The BMW E84 X1 35i and Why You Should Buy One

Used BMW E84 X1 Purchase Recommendations

In the market for a used car? Ask yourself these 5 questions and consider the X1 35i.

Do you need 4 doors?
Do you need AWD?
Do you like a sportier ride?
Do you like to modify your cars?
Do you like performance?
Are you looking for something fun to drive?

If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, read on as to why you should consider a used BMW E84 X1 35i M Sport.

Let’s address question number 1. If your next car needs to be a 4 door for some reason. IDK, maybe you have kids or you just like two extra doors because you think they’re cool. Hell, maybe you’re like me and you like to put groceries in the back seat and car parts in the back hatch. I’m not hating on 4 doors. Besides, I’m driving a BMW X1 35i right now 🙂

Question number 2 is an easy one for me. I live in the Northeast and we get snow. Even if you do not live in the snow belt, AWD is beneficial. BMW’s xDrive system is working all the time, whether the road is dry, wet or snow covered. xDrive can transfer power to any one wheel if it has traction and get you out of a tough spot. Another “yes” for me.

Question number 3. I definitely like a sportier ride. The BMW X1 35i is on the firmer side when it comes to ride compliance. Especially if you opt for an M-Sport package car (my preference for a number of reasons.) Not only does the M-Sport package come with a sportier suspension, it also comes with an oil cooler. The later may not seem like a big deal for your average consumer, and it’s not if have no plans on building a performance X1. If you start modifying your BMW E84 X1 35i, your gonna want an oil cooler. BTW, the ride quality of an M-Sport is firm but not bumpy. Feels perfect if you want some handling and feedback.

Question number 4. If you like to modify your cars, the N55 engine found in the X1 35i is a great platform to start with. The “twin-scroll” turbo in the N55 is a single housing, dual vein hybrid turbo. The idea is that it can spool fast like a little turbo and move a sufficient amount of air up=top. Unfortunately, if you want to make big power, this turbo will need to be replaced. My suggestion is the Pure Turbo Stage 1. You can go with the Stage 2 but I recommend starting with the stage 1. Besides, it’s plenty for the sleeper. Moving to a stage 2 turbo requires a port injection system for added fuel and tuning starts to get a little more finicky. Up to you but he stage 1 makes a lot of power and sees big gains up top. Pure says the S1 makes 70 more hp up top.

Question number 5 – Do you like performance? Well, do ya? I don’t think you’d be reading my blog if you didn’t. Just mark question 5 as a yes.

OK, the Q&A is over and I think you get my point. The BMW E84 E84 X1 35i is a great vehicle for a lot of car buyers out there. It is basically a BMW E90 335Xi or E91 to be more accurate with a little more ground clearance, utility, and a hatchback. The electronics and drive-train are the same, which means there’s a ton of aftermarket accessories and mods available. The E90 335xi is to the BMW world, what the Mustang or the Chevy 350 small block are to the domestic world.

Pros of the BMW E84 X1 35i:

N55 Engine with 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque available @ 1,300 rpm
Proper hydraulic steering instead of BMW’s numb or dumb electric steering (BMW has done a better job with the G chassis platform.)
Excellent handling, especially with the M Sport package (my recommendation)
Tons of modifications available from both BMW and the aftermarket
Crossover like versatility
Enough technology for most of us (i would like Apple Carplay though)
BMW’s Awesome xDrive AWD system

Cons of the BMW E84 X1 35i:

Gas mileage – my daily commute consists of a mix of roads and I average 20.8 MPG with mods
6-Speed automatic – shifts much better in sport mode but performs best with the Alpina B3 software flash

What to look for in a used BMW E84 X1 35i:

The BMW E84 X1 35i was only available in North America and was only produced for 3 years. During this production run there were very few changes. BMW added connected drive service in 2014, so our recommendation would be to look for a 2014 or 2015.
In terms of options, the M sport package is a must if you plan on performance modifications. The M sport package includes an oil cooler and becomes a real necessity if you start increasing the horsepower of your N55. Not to mention the beautiful M sport aerodynamics and body colored moldings.

This is the standard equipment list for the 2015 X1 35i.

This is the package list for the 2015 BMW E84 X1 35i. Get the M Sport if you can find one

Packages and options for the BMW X1 35i in 2015

Here’s a list of our recommendations in a BMW E84 X1:

M Sport Package
Ultimate Package
Harmon-Kardon Sound

Summary:

Buy a BMW E84 X1 35i. You won’t be disappointed but you’ll need to search for the right car. Most E84 X1’s in the US were 28i xDrives, so finding a 35i may take a little work but it’s worth it. Let us know if you have any questions.