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      01-21-2013, 10:33 AM   #1
FNFZ4
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Thinking X1 or 3 Series

Hello guys

I am debating if I should get the X1 or the 3 series. Engine is the same for the base models if I am not mistaken. Would the base X1 be comparable to the base 3 series?
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      01-21-2013, 11:17 AM   #2
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Nooooooo......

X1 lacks a lot of aspects of the 3 current series. The X1 is based on the old 3 series wagon E chasis and though the X1 is "new" to the US it's been around for 6 years in Europe and the current chasis is near it's end of life, probably MY2015 will be its last. If you compare even standard features of the two you'll see the X1 lacks about 30% of what the 3 series offers. Many standard and optional features in the 3 series aren't available to the X1 because the X1 wiring and technology can't support it or because the technology came out after the X1 design was finished and are too major to add mid cycle.

Outside of comfort, the 3 series has a much more finished interior . The X1 is a lot of plastic and just not as refined. Passengers in a 3 series can enjoy options like rear heated seats when the X1 doesn't even have an AC vent for the back seat.

The X1 costs less but you get a lot less. X1's are great for performance in a slightly higher ride height but if bells and whistles and comfort are important the 3 series is often the way to go.
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      01-21-2013, 11:26 AM   #3
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Thanks for that great Answer!
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      01-21-2013, 11:36 AM   #4
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On the other hand, the X1 has less weight with the same engine, and is snappier. It also has better leg room for the driver - the dash in the X3 is bigger. This was my reason to choose the X1 over the X3 - price wasn't a consideration. I would have chosen the X5M if it were smaller.
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      01-21-2013, 12:40 PM   #5
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First of all X1 came out at 2009 so it is a 4 years old design not 6; still it is using an older platform than the F30.
Almost everything on the new F30 3 series are better than X1 except the steering. Every new BMW (also X1 S-drive) using the electronic assist steering which drawn bad criticism; X1 X-drive still use the good old hydraulic system.

"The X1 costs less but you get a lot less"
True in some way, the price different between the base X1 28 and base 328 are about $6k. You do get iDrive standard on 328 plus Xenon light and backup camera aren't bundle with other stuffs; IMO it is still a big price different. To keep the cost down on 3 you need to step down to the new to US 320i but you lose 60hp on the same engine with the same mpg.
If you don't mind the steering and the extra cost; get the 3; it is a very nice car.
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      01-21-2013, 01:36 PM   #6
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Based on the fact that the Cadillac ATS is beating the crap out of the new 3 series in handling many car magazines say the old 3 series handled better and steered better so that's a reason to buy the X1. 335 just lost in a comparison to the Cadillac V6 again in a Feb issue of Motor Trend. To quote Motor Trend "We were disappointed with the interior build quality of the 335". I own a 2007 335 and for that reason alone I wouldn't buy the new 3 series. Several magazines have not fallen in love with the interior. I see no difference in my 2007 3 series and X1 interior quality. I love BMW's having owned 14 but each generation gets bigger and loses steering feel and handling. As someone stated earlier the X1 will probably be around until model year 2016. BMW runs 7 year product cycles and the 2010 X1 initually launched in the fall of 2009 so we have a couple years before we get the front drive based X1 (another reason to buy it and hold on to it).
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      01-21-2013, 01:42 PM   #7
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The F30 offers adaptive sport steering (EPS+) as an option which is adjustable and much nicer than the vanilla, non-adjustable EPS on the sDrive X1.

The X1 simply doesn't offer the variety of features/creature comforts that the 3-series offers. My parents have the F30 and the X1 was the right choice for my wife and I.

Research the available options and visit your dealer to make an educated decision.
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      01-21-2013, 02:18 PM   #8
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Sorry about the year figure, I thought they were released in 2008 (oops 2009) and I have a MY2014 so I was off a couple years depending on how it's looked at.

Many people don't like the electronic steering, I'm one, it feels like a numb Audi. I also don't care for gadgets and I'm not getting iDrive, the audio upgrade, or even leather, just a no-trim xDrive35i with cold weather package because I want a car that is performance oriented and not a lounge chair. I also think BMW is going soft and is losing their peformance edge on many F chasis, the E chasis M3/M5's are going to be nice collector pieces. But the magnetic fluid shocks in the 3 series are extremely nice if you want a sport ride when alone but soft for the wife (or other way around). But for more driving purists, some are more attracted to the older E chasis (ie, X1 which is one of the last E chasis still being produced) but at the sacrifice of comfort features. And those Cadillacs really came out strong.
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      01-21-2013, 02:50 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky13 View Post
Based on the fact that the Cadillac ATS is beating the crap out of the new 3 series in handling many car magazines say the old 3 series handled better and steered better so that's a reason to buy the X1. 335 just lost in a comparison to the Cadillac V6 again in a Feb issue of Motor Trend. To quote Motor Trend "We were disappointed with the interior build quality of the 335". I own a 2007 335 and for that reason alone I wouldn't buy the new 3 series. Several magazines have not fallen in love with the interior. I see no difference in my 2007 3 series and X1 interior quality. I love BMW's having owned 14 but each generation gets bigger and loses steering feel and handling.
I havn't spend too much time checking the new 3 interior but to me the materials in the 3 still better than X1, especially below the dash.
IMHO The problem with BMW is not that they got worst (except the steering system which IS a lot worst); but they feel too comfortable at where they are to stepping up on what they have while other brands getting close.
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      01-21-2013, 04:05 PM   #10
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Test drive them ea, ideally equipped as you would buy, then tell us if you find them comparable.
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      01-21-2013, 05:40 PM   #11
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OMG!!!!!! I can't wait to get out of this BASE 328i loaner. The seats are absolutely pathetic. There's a seam in the bottom and back of the seat that just won't go away...it's trying to cut through to my spine. Seriously, this is the first car I've ever driven that absolutely made my back ACHE within a few minutes of hitting the road. HORRIBLE seats. The other thing I don't like is the super light steering...It sucks. The rest of the car is OK I suppose. Lacking Bluetooth, NAV, and Satellite...I never knew I'd miss them so much. OMG, someone come steal this POS from my driveway!!!!!

IMO, there's not enough difference in the materials used between the 2 vehicles to sway me one way or the other. If the 328 had decent seats and heavier steering I'd probably feel a lot different. Whatever you do, avoid the seats with the spine cutting seam. They are SOOOO uncomfortable. Sport Pkg seats are probably OK.
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      01-21-2013, 06:30 PM   #12
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Drive both. We fully intended to buy an F30, but ended up with an X1 35i. The 3er has really moved towards being a larger, more luxurious car, which can be good or bad, depending on your wants and needs.

The F30 certainly offers more gadgets and technology, while the E84 offers a more involved drive.
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      01-21-2013, 07:19 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
Drive both. We fully intended to buy an F30, but ended up with an X1 35i. The 3er has really moved towards being a larger, more luxurious car, which can be good or bad, depending on your wants and needs.

The F30 certainly offers more gadgets and technology, while the E84 offers a more involved drive.



Lighter than the X3 with N55. Give it a tune and away we go
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      01-21-2013, 09:17 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CIWS View Post



Lighter than the X3 with N55. Give it a tune and away we go

Yes...the X1 35i has "Fast and The Furious" potential, din't the Toyota Supra came with a turbocharged 3.0 L6 that did 300 hp with a 6 speed also?......wow!
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      01-23-2013, 07:27 AM   #15
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Drive both!

I test drove the 2012 X1 and I finally bought the F20. There is a ton of features missing the the old X1. In the end of 2012 I test drove the 2013 X1 and I bought my alpine white without any doubts. Now my wife drives the F20 and I drive the X1...the facelift has almost everything you want. Check it out, drive both and make your choice. Sometimes there is no "better than" car, it's just about driving experiences.
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      01-23-2013, 08:57 AM   #16
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My X1 is in the garage at the moment, so I have a 2012 320d saloon has a loan car.

Great fun to drive, loads of toys and a well finished cabin... but I'll take my 2010 X1 any day. I just prefer the higher car stance and seating, and with the 18s and sports suspension it handles better than this 320d. I also like the bigger windscreen in the X1 and what feels like a roomer cabin, though I doubt there's much size difference.

Nice car though the 320d.

J.
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      01-24-2013, 01:58 AM   #17
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I loved driving my brother's E90 and E92, so naturally loved X1's steering and brake feel.

Not digging BMW's new electrical steering, takes away its signature driving feel for me. I believe X1 is a shorter car as well, especially compared to the 3 Series Li versions here.
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      01-24-2013, 05:52 AM   #18
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I got a diesel X1, while it is car like, it is also a baby big car. It fits everything we need (family of 4) and handles really well, with plenty of pace to beat most cars at the lights, and is comfortable. Luxurious, well it is a base model not an X5 or 5 series. 3 series are everywhere, X1's are not.

It has a nice feel to it, exterior and interior. Wife loves it. I am not interested in a three series, I was looking at second hand X5 or new X1, chose the X1 because it is more practical for 98% city driving, and not common.

You need to work out if the driving experience and package of the X1 suits your wants better than 3 series interior and package.

Just my 2c.
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      01-25-2013, 01:42 PM   #19
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I'm also thinking of an sDrive28 X1 when my E90 328 lease ends as the F30 has become pricey. A reasonably optioned X1 can be sporty yet relatively inexpensive. Ideally I'd want MSport and the tech package which comes out to about $37K. An F30 while admittedly better equipped (power seats, iDrive) with Sportline and tech is well over $43K. The X1 gives you more luggage space while the 328 is lighter and a bit sportier. A drawback to the X1 for the sport oriented driver is the lack of a manual transmission.

I think that for other than budgetary reasons, the X1 is a more practical family car and the F30 328 a better sport sedan.
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      01-29-2013, 01:53 PM   #20
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I struggled with this question too. After many test drives of both cars, I decided to order an X1 sDrive28i.

I agree with many points here, like X1 is cheaper and better value, 3-series is more a sport sedan.

What got me to decide was the size of the car. The 3 got a little too long for my taste. OK and the slightly cheaper cost helps. My fiancee also pointed out to me that the X1 is more unique looking than the sedan, which I agree with, and also took that into my decision.

I say test drive them back to back and ask yourself which car you enjoy more!
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      01-29-2013, 06:56 PM   #21
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X1 obviously offer more value. It's based on the competent chassis of E90 so that's actually a plus.

Features wise, it has plenty of options for one to add, so it's not losing out that much.

Only negative that I can think is the lack of MT.
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      01-29-2013, 09:43 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HBWT View Post
OMG!!!!!! I can't wait to get out of this BASE 328i loaner. The seats are absolutely pathetic. There's a seam in the bottom and back of the seat that just won't go away...it's trying to cut through to my spine. Seriously, this is the first car I've ever driven that absolutely made my back ACHE within a few minutes of hitting the road. HORRIBLE seats.
I have to complety disagree. I am borrowing my parents Luxury Line 2012 328i (everything on it) at the moment. I have back problems (both lumbar and cervical spine) and possibly fibromyalgia (heading back to the Dr. tomorrow). The base 328i seats are far superior to the base X1 seats. There are decent side bolsters which simply do not exist on the X1. If you are on a budget, you can get more bang for your buck on the X1 but make no doubt that a fully loaded 328i is far superior to an X1.

Quote:
Originally Posted by HBWT View Post
The other thing I don't like is the super light steering...It sucks.
This base steering will be the same steering found on the base X1 sDrive. My parents have variable sport steering and it is light as a feather in parking lots and nice and tight on the road. Just as tight as hydraulic, however lacking a bit of feedback.

While they have the same engine, performance all around is a cut above in the 328i.

http://e84.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...2&postcount=15
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