XDrive 18d BMW X1 Endurance Test 100,000 km in Bavaria SUV

The X1 managed competently 100,000 kilometers and won with high reliability. So everything's alright? Not quite: When braking on wet roads, the BMW has a problem.

This endurance test began with high expectations. With the 130i is finally a BMW at the forefront of our endurance test rankings. Can the X1 repeat such a success? With a base price of € 31 800, the X1 xDrive 18d stood the test in the list here, but our long-term test car had optional equipment for almost 20,000 € on board. The test car price added up to € 51 625. "But what really outrageous," Photo-chief Weichbrodt Kersten wrote angrily in the logbook, "after all we are talking about a brave compact SUV with four-cylinder diesel."

True enough, many of Yamaha accessories, undivided praise found. The useful cruise control with brake function for 330 €, for example, the huge panoramic glass roof (1350 €), the perfect sports seats (580 €), the bright xenon light (870 €) and also the great surround sound system from Harman / Kardon for 1190 € . Even the most expensive GPS 'business' for € 2570 still gets top marks for graphics, speed and handling. At another point, all the equipment helped little orgy. The perceived quality felt many testers as a BMW is not appropriate. The Bavarians are talking a lot about love and premium. "Has ruled Well, here probably the cutbacks," said editor Joerg Maltzan, "the plastics look pretty modest."

On the same theme also includes details such as the fast verfilzende and hard-to-clean cargo floor. Cheap. The price also plays a role in the motor well, the 18d is the entry-level diesel for the X1. No 1.8-liter, could be as expected, but a two-liter, in the test car with 143 horsepower. The same four-cylinder BMW delivers even in a version with 177 hp, but charged the same € 2900 more, just that we wanted to save us. For the 204-hp version even € 7300 are to be paid more. The pure performance of the 143-horsepower diesels go in order, the peak lies at 195 km / h To test the end of the X1 sprint in 10.9 seconds from zero to 100 Sovereign, actually. Neither the relatively viscous power development nor the rough manners of the engine got unanimous approval. Criticisms: The four-cylinder engine runs rough and jumpy, is apparently little insulation, and to some extent freed fun - at least for a BMW. "Here it is missing any kick, that is pure rationality engine" criticized editor Jan Horn.

Partly responsible for this impression is certainly the weight of no less than 1.7 tonnes and the typical turbo-diesel pause for thought when starting. It always takes a little bit, starts up the loader. BMW has been at least reduces the noise by using an acoustic package (since 8/2011) and an insulating mat under the hood (since 9/2011). The start-stop system has worked over 100,000 kilometers with absolute reliability. However, the diesel starts after each stop rude and annoying squeak. With an average consumption of just 7.8 liters of the total distance, including many, fast motorway stretches, the two-liter model was economical. On the test track, he is satisfied even with only 6.4 liters. Values ​​for the six liters is also in daily life without much effort realistic.

The xDrive all-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch worked well for all civil purposes, and collected in the winter special sympathy. "I just rarely on snow and ice so sure felt like the X1, even on super smooth roadway safely He pulls his track," enthused Martin Klug layout. Thus, the X1 completed the 100,000 km stoically remained calm and steadfast, and with remarkably stiff body last. Tightly designed, as is typical for BMW, with bustling handling, steering and enjoyable circuit. Sure, some testers was the vote on wood again and poltrig, but not all. Just a matter of taste. And with springs loading the X1 also significantly more binding. Mileage at 86 741 received the new BMW rear brake pads, brake discs were close to the end and front pads replaced. That's it. No additional repairs, no wearing parts replaced, nothing.

The X1 had to marathon-end robust, solid and well maintained. This impression is confirmed by the final examination. But as it was then quite spotless in fact not: When braking on wet surfaces, the visual test-X1 was repeatedly broken out violently to the right. Furthermore, we previously reported in long-term test-Interim Report (CAR PICTURE 3/2012). With an unexpected response: Letters and e-mails became more frequent, it was obviously not an isolated case. BMW responded - an improved software update "brake-drying function" is to provide a remedy . We have evaluated the long-term test-X1 now as if it were because of this problem once been in the shop - as it has happened to affected customers. The results at the end of the score 1 -. And the bottom line. The X1 has the challenge - the high expectations of the complete article screwed with all data tables, and there's in AUTO BILD 19/2012 (in stores now).