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      12-22-2018, 07:26 AM   #1
Whitecrane
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Is the X1's ground clearance enough for unplowed roads?

Hey guys.

I'm thinking of buying a low miles X1 for snow driving. I've been torn between this car and a Subaru Crosstrek, which has an additional 1.5" ground clearance. My main concern is the X1 won't be tall enough to push through a snowed in driveway. The nature of my job doesn't give me time to shovel snow. I'm an, "on call" employee.

Any help would be appreciated.
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      12-22-2018, 11:18 AM   #2
Gamb1t
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The X1 is a modestly jacked up 3-series wagon. For a so-called cuv it sits low comparatively. It has a front inter cooler, having the X1 plowing the snow will clog up the front and risk all sorts of nasties. If you require high clearance, you may want to look at something else. How about a jeep?
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      12-22-2018, 11:57 AM   #3
Whitecrane
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I mean more reversing through snow to get out of a plowed in driveway. No shoveling.
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      12-23-2018, 07:31 AM   #4
themishmosh
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I would get something else. Not sure even a crosstrek would cut it if you get dumped on overnight.
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      12-23-2018, 10:55 AM   #5
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It really depends on your typical snow accumulation. Fresh powder is easier to push vs ones that have moisture in it thus hardening a bit. Bmw parts are not cheap especially body trim since it shares nothing with other BMW models. For your purposes, I feel there are good alternatives.
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      12-23-2018, 04:17 PM   #6
Whitecrane
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I'm certainly open to suggestions.
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      12-23-2018, 06:22 PM   #7
themishmosh
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My mistake... I think the crosstrek has pretty decent ground clearance at 8.7". I think that's pretty good. It's kind of a small car though. Maybe not in your price range but the 2019 Rav4 looks mighty fine.
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      12-25-2018, 07:31 PM   #8
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It really depends how much snow you expect if you’re getting 6 to 10 inches of snow then either one will probably go in the morning with proper snow tires

You’re getting 24 inches of snow then neither one is enough . Maybe look at the Forrester or the X.3
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      12-27-2018, 03:36 AM   #9
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I have a Land Rover Defender. The X1 is my wife's daily driver. The X1 is great for getting you home if it's started snowing. Fine if there's an inch or two of snow.
For anything more, I'd always take the Defender. Especially if I don't know how much it's likely to snow. Bits are easy and cheap to replace and it has a massive ground clearance.
If I was concerned about the snow and unable to replace the Defender (no longer made), I'd think about a Suzuki Jimny. Basic and cheap to repair but with 4 wheel drive.
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      12-28-2018, 12:31 PM   #10
SharpAndCunning
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I bought it knowing I wouldn't be pushing through the snow at the end of a driveway. Not after city plows go by and create an ice wall.

I have a 14hp, snowblower, and I'm happy to go out in the morning and erase the snow at the end of the driveway. I'm not going to chance it with a FMIC and an expensive as hel* front fascia.

DON'T EXPECT TO PUSH THROUGH MORE THAN 4". Otherwise, your wallet is going to hurt.
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      01-02-2019, 08:39 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SharpAndCunning View Post
I have a 14hp, snowblower, and I'm happy to go out in the morning and erase the snow at the end of the driveway. I'm not going to chance it with a FMIC and an expensive as hel* front fascia.
What about fixing the snowblower to the front grill?
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      01-09-2019, 08:50 AM   #12
brakeshoe
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My 2014 X1 will get through 3 or 4 inches of unplowed snow with no problem.
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      01-09-2019, 12:15 PM   #13
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The Xdrive model crawls really good through heavy snow and besides that, it also has incredible handling! Driving with 225/40 and 255/35 R19 Hankook winter tyres and there is no problem with 5 inch snow and if it's not ice wall then 8 inch is also not a problem ....just get proper winter tyres and go have fun.
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      01-10-2019, 10:16 AM   #14
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I drive my X1 here in Alaska and I got it for the sole purpose of having an AWD commuter car that can handle the icy/snowy roads. I have a pretty rapid elevation loss of about 1,600' for my commute to work and obviously a rapid elevation gain heading back to my house. It can be a pretty rough commute in inclement weather at times.....

I use Blizzak winter tires, even though we are allowed to use studded tires here in Alaska. It can push through over a half a foot of snow pretty easy and I'm sure I have driven in over a foot of snow at times. A lot of people buy the Subaru Crosstreks in my area, and while I entertained buying one for a bit, I ended up settling on the X1 for my commuter.

Hopefully this helps with your thought process a little bit..... I think you'll be fine unless you never plan on plowing your driveway. Then maybe get a Land Cruiser or an F-150 (My other 2 gas hog vehicles).
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      01-13-2019, 12:34 AM   #15
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AK Wes brings up a good point, it’s all about winter tires. Having god snow tires is a must
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      01-17-2019, 10:52 PM   #16
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This car is amazing. You will not care about the 2 times you have to worry about pushing snow after the 363 other days of driving excitement.
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      01-19-2019, 12:36 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sudermatt View Post
This car is amazing. You will not care about the 2 times you have to worry about pushing snow after the 363 other days of driving excitement.
This true
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      01-20-2019, 11:43 AM   #18
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You can buy these springs https://www.eibachshop.co.uk/eibach-...m#.XESyg9Iza70 and you can put tires with a larger diameter 225/50/18. This way you gain about 4.5 cm in height.
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