BMW X1 E84
Evaluation of the BMW X1 E84 (2009–2015): condition, documents, inspection and conditions of sale of the car.
Indicative purchase price
Below market value
Final price agreed after inspection.
Value my car1Why buyers choose this model
Technically, the BMW X1 is based on solutions tested on the BMW 3 and X3. The three wagons are longer (4525 mm vs. 4477 mm), but are not able to compete with the second-generation BMW X3 (4,650 mm). How big is the difference in wheelbase? "Troika" and X1 have between the axles 2760 mm, and the BMW X3 - 2810 mm. It is worth noting that the X1 is not a small car – its dimensions are comparable to the classic compact crossovers. What are the differences between the BMW X1 and the 3rd Series? In the crossover, the driver sits higher, so he has a better view. In the X1 it is easier to take a seat behind the wheel, and the additional space above your head, complements the pleasant sensations of the trip. It's a little bit worse with the amount of space at the back. Tall passengers will complain about the limited space in the leg area. The person who gets a place in the center will have to fight with a large tunnel of the driveshaft. If you decide on the X1, remember – the car is not focused on maximum use of dimensions (the engine is located longitudinally). The crossover is shorter than the “three” with the same wheelbase. However, in terms of cargo capacity, the X1 is not so bad. The trunk is small (420 liters), but easy to use. The double bottom floor forms an almost flat surface with the sofa folded. A distinctive feature of BMW crossovers is the chassis, tuned for dynamic driving. The Bavarians even changed the segment name from SUV to SAV – instead of “Utility” they used the term “Activity”. However, coupled with increased ground clearance, this can mean only one thing - rigid suspension and a minimum of comfort. The manufacturer assured that he took into account the complaints of the owners of the X3 and X5 on excessive rigidity of the suspension, but in the case of the X1, it is better not to count on comfort. A lot depends on the configuration. Run Flat tires, low-profile tires and optional sports suspension significantly reduce smoothness. Much preferable wheels with a higher profile, although it will have to sacrifice a little legendary impeccable handling.
2What buyers check
Engines
It is not necessary to think about the choice of the engine for a long time. Among gasoline used inline 4- and 6-cylinder units. Those who want to buy X1 with a 3-liter atmospheric engine will have to disappoint. These versions are a real rarity and were offered only before restyling. About half of the offers are cars with a 2-liter gasoline engine (including turbocharging and direct injection), offering a good compromise between dynamics and fuel consumption. There are fewer ads with diesel versions. All of them are equipped with a modern 4-cylinder turbodiesel N47, equipped with direct injection Common Rail, one or two turbines (23d and 25d). All versions of the 2-liter diesel engine with a capacity of 116 to 218 hp differ only in attachments and electronics. Unfortunately, diesel engines can cause trouble. Some engines required repair of the fuel and gas, having traveled only 60-90 thousand km. In no case can you ignore the first symptoms of wear chain timing system (noise when resetting speed and idling). Some mechanics even recommend a preventive replacement of the timing system drive kit (chains, gears, tensioner) after 100-150 thousand km. Although it is expensive (50-60 thousand rubles with work and spare parts), it will avoid more significant costs in the future due to damage to camshafts or the destruction of stars. The high cost of replacement is due to the location of the chain at the junction of the engine and the box that has to be removed. It is not characterized by durability and turbocharger. Its resource is slightly more than 150-200 thousand km.
Transmission
In addition to the manual transmission, three automatic transmissions were used: the 6-speed GM 6L45 and ZF 6HP19, and after restyling, all-wheel drive versions were equipped with an 8-speed ZF 8HP45 automatic.
6-speed automatic transmissions could require repair closer to 200-250 thousand km (50-150 thousand rubles). 8-band automatic is considered much more reliable.
As for the “automatic machine”, then the main thing is not to forget to change the oil every 60,000 km (12,000 rubles). The same must be done with the liquid in the all-wheel drive transmission xDrive.
Transmission
While the X3 was offered exclusively with xDrive all-wheel drive, the X1 could be rear-wheel drive. These machines are called sDrive.
The presence of a particular drive was determined by the motor. The most powerful petrol and diesel versions (23d and 25d) were only four-wheel drive. The base 18i and 16d have always been with a leading rear axle. In other versions of the power unit, the buyer himself chose the type of transmission.
With the advent of the BMW X1, the xDrive drive has been updated. The ATC 300 was replaced by the ATC 350. In its interior you will find a triple gear that drives a parallel shaft connecting the transferor to the differential on the front axle. The classic differential was completely replaced by a multi-plate clutch controlled by an electric motor, which also includes a control unit.
Under normal conditions, the car is driven by the rear axle. The front wheels are connected when necessary. Not only when the back axle loses traction with the road, but also in corners. In difficult weather conditions, this solution works perfectly.
After 120-180 thousand km, sometimes the front gearbox begins to make noise - bearings wear out. The cost of repairs will be about 35 000 rubles. After a while, fogging is found in the area of the tailings of the rear gearbox (5000 rubles with work).
Walking
With the xDrive version, a number of other features are associated. For example, a hydraulic power steering with a gear ratio of 18.5:1 is used here. And in the sDrive is installed electromechanical amplifier with a sharper steering wheel 16.1: 1. In both cases, two lower levers on the wheel are installed in the front - a transverse and a slant. In the sDrive version, the rear lever is transverse, and the front oblique is equipped with a hydraulic rubber support (only from May 2011, before that, a conventional rubber Silentblock). In xDrive, the front lever is transverse, and the rear is oblique with a hydraulic silent block (the entire production period). Hydraulic rubber support is supplied separately (1-2 thousand rubles). In xDrive, the design of the lever provides for the replacement of the ball support, and in sDrive, the original levers are only assembled (4-6 thousand rubles). As substitutes, it is better to use the products of Lemforder, which is a supplier of spare parts for BMW. The once popular Meyle is no longer as good as it once was. The service life of the chassis largely depends on the radius of the wheels and the height of the tire profile. The geometry of the wheels must be adapted to the dimensions in order to avoid rapid wear of the tires. Another technical feature related to the X1 is worth mentioning. It is about connecting the hubs with the front semi-axles. Here is not used a classic slate connection, and cylindrical with a gear wheel. The classic above solution is retained on the rear axle. Knocking in the helmsman after 100-150 thousand.
Premium...
All BMW models belong to the premium segment. Many X1s are richly equipped and look beautiful, although there are examples with manual transmission, simple air conditioning and steel wheels among them. However, the beautiful appearance and initial cost do not correlate with the extraneous sounds that occur when overcoming irregularities or driving on the pavement.
Over the years, plastic panels can be scalded.
Other problems and malfunctions
An electrician fails from time to time. For example, due to a faulty relay, the trunk lock is opened. And because of the failed antennas, the central lock stops working.
It could also be a multimedia disaster. This is often the fault of the so-called Car Communication Computer.
Sometimes you have to deal with failures in the FRM block. In this case, the windows, direction indicators stop working, and the passing light is constantly lit. For repairs will have to pay 3-5 thousand rubles.
Sometimes owners complain of rapid wear of the brakes and a drop in their effectiveness in wet weather. Over time, they sour and begin to peck the calipers of the rear wheels.
3Pre-purchase checklist
Engines
- Some engines required repair of the fuel and gas, having traveled only 60-90 thousand km.
- In no case can you ignore the first symptoms of wear chain timing system (noise when resetting speed and idling).
- Some mechanics even recommend a preventive replacement of the timing system drive kit (chains, gears, tensioner) after 100-150 thousand km. It is expensive (50-60 thousand).
- Fuel nozzles are not subject to restoration repair.
- To eliminate the drawback, it is necessary to replace oil caps (2000 rubles for a set plus 11,000 rubles work).
- There are problems with the lubrication system, leading to the twisting of the liners.
- There are no problems for those owners who did not save on the quality and timing of oil replacement.
- The cost of the new one is about 3 000 rubles, and it is recommended to change them in a full set.
Transmission
- 6-speed automatic transmissions could require repair closer to 200-250 thousand km (50-150 thousand rubles).
- The same must be done with the liquid in the all-wheel drive transmission xDrive.
Transmission
- The front wheels are connected when necessary.
- The cost of repairs will be about 35 000 rubles.
- After a while, fogging is found in the area of the tailings of the rear gearbox (5000 rubles with work).
Walking
- In xDrive, the design of the lever provides for the replacement of the ball support, and in sDrive, the original levers are only assembled (4-6 thousand rubles).
- The geometry of the wheels must be adapted to the dimensions in order to avoid rapid wear of the tires.
- Knocking in the helmsman after 100-150 thousand.
- km can be caused by wear of the steering rack (12,000 rubles for repairs) or the lower section of the steering shaft (18-22 thousand rubles - only in the original).
Other problems and malfunctions
- And because of the failed antennas, the central lock stops working.
- In this case, the windows, direction indicators stop working, and the passing light is constantly lit. For repairs will have to pay 3-5 thousand rubles.
- Sometimes owners complain of rapid wear of the "brakes" and a drop in their effectiveness in wet weather.
4Challenges of selling privately
The BMW X1 is worth your attention, but you should be prepared for the serious costs of maintenance and repair. The X1 developers were not interested in creating the most practical car.
- Engines: Some engines required repairs of the engine, having traveled only 60-90 thousand km.
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmissions could require repair closer to 200-250 thousand km (50-150 thousand rubles).
- Transmission: The cost of repair will be about 35 000 rubles.
- Chasing: In xDrive, the design of the lever provides for the replacement of the ball support, and in sDrive, the original levers go only in the collection (4-6 thousand rubles).
- Premium: All BMW models are in the premium segment.
- Other problems and malfunctions: And because of the failed antennas, the central lock stops working. It could also be a multimedia disaster.
Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.
5How selling to us works
Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.

