BMW E84 X1 35i or BMW F31 330i

[IceInMyVeins23]

Which one would be better in terms of my desire for a road tripping/grocery getting/reliable and simple bolt ons and aesthetically modded BMW? Also would want the most comfort in terms of space for my medium sized 62lb dog in the trunk and something that can handle my snowboard trips out to Big Bear and Mammoth in SoCal. Maybe even out in Aspen in Colorado too haha

Both of them are m sport and both are pretty much fully optioned. F31 (~$34k) & and X1 (~$20k)

I also have an E46 M3 that I'd love to pair with it as it gets lonely haha

[sudermatt]

I have had 3 x1s. Now drive a 35M. I am biased. But I have similar requirements and can tell you the x1 35 is an amazing car. Checks every box. Super fun to drive, room for pooches, not too expensive, awd. It seriously lacks for nothing.

IMHO, this will be a classic. I'm never letting mine go.

[IceInMyVeins23]

Originally Posted by sudermatt

I have had 3 x1s. Now drive a 35M. I am biased. But I have similar requirements and can tell you the x1 35 is an amazing car. Checks every box. Super fun to drive, room for pooches, not too expensive, awd. It seriously lacks for nothing.

IMHO, this will be a classic. I'm never letting mine go.

Does the trunk have a good amount of space for my 62lb dog that doesn't like to lay down during drives? Wasn't able to get a clear video demonstration on this, but do the rear seats incline forward to allow for more space in the trunk while still being upright?

[sudermatt]

I have three dogs, one is a ig Doberman, so yes, there is room, with the seats down its really quite nice for them.

[sudermatt]

I built something that makes it really great for the dogs and protects the interior.

[wheela]

Originally Posted by IceInMyVeins23

Does the trunk have a good amount of space for my 62lb dog that doesn't like to lay down during drives? Wasn't able to get a clear video demonstration on this, but do the rear seats incline forward to allow for more space in the trunk while still being upright?

Decisions, decisions!! Yes, the seats can incline forward. Standard angle is 30 degrees back, but they can do other angles including 90 degrees upright, and obviously all the way forward to be flat. I'm not as familiar with the f-chassis, but the e84 X1 is basically the same chassis as the e90/e91, so I imagine the space in back is the same as an e91.

Visual style is a personal choice, but if power potential is a deciding factor, defintately go with the e84 35i. Our other car is a G01 X3 30i with the b46/b48 motor. It's a great motor, but it's just no comparison to the n55. You can tune both platforms now, and admittedly i'm not super familiar with b48 tuning options (i've left our b48 stock), but it's 2 liter vs. 3 liter which is a lot to make up for. The b48 is already being pushed harder in stock form than the n55, as the n55's power/torque numbers aren't 50% bigger than the b48's in stock form.

I've got some pics of my hatch area from planning stereo installation, I'll update my post to add some pics when I get a chance.

Edit: Also, stock for stock, the 8 speed transmission on the 30i has a better stock calibration. I hated the way the transmission on my e84 35i shifted: reluctant to downshift, picking the lowest possible gear lugging the engine at 1500rpm, slow shifting etc. But a transmission flash with xHP totally changed the car. I came from a manual, and with xHp I no longer miss it. I now like the transmission better than the stock tune 8at transmission on our X3.