BMW X1, current 3 Series or 3 series 2012?

Dear All,

This is my first post in Carwale!

I am currently using a Toyota Corolla H-2 since the past 6 years. I was wanting to upgrade to a new car, prefrebly a BMW. My budget is just under 30 lakhs and am looking at the X1 and the 3 Series, both diesel, as options. I just had a test drive of the X1 and was quite impressed. It fits into my budget and also gives me the BMW feel for the price.

Towards the end of the test drive, the sales guy mentioned that why dont you look at the 3 series as an option. Browsing through the CarWale website a couple of days ago, enlightened me that there is a new 3 Series launching sometime in June-August. I also confirmed this with the sales person. The confusion now arises that should I go in for the X1 or the 3 series or wait for the new 3 series.

I do understand that the 3 series and the X1 are two complete different cars and each has their own segment, but for me what matters is the BMW brand. The current 3 series has massive discounts and comes to a cheaper alternative to the X1 but will be considered 'outdated' within the next few months. The new 3 series is definately a notch above the current 3 series but will also come at a higher price tag. I might be wrong but with the new 3 series, it might be that the X1 also starts offering a better discount than it is today. 

Looking for a good solution!

In case of three Germans, it is always better to go for latest model. They depreciate very fast in used car market and hence newer version are suggested. You have to decide whether you want small SUV or a sedan. I believe, X1 has an edge over 3 series if you consider the rear seat space and Ground Clearance. However if you are keen on and executive sedan, go for latest 3-series. All the best.

Thank you so much for the reply. Will probably go for the X1.

But if you're talking about the rear space in the X1, I found it a bit too cramped and really doubt if 3 people can sit comfortably. Also the ground clearance was good but the ride quality is not what I expect for the price that Im paying. Also the steering was as stiff as a 1930 Fiat Padmini! Not like Ive driven it in 1930 but it was too stiff for a BMW!

I would pay around the same price for the new Volkswagen Passat with twice the features, smoother ride quality, cheaper service charges, but all at the loss of a brand. A bit confused! 

If you ask me, I will go with VW. My criteria of choosing the car is like getting max out of my money and in that case Passat fits best against X1 and 3-series.. So the decision is based on your perception and requirement.. I listen more to my head than heart in case of car..

So many people are not that satisfied with the quality of X1, specifically the vibbration issue on steering/gear lever. Stiffness on steering is new to me, it may be the case with Test vehicle.

All the best.

If you're talking about getting maximum out of the money, I must inform you that BMW is offering as much as Rs. 4 lakhs discount on the top of the line 3 series. It is definately because they want to get rid of their 3 series, considering they're coming up with a new 3 series. But that again makes it an attractive bargain against the Passat because Im getting all the features and a BMW at the cost of the Passat! 

The X1 is definately a no brainer considering no one is happy with it! Does anyone have any reviews about the Volvo S60? 

BMW sedans have very low ground clearance, they are super to drive on good roads but it is a real pain when the road conditions are bad. The success of X1 has more to do with its GC than anything else. I am in a similar dilemma as yours. Do not buy current 3. Next 3 will make the current 3 look really bad. Just how bad.. sit in a new 5 series and then sit in current 3.. you will get an idea. Next 3 is really good. However I can't buy 3 or 5 due to their terrible ground clearance. So that is how I am looking at x1 (top-end) as a more practical choice in spite of all its drawbacks (not the best looker outside, no classy feel inside.) My other choice is Yeti, but the top-end is very low on features (no electric seats, xenons, AT, bluetooth, etc.) My suggestion is to stick to X1 if you dread the low GC of BMW sedans or wait for new 3.

I am using a Passat now and that too has a low ground clearance. There is a difference of just 30mm between it and the 3 series. So far I havent faced an issue with the Passat and have it since 2 years and have clocked 47,000km on it. The only good thing about the X1 is the GC I guess, which in my case doesn't even matter that much. The Highline costs 38 lakhs on-road Mumbai and all I get is good GC? The steering is stiffer than any other car I've driven, the rear seat is too cramped and the car is a cross-over that doesn't fit any segment. Depsite its size from the outside there is very little room on the inside. 

I'm not saying that the 3 series is a bus from inside but atleast it gives me a look and the feel of a sedan. You are absolutely right about the new 3 thats coming up but price is a deal breaker for me! Im getting a crazy discount on the current highline model and lets face it, its a BMW after all! Ive scheduled a test drive for the 3 series tomorrow...will be making a choice soon. Will keep the forum posted! 

Thanks for all the help guys!

If GC is not a problem, then you are really lucky A friend of mine had ~8 lakhs repair bill on his new 5-series because it went over a small stone that kissed the transmission. All other cars in front his car cleared the stone and even his own front bumper cleared the stone. If you see the underneath of VW cars, they have excellent protection with metal guard, etc. and VW generally tweaks GC for Indian conditions. BMW just has paper fiber sheets underneath. This is in Bangalore where the road conditions are terrible.

I totally agree with your view on x1 vs a proper sedan. Internationally x1 has been criticized for a bit of cheapness inside out. However buyers in India have to deal with non-existent roads so it is seen as a practical alternative. If GC is not an issue - x1 makes a bad choice. Even if you see other forums in India where X1 owners have reviewed it, they mention GC as their key criteria. Enough said

I heard the new 3 will be introduced with a starting price of 28L ex-showroom - not sure of the specs though. I respect your view but I would not put my money on current 3 - it is a very 'enthusiast' oriented car and a poor executive sedan.

Talking about VW's protection, I was driving my Passat from Mumbai to Ahmedabad 2 months back. I dont know what exactly 'hit' the car from underneath, but the engine went off!! I was stuck on the highway for almost an hour until the 24X7 Car pickup guys tracked me down and I was towed to the VW showroom in Surat. It took the guys a week to fix the problem, even though they were very kind to offer me a loan car for the rest of my journey. 

What Im trying to say is that apart from the Ambasador, there is no car made for Indian Roads! We cant blame BMW, VW or anyone for our messy roads. No matter what the GC or suspension or make of the car is, its all your luck! 

About the new 3, 28 lakhs might be ex showroom Bangalore, but the guys at BMW Mumbai are guessing around 30 lakhs, and that to for the baseline. Here Im getting the Highline at the same price I bought my Passat 2 years back! Going through the features, it has everything a BMW should and also has my favorite, the sunroof!!  

Unless the ride is shockingly bumpy and stiff, I dont see any other option except the 3 series as of now! I cant wait for the test drive tomorrow! :O 

Will surely give a feedback here! Thanks again!

Not many people have managed to say no to current 3 after test drive!! What is the discount you are getting on ex-showroom price for the exclusive?

Can you share more details on the nature of the passat repair? Very unusual for a VW car - it has full metal jacket underneath - what they call rough road package.

Not sure about your age and driving habits: irrespective of the trim you buy for the upcoming 3 you will have the following advantages:

1. Gear shift knob. Sit inside 5-series and use the gear shift knob - it looks classy and it is so easy to use. Switching between sports and drive mode is amazing - I found the current 3's gear shift knob really old and clunky. Current 5's gearshift knob is by far the best part of BMW for me - and it is the best gearshift among all brands.

2. Better ride compared to the "for hardcore enthusiasts only" nature of current 3. This is the reason why 2nd hand market is flooded with 3s. Unlike in the west, most people who can afford a BMW in India are not young drivers without any passengers to please.

3. More space in the rear.

4. No thoughts of upgrade for sometime - with current 3, you might find yourself wondering.

Of course in the favor of current 3:

1. Good price vs spec.

2. Proven platform so you are not the early victim

3. Rocket, if you drive alone ;-)

Please share your feedback after the test drive.