side



Sunroof



Rear demister & Shark fin antenna

[v&v]

X1 Specifications



LENGTH 4453 mm
WIDTH 1796 mm
HEIGHT 1544 mm
WHEELBASE 2758 mm

GROUND CLEARANCE 193 mm
Approach angle : 18 deg
Departure angle : 22 deg

BOOT SPACE 419L

UNLADEN WEIGHT 1565 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity 61 L
Average ARAI : 15.4

TOP SPEED : 205 KM/H
ACCELERATION 0 TO 100 - 8.3 SEC
POWER TO WEIGHT 118 BHP PER TONNE

STEERING : RACK & PINION, HYDRAULIC
TURNING RADIUS : 5.1 M

BRAKES : 312MM VENTILATED DICS
REAR : 300 MM VENTILATED

Suspension
Front Independent, double joint tiebar axle
Rear Independent, central arm axle and double wishbone

BMW alloy wheels Star-spoke 3191, 7.5Jx17-inch, with 225/50 R17 tyres.

Safety features
Air Bags - Driver/Passenger,Side airbags for driver and passenger,head airbags for front and rear.
Brake Assist
ABS
Side impact protection
RFT indicator
DTC & DSC
Crash sensor, disengages the Center Lock function
and automatic fuel pump shut-off




BSI Service Inclusive
X1 has a 5 year,100k Ultimate package. So peace of mind till Aug 2017.
Covers maintenance & Wear n tear including clutch replacement & brake pads & disc






Got 2 keys, Service Book, Users Manual, RFT tyres, Contact

[v&v]

Engine performance & driveablity

The 2L diesel engine starts with the usual clattering noise settle downs quickly. Inside it is absolutely silent and if the music system is on , then its difficult to know the engine is running. No vibrations or rattles anywhere.

Driving in city is usually in D mode. Auto is a boon for start stop traffic. Engine response to throttle input is satisfactory but definitely there is a lag under city driving conditions. Its only about getting used to this minor lag. I had the problem for few hundred kms and adjusted accordingly. This lag is more prominent when the speed is between 35 to 70. I am getting overall 10 kmpl in city. Couple of times it has gone upto 13kmpl also. I felt it much easier to drive X1 in traffic as the badge commands good road respect. I have seen most people try to keep some gap even in bumper to bumper traffic conditions. DRLs (Corona rings) is an attention seeker. Also I like the riding position which is not too low nor too high like in my Tata Safari. Driving X1 within city speed limits is a challenge and I have set 50kmph as speed warning in iDrive to keep a tab.



Highway driving the X1 is an entirely different beast. Even in D mode the engine response is very good when the engine is in turbo zone and with in no time you are in tripple digit speeds. its fun to drive on highway with engine behaving like a turbo petrol car never lets you feel its running out of breadth. Insulation is very good compared to my existing cars and has minimal wind and tyre noise. In DS mode it becomes even more peppier and there is a slight change in exhaust note also. I already had 3-4 highway business trips with spirited driving I got an average of 13.5 kmpl and last trip I drove sedately, I got a whopping mileage of 17.3 kmpl.


Overall must say the 2L diesel motor is super refined with ample torque to keep the driver happy. Its only that little lag that one needs to get used to. This I am already used to in my vRS and Safari. In comparison to these its nothing.



About auto gear box , the six speed automatic is overall smooth but in city condition some time you can feel the gear shift, again this is more prominent between 30 to 70 kmph. The power delivery is very linear and smooth in D mode. DS is super responsive with shifting happening all the way at 4500 rpm and force push you feel against your back is awesome. Manual mode not driven much may be will give a try some time soon and update.


Handling, given the specs of X1, I was expecting body roll on tight corners but was surprised by the car like characteristics. I would rate the handling nearly at par with vRS but on very higher speeds I didn't feel as much confident in vRS and was little scared to test the electronic limiter. Overall I am very happy with the handling of X1 much much better than many sedans I have driven and owned. Small turning radius makes handling even sweeter.


Steering feels heavy at slow speeds. My wify was complaining about the same (she was comparing with Etios Liva, which has an EPS and is feather light). I always liked heavy setup. Size is also to my liking with nice grip and easy access to the mounted controls. I felt using horn a little tough due to the positioning and one has to press a bit harder also. Feedback on higher speed is the best till date of the cars I have driven. I have driven the 2015 Q3 too but I felt its even better than Q3.


Suspension , still need to find the correct pressure to get the right ride quality from suspension while travelling alone. Overall the setup is towards the stiffer side and RFT adds more to it. I felt road feeling when driving alone and with 3 or more passengers on-board then the performance was much better. Higher GC is also a big boon as I was able to drive without worries about under-body scrapes. Felt this is more a practical luxury car for highways and offbeat destination which I surely intend to drive to.


Finally braking , Awesome ,its altogether in a different league itself. its very confidence inspiring and very precise. Brake assist feature is also very effective.


I also have a date with the service center this September for brake fluid change. Will keep this thread updated time to time...

[ajmat]

Going live

Thanks for a very comprehensive review

[Motoringlover]

Congrats V&V - Looks a fab buy and great upgrade from the Vrs. I am in the same boat but miss the high revving petrol, its very tough to replace after you have owned a vrs.

That said - Its still early in the ownership for me to get your perspective, how does a typical service cost look like when you take bmw for service, if you have access to earlier service records?

All the best.

[Akshay1234]

Congrats on the car, looks to have been kept well!

The X1 is quite a fun car to drive.

FYI there is no high beam assistant in the X1.

Also change the front tyres to tubeless too, and see how the ride changes. The RFTs are spoiling the experience for you.

[v&v]

Originally Posted by Motoringlover

Congrats V&V
your perspective, how does a typical service cost look like when you take bmw for service, if you have access to earlier service records?

Thanks ML. IMO this machine even better than vRS. Trust me it is a very addictive to drive and you will find reasons hit the road. I had access to service records apart from normal service there were no other expenses. I am expecting service expense in the range of Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 as they may charge you for washing & other services which doesn't come under the preview of BSI like interior cleaning. Will keep this thread live with those info too.

Originally Posted by akshay1234

Congrats on the car, FYI there is no high beam assistant in the X1. Also change the front tyres to tubeless too, and see how the ride changes. The RFTs are spoiling the experience for you.

Thanks akshay. Will be changing the front tyres soon but first priority is to buy a Spare wheel kit. Then the next priority is change the RFT's to tubeless.

[wilful]

Congrats on the acquisition - a magnificent machine!
Great review - detailed with lots of clear pics.
I've always lusted for X1 - in fact if I hadn't changed cars last Nov', I would probably have been in the market for a pre-owned one - you get some good examples under 20 lacs I understand.
Wish you many happy motoring miles.

[Ardy]

Congrats, V&V. I have a similar upgrade path for vRS replacement to a beamer.

Good luck and enjoy the driving around in the JOY.

Cheers,
Ardy