Used BMW X1 2009-2015 review

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.

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.

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.

Regular servicing on the X1 shouldn’t be excessively expensive, although you might find some repairs cost you more than they would on a car without a premium badge.

However, the X1 should be reasonably cheap to fuel. Economy figures can be as high as 62mpg in super-frugal Efficient Dynamics versions, which is as good as you’ll get from an Audi Q3. Normal two-wheel drive diesel X1s aren’t quite as efficient, but neither do they embarrass themselves, and on the whole, the X1 is more economical than the Range Rover Evoque, and about the same as the Mazda CX-5.

Those impressive efficiency figures mean the X1 is cheap to tax, too, but keep in mind that four-wheel drive models cost more, as they emit more CO2.

Road tax

Road tax for all these X1s will be based on CO2 emissions.

Insurance

Insurance groups range from 22 up to 30, depending on power output and trim level.

Servicing costs

Servicing can be pricey, but there are a number of service packs available at franchised dealers, allowing you to plan for services and pay by direct debit or instalments. Older X1s could be taken to one of the many independent specialists who will look after your BMW for a lot less than the main dealer might charge.

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

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.