I have owned a 3 Series 320d M-Sport convertible for the last two years and love the car! However, due to decreased mobility of both me and the wife, the low profile tyres slashing at the slightest hole in the road and the fact that getting a drum kit in it is not easy, time has come unfortunately to get an SUV. I've looked at many different makes on line, and a friend who has just bought a brand new Kia Sportage keeps trying to tell me that I should get one, but seeing an X1 today in the flesh for the first time so to speak, and comparing the build quality of my 320 to my mate's Kia, BMW outweighs all of them.

Now, going from a convertible I need the next best thing - a sunroof! However, most of the X1s I have seen do not have this feature and seem a bit of a rarity. Question - can the panoramic sunroof be retro fitted by professionals? If so, what sort of cost would be involved?

Also, another friend who is a guru in everything BMW has told me the best engine to get is a 20d, not an 18d, and I must get an X-Drive. I assume the engine difference is like my 320 as opposed to a 318 which I understand, but what is the difference between an X-drive and an S-Drive? If it's the difference of having 4 wheel drive or not, is the 4 wheel drive option selective in the car, ie. can you switch it on and off? The trim levels I understand and I have been told that an M-Sport is the top trim and the SE is the lowest, I am assuming that's the case?

I'm a bit fussy and realise it might be a long time before the right one comes along - X1 20d, X-Drive with panoramic sunroof & cream leather heated seats with maximum of 25k on the clock. Any help and buying advice greatly appreciated.

Martin

Morning Martin

Welcome to the Forum

First the sun roof not sure about an answer to this question? There used to be several Companies in the 1960/70's that did sun roofs but haven't heard of any for years. Personally I searched for an X5 without the sun roof as with Air conditioning I never used the ones in previous cars for years. One less thing to go wrong.

Engine wise BMW use the N47 diesel in two flavours Single turbo and Twin turbo. The N47 had some well documented timing chain issues but 2009/10 onward's seem engines seem  better (no personal experience of these engines as I have a fat V8) 

Xdrive cars use the twin turbo version with around 200+ hp. X drive is BMW's permanent AWD system first developed in the 1990's so well tried and tested and very reassuring in slippery conditions. In your search don't dismiss the X3 more choice of engines.

Talk to your local BMW Dealer and tell them what your looking for also there is a Register of BMW specialists who may be of use. Good luck with the hunt 

Dave

Hi Dave

Thanks for the heads up, very useful advice. What is the difference between the X1 and X3 actually? I remember the old sunroof fitters, but I was thinking more on the lines of having a proper OEM one doing by a BMW main agent. Personal preference I guess but I'm more in favour of a sunroof than aircon and driving a convertible for the last two years has been amazing. Also, is there any mpg sacrifice on having permanent 4WD against 2WD. Many moons ago I had several Suzuki Vitaras which sucked the juice like there was no tomorrow in 4WD, yet were very economical in 2WD.

Thanks

Martin

 

Morning Martin

I am the wrong man to talk to about economy my V8 averages 19 mpg but with a little concentration and effort 😈 I can get single figures with ease.

X1 is the X3 baby brother X5 is the X3 big brother 

X3 will have 5 doors slightly bigger boot and more range of engines, 2.0 2.5 3.0 petrol and 2.0 3.0 diesel. We have a friend who runs an X3 with the 3.0 diesel very impressive and she see's mid to high 30's around town and into the 40's on the motorway 

If economy is high on your list the forget the X drive cars as they are permanent AWD not switchable and generally heavier. The X1, X3, X5 have more ground clearance so may be easier to get in and out of than a slinky 3 series Convertable.

Engine wise the 4 cylinder N47 Diesel came in 1.6 l 94bhp and 114 bhp (badged 1.8) N47 2.0 Diesel 114 bhp (also badged 1.8 Confusing eh) then several stages of tune from 141 bhp to 215 bhp. Do the research on the timing chain issue as I said earlier it is well documented but cars after 2009/10 seem better.

The N57 Diesel is straight six 3.0l and depending on age and variant produce from 200bhp to 370bhp

 

Dave

 

Hi Dave

Thanks for the heads up. Economy and ground clearance are high up on the list - there are some roads I know of that I won't take my 3 Series down for fear of scraping the floor pan or slashing the tyres! I've managed without AWD for the last umpteen years so a 2WD X1 seems the sensible choice, however, I still like a bit of power so I reckon the 2.0 litre 20d will fit the bill. I've got around £17k to play with (assuming I can get around £9k for the 320 part-ex) so I'm looking for a 2016 or 2017 with about 25-30k on the clock max.

Martin