2013 BMW X1 Reviews Are In

[bbg2d]

There's a filler cap, but no dipstick to check levels. It's all electronic.

[Imola.ZHP]

I don't understand why the 35i has the old transmission, yet the 28i has the sweet 8-speed. I guess they had a bunch of left-over old 6-speed autos they needed to dispense out...

[Itgb]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

I don't understand why the 35i has the old transmission, yet the 28i has the sweet 8-speed. I guess they had a bunch of left-over old 6-speed autos they needed to dispense out...

I bet BMW thought they were going to bring the X1 to the US way earlier than Q3 2012, and the 8-speed was not ready yet. My theory is based on the fact that I saw an X1 Xdrive 35i testing in California 2+yrs ago. So BMW started the DOT/EPA/CARB certifications with the 6-speed auto and instead of spending more money to recertify, they just decided to keep the old transmission in the 35i. Just my .02

[formula M]

Originally Posted by Itgb

I bet BMW thought they were going to bring the X1 to the US way earlier than Q3 2012, and the 8-speed was not ready yet. My theory is based on the fact that I saw an X1 Xdrive 35i testing in California 2+yrs ago. So BMW started the DOT/EPA/CARB certifications with the 6-speed auto and instead of spending more money to recertify, they just decided to keep the old transmission in the 35i. Just my .02

Makes you wonder why BMW spends the money to get certified over there (europe), too ..?

Or is that^ an ironic/cynical statement?

[Mulberry]

Originally Posted by bbg2d

There's a filler cap, but no dipstick to check levels. It's all electronic.

My 23d has a dip stick

[Argent60]

Originally Posted by Imola.ZHP

I don't understand why the 35i has the old transmission, yet the 28i has the sweet 8-speed. I guess they had a bunch of left-over old 6-speed autos they needed to dispense out...

I heard it was a "room" issue, as in, not enough in the 35i. Hope someone can confirm...

[bbg2d]

That doesn't seem right, BMW was bragging that the 8 speed was the same size as the outgoing 6. I suspect it was to limit the performance of the 35. Maybe we will see it in an m-performace version.

[Imola.ZHP]

^ Yeah, I thought they were the same size too...

I have a friend interested in one, but I don't think he'll go for the old 6-speed. Actually, as much trouble as he's had with his '07 335i, he might not want another 35i, or a BMW at all...

We're going to test drive the first x1 at our local dealer Saturday. I think its a 28i, I keep bragging about the new 4-banger, I hope it doesn't disappoint...

[revolution9now]

I test drove a RWD X1 here in Florida, and when I reached 80 MPH the steering was unstable. It reminded me of a Corvair! Car and Driver alluded to this problem at even higher speeds. Did anyone else experience this? I think I am going to opt for the 328 Sports Wagon instead, with its lower CG. Any comments?

[DUH CAR]

Originally Posted by Itgb

I bet BMW thought they were going to bring the X1 to the US way earlier than Q3 2012, and the 8-speed was not ready yet. My theory is based on the fact that I saw an X1 Xdrive 35i testing in California 2+yrs ago. So BMW started the DOT/EPA/CARB certifications with the 6-speed auto and instead of spending more money to recertify, they just decided to keep the old transmission in the 35i. Just my .02

You are correct sir!

In the Canadian X1 manual (which was actually meant to be used for U.S. cars as well) and dated Feb 2011, the 35i is listed. Canada never got the 3.5 and the U.S. never launched due to constrained supply. I think they pulled the plug around Jan/Feb 2011 on the X1 launch and did launch this year with the LCI in place.

[BEAMERBOI]

Fella's all I can say, I love my 35i with the M package as it has lots of GO POWER!

[netarc]

Originally Posted by investor27

Not soon enough for me, which is a shame. I wanted to order a diesel one now, but couldn't wait so I ordered the xDrive instead.

I'm very happy to be able to still have the good ol' fashion hydraulic steering in our X1. I did choose Servotronic, though, so it will be interesting to see if that option will totally ruin the hydraulic steering feel or enhance it. Can't wait to take delivery.

Hi, guessing you must have had your car for some months now; wondering if you could share how you like the Servotronic?

[investor27]

I honestly didn't like the Servotronic option at first, and I still don't. But I haven't been driving it much. Had it for 3 weeks now, but it's my wife's car. I thought the steering was a bit too light. Even my wife thought it was too light, lighter than our 535i xDrive we had. I've been driving my Porsche all summer, which has just the perfect steering since the engine is not directly over the front wheels, so of course, the X1 seems too light to me with Servotronic. I really wish there was a way to adjust the Servotronic just a notch or two heavier, though.

As for the X1 steering wheel being unstable over 80mph, I have not experience that at all. Not even at 90mph. Not even at...

Originally Posted by netarc

Hi, guessing you must have had your car for some months now; wondering if you could share how you like the Servotronic?

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by revolution9now

I test drove a RWD X1 here in Florida, and when I reached 80 MPH the steering was unstable. It reminded me of a Corvair! Car and Driver alluded to this problem at even higher speeds. Did anyone else experience this? I think I am going to opt for the 328 Sports Wagon instead, with its lower CG. Any comments?

Where in Car and Driver's review did they say anything like this? Maybe you meant the Motor Trend review and they were talking about a slightly floaty feeling at top speed not 80 mph. It is after all a low end BMW SAV not a sports car.