BMW X1 road tests and consumer car reviews

BMW X1 2010

Have just completed 6 months with this car (2.3D version) and it has some disappointing features - at speeds over 100mph there is an irritating whistle from the roof rails. The engine is quite noisy when idling at lights, probably some internal vibration effect, which disappears as soon as the accelerator is activated. The carpets on driver side permanently ruck up into the accelerator and brake; this can be quite dangerous at times, better velcro needed! The new version of i-drive is counter intuitive and overcomplicated, still not comfortable with it after 8000miles. Rattles from the interior are common particularly on rougher roads. Have already decided to replace the car and go back to the X5!

Responses to this review

Is it true that the 1st gear on the manual shift is in the 6th gear position? What were they thinking? - Keith Raymond from Derbyshire

BMW X1 x1 2.0d SE 2009

What a good all rounder of a car this is. A number of very rigerous test drives has convinced me that it has the edge over its competitors. Although the car is not exactly cheap, as with all BMWs it is well engineered and sturdy. I found the ride comfortable, handling was precise and safe. The standard equipment in the car is sufficient; however I would consider a few extra tweaks to raise levels as a requirment to suit my own personal preferences. I must at this point state that colur and trim combinations need to be chosen carefully as options could lead to a tacky or dated appearance.