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BMW X1 xdrive18d



Let me present to you BMW X1 xdrive18d from my point of view. The test model was a white one with 2000 cubic centimeters volume diesel engine with CommonRail direct injection, 143 hp (105 kW) @ 4000 rpm and 320 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm. This X1 was equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission and you can choose between automatic, sport and manual mode. The car is agile enough; the transmission changes the gears very smoothly. The engine was noisier, maybe I’ve grown out of the habit of hearing diesel engine noise.

The 6- and 8-speed automatic transmissions are optional and not available for all engines. As standard X1 has a 6-speed manual transmission. With manual gear box on board display there is an 'Optional Shift Indicator'. This system is very popular in the new cars and the logic is to show us when to switch gears for more fuel efficiency.

The car was equipped with auto start/stop system and if you are stuck in traffic for too long the engine will start automatically. That's because the car consumes electrical power and at some point the engine has to charge the battery.

I think that will only be a very useful Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) in combination with xdrive system.

BMW offer petrol engines as follow:
            X1 sdrive 18i:          cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1995
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            150 (110) @ 6400
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        200 @ 3600

            X1 sdrive 20i:          cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1997
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            184 (135) @ 5000 - 6250
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        270 @ 1250 – 4500
           
            X1 xdrive 20i:         cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1997
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            184 (135) @ 5000 - 6250
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        270 @ 1250 – 4500

            X1 xdrive 28i:         cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1997
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            245 (180) @ 5000 - 6500
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        350 @ 1250 – 4800

There are and seven diesel engines as follow:
            X1 sdrive 16d:        cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1995
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            116 (85) @ 4000
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        260 @ 1750 – 3000

            X1 sdrive 18d:        cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1995
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            143 (105) @ 4000
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        320 @ 1750 – 2500                    

            X1 xdrive 18d:        cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1995
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            143 (105) @ 4000
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        320 @ 1750 – 2750

            X1 sdrive 20d:        cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1995
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            184 (135) @ 4000
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        380 @ 1750 – 2500

            X1 sdrive 20d EfficientDynamics Edition:
                                               cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1995
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            163 (120) @ 4000
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        380 @ 1750 – 2500

            X1 xdrive 20d:        cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1995
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            184 (135) @ 4000
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        380 @ 1750 – 2500

            X1 xdrive 25d:        cylinders/valve:                             4/4
                                               capacity cc:                                     1995
                                               hp (kW) @ rpm:                            218 (160) @ 4000
                                               max. torque Nm @ rpm:                        450 @ 1500 – 2500
                                  
The 'xdrive' system works in ratio 40:60 for rear wheels. There is computer which calculates when to raise the driven ratio between front and rear wheel. This is the operating principle of the 'xdrive' system for all models where it is included. The 'sdrive' means that the vehicle is with rear-wheel drive.

When I opened the driver door I saw inscription ‘Sport Line’. The interior color of the tested BMW X1 was Sport Line, Black 'Nevada leather'. There were red seams which surrounded the sport seats, the door panel, even steering-wheel. For more personality BMW X1 offer five steering-wheels and a few of them are equipped with gearshift paddles. The space on the front seats was enough for the driver and the passenger. Everything was made very ergonomically and simple for use, with one exception – the seat adjustment– it's very complicated. That's because the front seats were with manual adjustment and if you want to adjust your seat in high, you have to lift your body and then pull some lever... It's complicated, I told you.  There is an option for power adjustment and this problem will be solved. The storage space in the doors panel was enough. There is no problem putting a water bottle for example and some widgets.  

The dashboard is very stylish and has a clean view. The instrumental cluster is very simple and with classical design. The numbers were too small for me and if you want to maintain constant speed you should be very concentrated. That's because the car is agile and easy to drive. Of course, if you want lazy driving there is a course control system.  

On the top of the middle console there is an 8.8” high-resolution color display of ‘Navigation System Professional'. This system includes: hands-free kit with USB interference, 'Radio Professional' with DVD drive, iDrive Controller, functional bookmarks, voice control, integrated hard disc and RTTI. RTTI - Real Time Traffic Information, this system is very useful because it gives you information for traffic conditions on main roads on the navigation system.  If the dynamic route option is activated the system is automatically going to change the route. The RTTI system is not available in all countries. Also there is an optional rear view camera for easy parking. 

The backseat space depends on the front seats position. If the driver and passenger are tall guys the back seat space will be narrow. Also, if there are three passengers with tickets for back line, the man who sits in the middle will be punished. Here is a positive thing – the back rest of the seats can fall down in ratio 40:20:40. This is good, because your luggage space can be increased (up to 1350 liters) and there is almost a flat floor (1 degree angle). Also, the backrest of the rear seats can be inclined from 1 to 31 degrees in ten steps for more storage space or comfortable riding.

For rear seats there is a 7” color display 'DVD system for rear'. This is a DVD player which should be mounted between the front seats. When I write about the entertainment I cannot miss the HiFi sound system with eight loudspeakers and Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. These sound systems are optional equipment.

The trunk has plenty of storage space, even without dropping the backrest of rear seats. There is additional storage space in two side panels in the trunk. The opening of the back door is vertical and thus gives opportunity to load even the largest luggage easily.

BMW X1 has modern exterior design and same lines as all present models. There is a huge front grill which can be very easily recognized.  The body of the car is designed with sport and a little bit aggressive view. This means that the target of this car is young and active people. As you already know, there is enough space for 4 people and a man who'll be ‘punished’ to sit in the middle. So, this car means freedom.

The doors are 'canceled' by side lines that have connection at the back door. When looked from behind, the car appears very sportive and aggressive, too. The LED tall lights make a big impression. Even if there is no BMW logo you can recognize the car and model.

While I write about the exterior I cannot miss that there are two types of standard rims. The first one is 17” steel wheels with wheel cover: 7.5 J x 17 and tire size 225/50 R 17. The second standard rims are also 17”, same size, but with alloy wheels. The optional equipment offers ten different rims and sizes from 17” to 19”. Also, there are 18” and 19” M alloy wheels.  

If you want you can choose the Runflat tires. These tires are with reinforced side walls to prevent from collapsing or loosening from the rim if the air pressure drops. Thus you can drive to the next repair shop.  There is ‘Runflat indicator’ system which became standard, no matter the tires. This system minimizes the risks with tire defects and it monitors the changes of the air pressure in the tires. The ‘Runflat indicator’ will warn the driver by activating a light if the pressure is low. 

'Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution, incl. Cornering lights' – with this system when the driver makes a turn the headlights will light the direction of turning.  'Xenon headlights for high and low beam' – this technology gives us the best possible illumination on the road. Something interesting, BMW X1 can be equipped with 'High-Beam Assistant' – this system can switch between high and low beam dependent of presence of vehicle in front of the car, oncoming traffic and actual street lighting. Except for fog lights all of these systems are optional equipment.

Just before I go on writing about other support systems and while I'm still on the lighting, I want to make a point. 'Lights package' - this is light integrated in door handle and it illuminates the area around the doors when they are unlocked. Time of illumination is about 20 seconds. In addition, there is light equipment for reading light for the front and rear seats, vanity mirror lights for the driver and the passenger, and in the front footwell.

‘Performance Control’ – this is a variable power distribution and concerns the speed of wheels in the turning for more precision driving. It’s also optional equipment.

‘Cornering Brake Control’ (CBC) – increases stability when braking gently in a fast bend. During braking manoeuvers, the load on the rear wheels is reduced, which can lead to over steering. The CBC system creates unilateral brake pressure when the braking is outside of the ABS (anti-lock brake system) control range. Thus CBC crates a stabilizing counterforce. This system became standard.

‘Dynamic Stability Control’ (DSC) – it includes CBC and Brake Assist. DSC stabilizes the car for milliseconds before the risk occurs. It’s one of the most popular systems in BMW production. The traction mode sub-function allows increased wheel slip to optimize acceleration in certain driving conditions and to enable more dynamic driving.

‘Hill Descent Control’ - helps us when we have to downhill without pushing the brake pedal. This system is standard with xDrive models.

‘Bumpers’ they are very special because they can absorb collisions to 4 km/h without damages and up to 15 km/h in special deformation zones.

Dimensions:
Wheel-base:  2 760mm
Length:  4 477 mm
Front wheel-base: 1 500 mm
Rear wheel-base: 1 529 mm
Wide (with mirrors): 2 044 mm
High/including roof aerial: 1 545/1 573 mm

BMW X1 is nothing special but it is a good car if you have to drive on paved or unpaved roads - with style. This model isn’t prepared for off-road use because the clearance is too low. There are six airbags as standard. The model earns 5 stars in Euro NCAP Crash and 64% Pedestrian Protection tests. The downside of that model is that most of the systems and equipment are optional. This means that you have to pay extra for it.  In fact with optional equipment and your money this car can became very special. For me X1 has to be with xdrive and navigation system. If the car isn’t equipped with xDrive system - it’s better to buy 3-er series of BMW and if there isn’t a navigation system, there will be a hole with cover for more storage space. The tested BMW X1 xDrive18d was with 2.0 liters diesel turbocharged engine with CommonRail direct injection and 143 horsepower which is very good. There are a lot engines with different power for every taste. The driver seat, which was sport edition surrounded with red seam, is comfortable and there is enough space for the driver and passenger next to it. Between the front seats, there is a cup holder and the option to mount another one in the console, next to the gearshift lever. The storage space in the door panel is good; you can put a big water bottle. The trunk space can be increased with up to 1,350 liters if you have to carry huge baggage. This BMW X1 looks sporty but for me it is more a dynamic car.