[kattz]

Hello and greetings,

I have had Audi, DB, Renault, and VW, and after a very bad experience with AudiUSA, I went to Subaru and never looked back.

My daily driver is an '06 Forester SG LL Bean, and I am the original owner. I also have a very nicely appointed 2007 B9 Tribeca - a little homely, but Audi/BMW/Lexus quality inside.

Finally, my toy/track car is the last, the final EJ255 2012 Legacy GT built by Subaru. The absolute final car of that model, and only 32K miles on the clock. This 6-speed, Blausch turbo aspirated beast is pushing just under 600hp on the dyno.

Needless to say, the Forester has just under 300,000 miles on the clock, still running great, but I am so tired of it. The Tribeca with its 30EZ high compression flat 6 gets the fuel economy of an old Ford F150. The Legacy GT is not street legal at this point.

With the new oil leak issues, the cam carrier issues, and the absolutely shite CVT and the plethora of issues with them, no longer considering a new Subaru.. of any model.

I will be 60 next year. I want my car paid off when I retire, so looking at buying next year.

My wife can't drive, as she has advanced MS and is home-bound. The Forester will go to my daughter if she ever realizes her true potential, shows some energy for a brief moment, and gets a driver's license.

I have been considering two vehicles - the Acura RDX and the X2 M35i. I like the fastback look of the X2, and the X4 is just a little ugly - my opinion.

I'm a disabled vet with numerous spinal surgeries and can't get into the M440i Gran Coupe (pronounced Coup-ay for some odd reason).

The car has to be spunky, good fuel economy (not the RDX!), and well-equipped. Must last 15 years. All of my cars are garage-kept and well-maintained.

What is the opinion of the M Sport versions of the X1/X2?

Cheers!

Kev

[Ukfraser]

Your comment about spinal surgery raise a flag for me. Have you taken one for a serious test drive over rough roads?

[SnowCover]

OP,

due to the fact you mentioned health issues, I absolutely recommend AGAINST getting X1/X2 with M Sport, which comes with M Sport suspension.

especially since your location says SW Ohio. I assume you mean the Cincinnati region. Knowing the condition of streets and highways over there, I again urge you to consider other options. Of course, if Ohio has dramatically improved the roads within the last 4 to 7 years, then I guess it's alright. Go Bearcats!

Last, but not least. You mentioned that you want it to last 15 years. That's nearly impossible on any modern BMW. Well, yes, it will last 15 years, but you will be facing major repairs bills. (unless a Subaru, Toyota, Lexus... I can personally testify that those 3 can easily last 15 to 23 years with only routine maintenance and replacement of the usual wear & tear items)

bear in mind that I absolutely love my 2023 X1 M Sport.... but if I was faced with those three issues/requirements, I will not get the X1. I do have BMW Platinum plan that can cover me after the factory warranty runs out, but that will only last until 100,000 miles.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by SnowCover

OP,

due to the fact you mentioned health issues, I absolutely recommend AGAINST getting X1/X2 with M Sport, which comes with M Sport suspension.

especially since your location says SW Ohio. I assume you mean the Cincinnati region. Knowing the condition of streets and highways over there, I again urge you to consider other options. Of course, if Ohio has dramatically improved the roads within the last 4 to 7 years, then I guess it's alright. Go Bearcats!

Last, but not least. You mentioned that you want it to last 15 years. That's nearly impossible on any modern BMW. Well, yes, it will last 15 years, but you will be facing major repairs bills. (unless a Subaru, Toyota, Lexus... I can personally testify that those 3 can easily last 15 to 23 years with only routine maintenance and replacement of the usual wear & tear items)

bear in mind that I absolutely love my 2023 X1 M Sport.... but if I was faced with those three issues/requirements, I will not get the X1. I do have BMW Platinum plan that can cover me after the factory warranty runs out, but that will only last until 100,000 miles.

I disagree on the maintenance, as long as you keep up with it, it will only be marginally more expensive than a Japanese car. My ‘03 3 series is still going strong and requires very little in cost to buy any needed common replacement parts. My other BMWs have required very little other than basic maintenance over the years. Every manufacturer has a black sheep though, the X1 might be it for BMW with all the issues with ID9. Subaru has oil pickup issues in the latest BRZ which can kill the motor, Toyota Siennas and Tacomas can require extensive disassembly just to change spark plugs or service the A/C. Not every manufacturer is perfect, but BMW has a kind of false reputation about being expensive to maintain.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by kattz

Hello and greetings,

I have had Audi, DB, Renault, and VW, and after a very bad experience with AudiUSA, I went to Subaru and never looked back.

My daily driver is an '06 Forester SG LL Bean, and I am the original owner. I also have a very nicely appointed 2007 B9 Tribeca - a little homely, but Audi/BMW/Lexus quality inside.

Finally, my toy/track car is the last, the final EJ255 2012 Legacy GT built by Subaru. The absolute final car of that model, and only 32K miles on the clock. This 6-speed, Blausch turbo aspirated beast is pushing just under 600hp on the dyno.

Needless to say, the Forester has just under 300,000 miles on the clock, still running great, but I am so tired of it. The Tribeca with its 30EZ high compression flat 6 gets the fuel economy of an old Ford F150. The Legacy GT is not street legal at this point.

With the new oil leak issues, the cam carrier issues, and the absolutely shite CVT and the plethora of issues with them, no longer considering a new Subaru.. of any model.

I will be 60 next year. I want my car paid off when I retire, so looking at buying next year.

My wife can't drive, as she has advanced MS and is home-bound. The Forester will go to my daughter if she ever realizes her true potential, shows some energy for a brief moment, and gets a driver's license.

I have been considering two vehicles - the Acura RDX and the X2 M35i. I like the fastback look of the X2, and the X4 is just a little ugly - my opinion.

I'm a disabled vet with numerous spinal surgeries and can't get into the M440i Gran Coupe (pronounced [...]

If your back causes you issues, you probably won’t like the M Sport. BMWs are notorious for having a firmer ride than most other makes, and the X1 is no exception. Coupled with the fact that it doesn’t have an available adaptive suspension, you’ll find little relief for your back. I’d suggest taking one on a test drive if possible on the worst roads in your area, that will give you a better idea. The new X3 models should be showing on dealer lots around now, you may want to test drive one and you may be surprised at how spunky the 30i model is. The X3 should offer more comfort with its better suspension and slightly longer wheelbase.

[markronnie]

I agree with Snowcover.
If you do decide on the X1 or X2 I would recommend sticking with the standard 18” wheels or the 19”. While they both have a stiffer ride, then say an Acura RDX, larger sizes with thinner side walks will have a harsher ride for certain. Remember BMW are a drivers vehicle while RDX’s rides more comfortable over bumps. Some on this forum even compared the 3rd generation X1 or X2 (2023-2025) to a go cart.

Also, suggest to get the lumbar support option & possibly the massage option(s). Not sure if the are combined into 1 or separate options.

[kattz]

Thanks for the info!

I have looked at the X3 M50, and it is indeed very nice. Both it and the X4 M40 are being considered as well.

I live in hill country about 50 miles from Cincinnati. The winding, twisty, steep roads are more like West Virginia or Tennessee, and are in decent shape. I flog the Legacy GT on it when the weather is dry and warm, and even with its 30mm sway bars, 285/35 19 Yokohama slicks, and Race Comp Engineering suspension and coilovers, the roads are still ok.

Thanks to the USAF, I have 50+ titanium bits in my spine, but thankfully the pain is low. It's the inability to bend easily that keeps me out of the M440i. However, not looking for a harsh everyday ride.

Maintenance costs are a concern, and non-Bimmer owners recoil when I tell them I'm interested in a Bimmer. "You'll get a great one or a lemon" is the typical response.

Interested in something that is sharp, handling is fast and tight, and some muscle under the hood. If I could get 33mpg, the B58 engine platform would be it for me. That beast is near bulletproof.

Appreciate all of the advice.

Cheers

Kev

[SnowCover]

Originally Posted by kattz

Thanks for the info!

I have looked at the X3 M50, and it is indeed very nice. Both it and the X4 M40 are being considered as well.

I live in hill country about 50 miles from Cincinnati. The winding, twisty, steep roads are more like West Virginia or Tennessee, and are in decent shape. I flog the Legacy GT on it when the weather is dry and warm, and even with its 30mm sway bars, 285/35 19 Yokohama slicks, and Race Comp Engineering suspension and coilovers, the roads are still ok.

Thanks to the USAF, I have 50+ titanium bits in my spine, but thankfully the pain is low. It's the inability to bend easily that keeps me out of the M440i. However, not looking for a harsh everyday ride.

Maintenance costs are a concern, and non-Bimmer owners recoil when I tell them I'm interested in a Bimmer. "You'll get a great one or a lemon" is the typical response.

Interested in something that is sharp, handling is fast and tight, and some muscle under the hood. If I could get 33mpg, the B58 engine platform would be it for me. That beast is near bulletproof.

Appreciate all of the advice.

Cheers

Kev

this is probably going to get me in serious trouble on a BMW forum, but I'm going to say it anyway. it's my personal experience within the last 3 years.

based on what you've said so far, I think you will probably want to look into the Porsche Macan as well. since you're already considering the X3 M50, your budget is already into Macan territory.

an unmodified Macan will provide a much more fun and compliant ride on twisty roads. that's my experience driving my friend's Macan. I used to think that the Macan was just a glorified VW or Audi, but I changed my mind after spending time with it.

yes, a Porsche Macan will be more expensive to maintain and out-of-warranty repair will not be cheap. but I have no doubt that you can keep it for 15 years, if you can afford it. (but not much more than the cost of X3 M50 ownership over 15 years)

[kattz]

Originally Posted by SnowCover

this is probably going to get me in serious trouble on a BMW forum, but I'm going to say it anyway. it's my personal experience within the last 3 years.

based on what you've said so far, I think you will probably want to look into the Porsche Macan as well. since you're already considering the X3 M50, your budget is already into Macan territory.

an unmodified Macan will provide a much more fun and compliant ride on twisty roads. that's my experience driving my friend's Macan. I used to think that the Macan was just a glorified VW or Audi, but I changed my mind after spending time with it.

yes, a Porsche Macan will be more expensive to maintain and out-of-warranty repair will not be cheap. but I have no doubt that you can keep it for 15 years, if you can afford it. (but not much more than the cost of X3 M50 ownership over 15 years)

Interesting. I had not considered that because there is an up charge in the local area for any portion vehicle. I'll take a look thanks

[SnowCover]

Originally Posted by kattz

Interesting. I had not considered that because there is an up charge in the local area for any portion vehicle. I'll take a look thanks

at the very least, go check out a Macan at a dealer... drive it around for comparison. don't order too many options and the Macan is actually quite reasonably priced(compared to a new X3 M50.. yes, I know they are not the same size).

I'm lucky because I don't have to spend the extra money to buy my own Macan. My friend owns one and he's very happy whenever I borrow it. mostly because he gets to say "see? my Porsche is better than your Bimmer!" I don't mind at all.. a friend with a Porsche you can borrow anytime is a true friend! (unlike my other so-called good friend who makes a face when I borrow his F-150 for a short trip to Home Depot)

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by kattz

Interesting. I had not considered that because there is an up charge in the local area for any portion vehicle. I'll take a look thanks

You want a "bulletproof" car to replace a Subaru that will be issue-free for 15 years, and you are going to consider a Porsche? And you are not looking for a harsh ride but you want an M35i? Are you messing with us?

[kattz]

Originally Posted by tex2670

You want a "bulletproof" car to replace a Subaru that will be issue-free for 15 years, and you are going to consider a Porsche? And you are not looking for a harsh ride but you want an M35i? Are you messing with us?

Not messing with you, looking for information.

Lets get one thing out of the way... I work with Subaru, Toyota, Acura, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and Mazda as a tier 1 supplier every day. Most of these brands I would not buy for my own reasons. I have owned five (5) Subaru vehicles. The US models we are seeing in the USDM market are not what the brand was from a quality aspect, nor a reliability aspect.

Examples:

Coworker 1 had an SG Forester, bought the next model, CVT fell apart, Subaru replaced it, second one failed, she got tired of the issues and bought a 2018. Engine out twice for oil leaks and still had transmission issues. Now drives another brand.

Coworker 2 had a 2012 Outback, CVT failed x 3, traded in for another brand.

Coworker 3 bought his 3rd Subaru in 2020, was an Impreza with the EJ engine, ring lands failed on 2 cylinders, he gave the car back to Subaru and got another brand.

Neighbor has a 2024 Crosstrek, engine out x 3 for oil leaks.

Manager has a 2023 Outback Wilderness, never offroad, CVT burned up. No trailers... Changed transmission, second one has shift issues, and the FA24 is leaking oil.

Nephew had a 2015 Forester, CVT continuously had shift issues. Traded for 2022 Impreza, CVT failed twice, second time I called SOA on their behalf and they repaired the transmission second time at 40k miles. Car is now in the shop for oil pump failure.

My first Subaru OBS was sucking coolant, after much fighting with the dealer, short block was replaced by SOA and #3 cylinder was 0.097" out of round from manufacture, cylinder wall was worn thru and coolant was being ingested. After short block change, head gaskets wouldn't stop leaking. Traded for the SG Forester I'm now driving and no issues.

But the brand isn't what it was.

I'm still keeping my 2007 B9 Tribeca and my 2012 LGT.

This whole discussion is regarding a new daily driver.

I have moved away from the X1 and X2 since I opened this discussion.

I don't want an X3. No offense, but it looks like every other SUV out there.

If I could get into and out of the 4-series Gran Coupe without issues due to the lack of flexibility in my back, this conversation would be over.

I am looking at the X4 series. It is very quick and the M40 and the X4 with the M Sport package both handle well enough for me and have enough grunt under the hood the be satisfactory. I am not turned off by the looks. I like the fastback, and if I buy one it will have the Individual option in Java Green II Metallic.

I do appreciate everyone's info and comments here.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by kattz

Not messing with you, looking for information.

Lets get one thing out of the way... I work with Subaru, Toyota, Acura, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and Mazda as a tier 1 supplier every day. Most of these brands I would not buy for my own reasons. I have owned five (5) Subaru vehicles. The US models we are seeing in the USDM market are not what the brand was from a quality aspect, nor a reliability aspect.

Examples:

Coworker 1 had an SG Forester, bought the next model, CVT fell apart, Subaru replaced it, second one failed, she got tired of the issues and bought a 2018. Engine out twice for oil leaks and still had transmission issues. Now drives another brand.

Coworker 2 had a 2012 Outback, CVT failed x 3, traded in for another brand.

Coworker 3 bought his 3rd Subaru in 2020, was an Impreza with the EJ engine, ring lands failed on 2 cylinders, he gave the car back to Subaru and got another brand.

Neighbor has a 2024 Crosstrek, engine out x 3 for oil leaks.

Manager has a 2023 Outback Wilderness, never offroad, CVT burned up. No trailers... Changed transmission, second one has shift issues, and the FA24 is leaking oil.

Nephew had a 2015 Forester, CVT continuously had shift issues. Traded for 2022 Impreza, CVT failed twice, second time I called SOA on their behalf and they repaired the transmission second time at 40k miles. Car is now in the shop for oil pump failure.

My first Subaru OBS was sucking coolant, after much fighting with the dealer, short block was replaced by SOA and #3 cylinder was 0.097" out of round from manufacture, cylinder wall was worn thru and coolant was being ingested. After short block change, head gaskets wouldn't stop leaking. Traded for the SG Forester I'm now driving and no issues.

But the brand isn't what it was.

I'm still keeping my 2007 B9 Tribeca and my 2012 LGT.

This whole discussion is regarding a new daily driver.

I have moved away from the X1 and X2 since I opened this discussion.

I don't want an X3. No offense, but it looks like every other SUV out there.

If I could get into and out of the 4-series Gran Coupe without issues due to the lack of flexibility in my back, this conversation would be over.

I am looking at the X4 series. It is very quick and the M40 and the X4 with the M Sport package both handle well enough for me and have enough grunt under the hood the be satisfactory. I am not turned off by the looks. I like the fastback, and if I buy one it will have the Individual option in Java Green II Metallic.

I do appreciate everyone's info and comments here.

TL;DR.

Best of luck in your search.

[west1]

i can only tell you, not sell you. i've been bmw exclusive since 2001 (E46 330i) and just bought a 2025 X1 M35i this week.

if you take care of your BMW, it'll run just fine. if you don't do regular maintenance and avoid issues, you'll pay for it down the line.

i've had excellent owneship experiences with M54 engines, N54 engines and now this new 4 banger turbo, B48, which is sublime to drive.

sure, on my N54 ad N55, i blew the charge pipes (E93 335is and 2017 M2), but they're plastic and known failure points. so i replaced them with aluminum ones and no problems.

sure, an electronic water pump can fail. so replace it.

BMW isn't a Japanese ownership experience but it's also not a Japanese driving experience either.

as others have stated, the MSport seats and suspension might be too firm for your body's condition. go drive one and experience it.

the 28i is also a really nice X1. and the M35i without Msport will meet all your needs.

bottom line, the X1 is a driver's SUV. and for reference, it maps out to the same size almost identically interior and exterior to E53 (gen 1 X5), F25 (X3 35i Msport which i'm about to sell) but the new X1 G11 is around 6 inches shorter nose to asp.

and the G11 is better in every category than the above two comparo gens/models. less weight, more hp, better torque, better MPG, lighter suv, and the build quality and overall design are top notch.

i'd avoid any VW products (porsche, vw, audi) as they're all trouble down the road per my mechanic. one my warranty wears out, i go to an indie that has serviced all 13+ of my BMWs over the years.

ask away if you have any additional specific questions.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by west1

i can only tell you, not sell you. i've been bmw exclusive since 2001 (E46 330i) and just bought a 2025 X1 M35i this week.

if you take care of your BMW, it'll run just fine. if you don't do regular maintenance and avoid issues, you'll pay for it down the line.

i've had excellent owneship experiences with M54 engines, N54 engines and now this new 4 banger turbo, B48, which is sublime to drive.

sure, on my N54 ad N55, i blew the charge pipes (E93 335is and 2017 M2), but they're plastic and known failure points. so i replaced them with aluminum ones and no problems.

sure, an electronic water pump can fail. so replace it.

BMW isn't a Japanese ownership experience but it's also not a Japanese driving experience either.

as others have stated, the MSport seats and suspension might be too firm for your body's condition. go drive one and experience it.

the 28i is also a really nice X1. and the M35i without Msport will meet all your needs.

bottom line, the X1 is a driver's SUV. and for reference, it maps out to the same size almost identically interior and exterior to E53 (gen 1 X5), F25 (X3 35i Msport which i'm about to sell) but the new X1 G11 is around 6 inches shorter nose to asp.

and the G11 is better in every category than the above two comparo gens/models. less weight, more hp, better torque, better MPG, lighter suv, and the build quality and overall design are top notch.

i'd avoid any VW products (porsche, vw, audi) as they're all trouble down the road per my mechanic. one my warranty wears out, i go to an indie that has serviced all 13+ of my BMWs over the years.

ask away if you have any additional specific questions.

U11, not G11.

And the FWD based X1 is NOT "better" in every category over an X3 or X5. If you want a better "driver's" car, you get a RWD based BMW, pure and simple.

[west1]

Originally Posted by tex2670

U11, not G11.

And the FWD based X1 is NOT "better" in every category over an X3 or X5. If you want a better "driver's" car, you get a RWD based BMW, pure and simple.

having owned both E53 and F25, the U11 is quite an improvement.

my DD is my 2017 M2. totally different experience than a SUV.

for any of the BMW SUVs, this new X1 is a great build and drive. an SUV will never be a coupe or sedan. so the comparo isn't even relative.

today's X5 is a fat beast. the X7 is ridiculous in size. but i'm not the target buyer so my opinion(s) are just my own.

for the blend of drivability, fun and efficiency, this X1 is going to sell a lot of copies.

[SnowCover]

Originally Posted by west1

having owned both E53 and F25, the U11 is quite an improvement.

my DD is my 2017 M2. totally different experience than a SUV.

for any of the BMW SUVs, this new X1 is a great build and drive. an SUV will never be a coupe or sedan. so the comparo isn't even relative.

today's X5 is a fat beast. the X7 is ridiculous in size. but i'm not the target buyer so my opinion(s) are just my own.

for the blend of drivability, fun and efficiency, this X1 is going to sell a lot of copies.

don't forget the new X3. I had such high hopes for it. Ordered one a while ago. Got to test drive one finally... then cancelled my order after the test drive. It drove beautifully. Handled way better than my '23 X1 with M Sport suspension. Unfortunately, the X3 is just way too unattractive to me. The rear half resembles a Kia minivan. Especially a white X3. The interior had way too many cheap-looking plastic. Guess I'll have to wait for the X1 LCI or perhaps something else from Mercedes or Audi.

[west1]

Originally Posted by SnowCover

don't forget the new X3. I had such high hopes for it. Ordered one a while ago. Got to test drive one finally... then cancelled my order after the test drive. It drove beautifully. Handled way better than my '23 X1 with M Sport suspension. Unfortunately, the X3 is just way too unattractive to me. The rear half resembles a Kia minivan. Especially a white X3. The interior had way too many cheap-looking plastic. Guess I'll have to wait for the X1 LCI or perhaps something else from Mercedes or Audi.

we drive the X3M, current gen. very nice SUV. if i had kids still and needed/wanted a sporty family hauler, that would be great.

we looked at the iX. too spaceship for me and it tanks on all resale values so i wasn't going to blow so much money for a vehicle.

i saw the new X3 when buying the 25 X1 and frankly, the X1 M35 is a much better looking suv. the new X3 looks like it gained a bunch of weight.

im sure BMW knows who their target buyers are. but the funny thing is the E53, F25 and this new U11 are nearly identically sized.

i just don't want to own these jumbo suvs.

GL on those MB or Audis. i never got into them. the design language and driving experience don't speak to me. nothing against them. i've just become very used to BMW.

[SnowCover]

Originally Posted by west1

GL on those MB or Audis. i never got into them. the design language and driving experience don't speak to me. nothing against them. i've just become very used to BMW.

I agree... which is why I want to wait and see if MB and Audi will repent and come up with sensible and good-looking re-designs in a year or two!

[jimma_uk]

Originally Posted by tex2670

If you want a better "driver's" car, you get a RWD based BMW, pure and simple.

I don’t understand the love for RWD cars. I’ve owned RWD and FWD and much prefer the practicality of having FWD, especially in the wet.

[J-RO]

But love is what makes a Subaru a Subaru!!!!!!

[kattz]

Originally Posted by J-RO

But love is what makes a Subaru a Subaru!!!!!!