[bluecrabby]

Does the X1 really handle this badly in dry and wet condition like this stability test in Italy?

I don't speak any Italian, so I'm wondering what the guy is saying... (the results seems to be 3 stars in dry and 2 stars in wet)

[Pph55]

That’s because it’s an s drive which is front wheel drive only not an xdrive which is all wheel drive I don’t think you can have a sdrive in America

[bluecrabby]

Originally Posted by Pph55

That’s because it’s an s drive which is front wheel drive only not an xdrive which is all wheel drive I don’t think you can have a sdrive in America

the current and previous X1 use xdrive system that keeps 100% of the power at the front wheel and only transfer to the rear when the computer detects rear wheel spin.... which means the X1 is a FWD vehicle 99% of the time

This is different than the xdrive system in X3 and X5 which sends 60% of the power to the rear and 40% to the front at all time... .then transfers more(or decrease) power to the wheels that need it when it detects wheel spin.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by bluecrabby

the X1(any generation) uses xdrive system that keeps 100% of the power at the front wheel and only transfer to the rear when the computer detects rear wheel spin.... which means the X1 is a FWD vehicle 99% of the time

This is different than the xdrive system in X3 and X5 which sends 60% of the power to the rear and 40% to the front at all time... .then transfers more(or decrease) power to the wheels that need it when it detects wheel spin.

1st Gen X1 was RWD based

[bluecrabby]

Originally Posted by tex2670

1st Gen X1 was RWD based

corrected to say "current and previous gen X1" Thanks!


by the way, am I correct in saying that the xdrive in the current X1 keeps 100% of the power at the front wheels all the time?(until there's wheel spin) That's what I read online.. but not everything on the internet is correct.(shocking, eh?)

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by bluecrabby

corrected to say "current and previous gen X1" Thanks!


by the way, am I correct in saying that the xdrive in the current X1 keeps 100% of the power at the front wheels all the time?(until there's wheel spin) That's what I read online.. but not everything on the internet is correct.(shocking, eh?)

Pretty sure that’s correct

[alpinewhite3]

I've been saying this since the first day i drove it. It's very sloppy. I couldn't avoid a pothole in front of me even if i tried. Caution to everyone- test drive it or get the m sport suspension bc it doesnt feel like a BMW.

[bluecrabby]

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

I've been saying this since the first day i drove it. It's very sloppy. I couldn't avoid a pothole in front of me even if i tried. Caution to everyone- test drive it or get the m sport suspension bc it doesnt feel like a BMW.

I've had 3 test drives so far and I agree with you... The steering was vague with no real feedback. It feels very much like the current Toyota 4Runner with X-Reas suspension on the TRD Sport version. (turn the steering wheel and hope that the vehicle changes to the direction that I intend to turn)

Having said, that, I feel that it's more than enough for 90% of the X1 buyers. The ride is comfy and quiet.(quieter than the last several Lexus cars and SUVs that my family had)

So far, the only thing that I really dislike is the sound of my hand holding the steering wheel. The leather on the steering wheel feels dry and when my skin rubs over it, the sound is the loudest thing in the cabin.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by bluecrabby

I've had 3 test drives so far and I agree with you... The steering was vague with no real feedback. It feels very much like the current Toyota 4Runner with X-Reas suspension on the TRD Sport version. (turn the steering wheel and hope that the vehicle changes to the direction that I intend to turn)

Having said, that, I feel that it's more than enough for 90% of the X1 buyers. The ride is comfy and quiet.(quieter than the last several Lexus cars and SUVs that my family had)

So far, the only thing that I really dislike is the sound of my hand holding the steering wheel. The leather on the steering wheel feels dry and when my skin rubs over it, the sound is the loudest thing in the cabin.

Have you played with any of the chassis settings? I'm wondering if there's a setting you can use to adjust the steering feel. I keep my 4 series in sport mode most of the time because the comfort mode steering is a bit too light. I'm trying to temper my expectations here since it will be my first SUV, and the first front wheel drive based BMW I've ever owned. I don't expect it to be as fun in the corners as any of the other cars I've owned, but some of the comments have me a little worried I won't be able to live with it.

[Junkiehobo]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

Have you played with any of the chassis settings? I'm wondering if there's a setting you can use to adjust the steering feel. I keep my 4 series in sport mode most of the time because the comfort mode steering is a bit too light. I'm trying to temper my expectations here since it will be my first SUV, and the first front wheel drive based BMW I've ever owned. I don't expect it to be as fun in the corners as any of the other cars I've owned, but some of the comments have me a little worried I won't be able to live with it.

I disagree with everyone bashing the steering. I have now 1200 miles driven on my x1 and I find it responsive. When I turn the wheel I can feel it and no lag or anything. My only grip is sometimes the lag is horrible on the gas pedal when you are at a complete stop but I had that issue with my x2

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by Junkiehobo

I disagree with everyone bashing the steering. I have now 1200 miles driven on my x1 and I find it responsive. When I turn the wheel I can feel it and no lag or anything. My only grip is sometimes the lag is horrible on the gas pedal when you are at a complete stop but I had that issue with my x2

My 4 series has horrible lag off the line as well when it's in comfort mode, and sport mode improves it enough to where it's not annoying, but still noticeable. My old E90 I feel was one of the better drive by wire cars I've driven, but that also had a manual transmission. If they honestly started making the E90 again exactly as they had it, but with an updated infotainment, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[Stealth658]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

Have you played with any of the chassis settings? I'm wondering if there's a setting you can use to adjust the steering feel. I keep my 4 series in sport mode most of the time because the comfort mode steering is a bit too light. I'm trying to temper my expectations here since it will be my first SUV, and the first front wheel drive based BMW I've ever owned. I don't expect it to be as fun in the corners as any of the other cars I've owned, but some of the comments have me a little worried I won't be able to live with it.

I had an F30 340i M Sport, and we've had two Ms in our house. I'm perfectly fine with the X1 M Sport. Is it as fun as my brother's M5 - obviously not, but it's perfectly adequate. My friend has a curent-gen 330i, and he enjoyed driving it also. It's possible that we have low standards, or we just had different expectations than some others.

I think if you're anything like me, you're gonna sit in the X1 with the beautiful curved screen and all the premium package gadgets, throw it into sport mode, find some curvy roads, and appreciate how much car you're getting for the price.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by Stealth658

I had an F30 340i M Sport, and we've had two Ms in our house. I'm perfectly fine with the X1 M Sport. Is it as fun as my brother's M5 - obviously not, but it's perfectly adequate. My friend has a curent-gen 330i, and he enjoyed driving it also. It's possible that we have low standards, or we just had different expectations than some others.

I think if you're anything like me, you're gonna sit in the X1 with the beautiful curved screen and all the premium package gadgets, throw it into sport mode, find some curvy roads, and appreciate how much car you're getting for the price.

I just read a review online from Motor Trend which basically said the exact same thing.

Anyone who's worried that their standards won't be met certainly shouldn't buy sight unseen, without a test drive. But it's not an M car - it's an entry level compact crossover, and that's what it should be compared to. I have yet to read a review that doesn't say that the X1 is best in class for handling and driving experience.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by Stealth658

I had an F30 340i M Sport, and we've had two Ms in our house. I'm perfectly fine with the X1 M Sport. Is it as fun as my brother's M5 - obviously not, but it's perfectly adequate. My friend has a curent-gen 330i, and he enjoyed driving it also. It's possible that we have low standards, or we just had different expectations than some others.

I think if you're anything like me, you're gonna sit in the X1 with the beautiful curved screen and all the premium package gadgets, throw it into sport mode, find some curvy roads, and appreciate how much car you're getting for the price.

That's reassuring to hear. I'm obviously not expecting 3 series level of performance, and if I wanted something faster and sportier I would've got a 2 or 3 series instead. I was okay with the VW Taos even though performance was just so-so, so I'm hopeful this will be more than enough to keep me satisfied.

[alpinewhite3]

Originally Posted by Junkiehobo

I disagree with everyone bashing the steering. I have now 1200 miles driven on my x1 and I find it responsive. When I turn the wheel I can feel it and no lag or anything. My only grip is sometimes the lag is horrible on the gas pedal when you are at a complete stop but I had that issue with my x2

Is your vehicle equipped with the M sport suspension? Not to sound skeptical but there is no way someone coming from an x2 or GTi would find the new x1 steering responsive in any way.

[alpinewhite3]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

That's reassuring to hear. I'm obviously not expecting 3 series level of performance, and if I wanted something faster and sportier I would've got a 2 or 3 series instead. I was okay with the VW Taos even though performance was just so-so, so I'm hopeful this will be more than enough to keep me satisfied.

I can compare it to the Taos as i did an extended test drive. I enjoyed driving the Taos. Steering was quick and the SUV felt nimble and agile.Def prefer the feel over the x1.

I think the take away here is everyone's preferences and needs are different. Just dont make a decision without a test drive. Maybe if i had never driven the previous X1, i'd like it because i wouldnt have anything to compare to.

[alpinewhite3]

Originally Posted by Stealth658

I had an F30 340i M Sport, and we've had two Ms in our house. I'm perfectly fine with the X1 M Sport. Is it as fun as my brother's M5 - obviously not, but it's perfectly adequate. My friend has a curent-gen 330i, and he enjoyed driving it also. It's possible that we have low standards, or we just had different expectations than some others.

I think if you're anything like me, you're gonna sit in the X1 with the beautiful curved screen and all the premium package gadgets, throw it into sport mode, find some curvy roads, and appreciate how much car you're getting for the price.

Ive heard the M sport is totally different because it comes with a stiffer suspension and the m sport steering rack setup(variable sport steering) with a much more direct and quicker ratio. (which would make it feel much more agile obv)
I may go test drive one and report back to you guys. I think most of the reviewers are being sent m sport models hence why they enjoy the driving character. M sport package completely changes most BMW's - sedans as well. The 3 series without the m sport package is just OK.

[Stealth658]

Originally Posted by alpinewhite3

Ive heard the M sport is totally different because it comes with a stiffer suspension and the m sport steering rack setup(variable sport steering) with a much more direct and quicker ratio. (which would make it feel much more agile obv)
I may go test drive one and report back to you guys. I think most of the reviewers are being sent m sport models hence why they enjoy the driving character. M sport package completely changes most BMW's - sedans as well. The 3 series without the m sport package is just OK.

I'm probably one of the few people who got the M Sport package with the standard suspension as we didn't want the stiffer suspension for primarily city driving, but you might be right regarding the M Sport steering rack setup. Regardless, I'd like to hear what you think about the M Sport package. It could be that I'm getting old and sloppy steering is less noticeable to me

[alpinewhite3]

This guy's reviews are always spot on - especially when drives German cars. Interestingly enough, this was his take on the m sport model- (so you can only imagine the base steering) Start at the 31 minute mark.

Like i said, i'm not here to bash the X1. It's a a very nice SUV, great value, good tech/materials and build quality for the price. It's fast and very efficient. Most people are going to love it. I just feel it's very generically blah to drive-but maybe that's exactly what BMW intended so it offends nobody except a tiny niche of purists like myself.(whom they stopped caring about ages ago anyway)

[alpinewhite3]

Originally Posted by Stealth658

I'm probably one of the few people who got the M Sport package with the standard suspension as we didn't want the stiffer suspension for primarily city driving, but you might be right regarding the M Sport steering rack setup. Regardless, I'd like to hear what you think about the M Sport package. It could be that I'm getting old and sloppy steering is less noticeable to me

Yeah i think you have the standard steering. Per BMW, "Sport steering is part of the Adaptive M suspension option. This version of the Electric Power Steering system features a more direct rack ratio, for an extremely quick and precise response, along with the Servotronic speed-sensitive power assistance also included with the standard steering."

Bummer you didnt get the adaptive m suspension- on comfort mode it rides even softer than the stock suspension but it's adaptive- you can tune it to comfort/sport/sport plus depending on the road/ mood.