[OILPowered]

My 'd is at the dealer for it's first scheduled oil change (I changed it once at 6000 miles) and for campaign B13 04 12 (transmission reprogramming). I chose an X1 S Drive 28i for my loaner.

Was immediately taken back by the cheap interior materials (hard plastic surfaces throughout) and diminished "Germanic" feel. Even accounting that this is a base model with hardly any options, I would find It hard to shell out $32-35k for this thing. Though the driving dynamics and N20 engine performance are good, my money would likely find its way to a loaded CX-5 for significantly less scratch. I know the X1 is essentially the SUV version of the 1 series (a car with some compromises in material quality to save cost) but I fail to see the value.

Just thought I'd share my perceptions. Anyone have a differing opinion?

[GreekboyD]

Nope I totally agree. Had one before as a loaner and everything about it felt cheap.

[joe_planet]

I saw one in the showroom, it was only around 30k. The lack of leather and other amenities totally turned me off. There are better alternatives for the money. I know BMW cars are really standing on their own but this is an SUV type and it just isn't there

[Timujin]

E90 wins again.

[tony20009]

I noticed the abundance of hard plastic too, though it is mostly just on the doors in the form of the door pockets where it came to my attention. I may be in other places too, but it didn't leap out at me the way it did on the pockets. I thought about whether it bothered me and decided that, no, it doesn't. The X1 is hardly promoted as a luxury car, and it's price points is hardly that of a luxury car.

As far as being able to do what it is one would buy the X1 for, I think it will serve just fine. It's a small, utility type of car that has decent space and comfortable seats. How push does such a vehicle need to be, really?

FWIW...The E90 seems to have the hard plastic door pockets too, whereas the E92 does not. Not sure why BMW did it that way.

[OILPowered]

The hard plastic is used on the entire door, through the dash and console. I'm not sure if adding the premium package changes this, but at the high end of what the X goes for (35i- $40k), I don't see the quality here that is/was present in other BMW models in this range. The X1 is marketed as a "premium" compact SAV. It's still a competent vehicle with great drivetrain options, but just not ahead of what is available for less in the quality/fit/finish department. At all, IMO.

[DOMs335D]

I was in the exact same boat when my 335d was in for service, and I was having similar comments as the rest of you guys. I have to say I am not a big fan of the turbo four pot, power is good, but the sound isn't as good as some of the four's in the past.
If I was in the market for an F30 I would save up that little bit more to get the turbo 6, but I cannot justify giving up my beloved 335d the torque is just too addicting.

Cheers guys

[AzureHaze]

Never driven in one but damn does that thing look fugly.

I can also say the same for the X3.

[3ismagic#]

I'm intrigued by the Cx-5 and the X1 and the Audi Q3 if it ever comes stateside. I think the CX-5 is underpowered at 180hp.

Plus BMW leases are so good that you can lease a fairly well equipped X1 for less than a loaded CX-5.

My dream car to replace my wife's aging kid hauler is the 2014 Mazda 6 Wagon. Who knows if Mazda will bring the wagon to the US. I think we are stuck with SUV's.

[F32Fleet]

The SAV's generally are built with more durable interior materials.