Used BMW X1 2009-2015 review

What's the used BMW X1 like?

This first-generation BMW X1 was the smallest of the firm's SUV offerings, though it sat firmly in the family SUV class. It took up its place below the large SUV BMW X3, the luxury SUV BMW X5 and the distinctly sporting BMW X6 in the company’s range, offering a way into BMW ownership at a lower price than its more established stablemates.

It wanted to cash in on that burgeoning family SUV class and it did, such that there are now a good number available on the used car market. Borrowing a lot from the contemporary 2005-2012 BMW 3 Series Touring, but shorter, narrower and much taller than that car, its elevated driving position won it as many admirers as those who thought it rather ungainly to look at.

Overview

The BMW X1's low running costs and composure in bends are appealing, but other small SUVs are classier

Pros

• Quiet at motorway speeds
• Feels very composed in corners
• Impressive fuel economy

Cons

• Unsettled ride
• Not as practical as some SUVs
• Interior plastics feel cheap in places

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BMW X1

2.0 18d SE sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£3,990

BMW X1

2.0 18d SE sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,995

BMW X1

2.0 18d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,995

BMW X1

2.0 18d M Sport sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£4,995

BMW X1

2.0 18d SE Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,499

BMW X1

2.0 20d xLine xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,990

BMW X1

2.0 20d xLine Auto xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,990

BMW X1

2.0 18d xLine xDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,995

BMW X1

2.0 18d Sport sDrive Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,490

See all available cars

When it first arrived on the scene in 2009, this first-generation model was only offered with three diesel engine variants. By the time production ended in 2015, however, the range had grown to encompass five diesels and one petrol-engined car.

Both rear-wheel drive (known as sDrive) and four-wheel drive (xDrive) variants were offered, letting buyers choose between fuel economy and all-weather ability.

All X1s of this generation corner tidily, feeling stable and composed, though inconsistent-feeling steering means they aren’t quite as involving to drive as some other BMWs, or indeed rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Qashqai.

Neither is the X1 as comfortable. Firm suspension leaves it feeling rather unsettled, while M Sport versions are fitted with even stiffer springs, as well as large wheels with low-profile tyres, leaving them feeling particularly unpleasant.

Still, at least it’s quiet on the move, with wind, road and engine noise all well suppressed.

Inside, meanwhile, the X1 doesn’t quite have the same high-quality interior feel of other BMWs. There are some cheap, brittle feeling plastics in places, and the dashboard design feels a little more mainstream than you might expect.

Rear accommodation is adequate as long as you’re under six feet tall; any lankier than that and you’ll find your knees rubbing against the front seats. But there’s lots of head room and the flat rear seat could just about cope with three people for short journeys. Entry is tight through small door apertures.

At 420 litres, boot space is beyond that of a regular Nissan Qashqai. The rear seat backrests are adjustable and split and fold 40/20/40. With the reclining back rest of the rear seat pushed all the way forward boot space extends to 480 litres. The slightly higher lip may be fine for everyday use, but lifting more bulky items to the required level could prove troublesome.

If you're interested in finding a used BMW X1, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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Ownership cost

What used BMW X1 will I get for my budget?

The BMW X1 costs from as low as £4000 now. However, you can pick up a respectable average-mileage-for-the-year example for around £6000. Spend between £7000 and £10,000 on most good, clean cars with an average mileage from between 2012 and 2014, and around £11,000 to £14,000 on the last 2014 and 2015 cars in top condition.

Our recommendations

Which used BMW X1 should I buy?

The four-wheel-drive xDrive 20d model is probably the best to go for if you plan to go off-road or want all-year-round grip from your BMW X1.

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the sDrive 18d provides ample power for most people, and its two-wheel drive layout means it will be more economical too, so it’s probably the best model for those who only plan to use their car on the road. It was only introduced in 2013, though, so if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, an sDrive 20d makes for a good middle ground.

Whichever engine and drivetrain format you opt for, though, avoid the M Sport trim for its too-firm ride, and choose instead an SE or xLine model, which have softer suspension.

Our favourite BMW X1: sDrive 18d SE

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Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used BMW X1?

The closest competition is the 2011-2018 Audi Q3, which is slightly more comfortable than the BMW X1, but similarly cramped inside and less enthralling to drive. It’s also more expensive like-for-like.

The Range Rover Evoque is popular too, but it’s even pricier to buy as a used car than the Q3, and suffers from the same choppy ride and cramped interior as the X1.

In fact, if you want a more practical alternative to the X1, you have to start looking at more mainstream manufacturers. The Mazda CX-5, for example, makes a lot more sense; it’s great to drive, similarly economical, and much more spacious inside than the X1.

The Nissan Qashqai, too, offers a great blend of space, comfort and driver appeal, and is also pleasingly cheap to run.

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If you're interested in finding a used BMW X1, or any of the other SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

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