My X4 1000km review...The Good, The Bad, The Surprising

Bimar · 11-24-2014, 11:22 AM

Hi all finally reached the 1000km milestone and first scratch so my car is fully baptized here is my review. The X3/4 forum has been valuable in me understanding the car and hope this wil also help someone.

Firstly when choosing I always wanted the X3 and joined this forum due to this until the X4 was announced and was dead set to wait -->>> http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=521361

Along the way the Macan came had a brief moment of weakness here -->>> http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1038394 but decided on it over Macan due to

I like the X4 look better, very unique looking and I always like different and loved the X6 but found it too big and too ostentatious.
Tech way better ie Gadget and Gizmos
Performance and handling gap too small to make a difference for me, I ain't no Boy racer.
The Macan was cramped inside, X1 size comes to mind
Looks like a Cayenne which Everyone has and people can't differentiate so no stand out appeal.

My options on my N20 over the nice standard features

Comfort Acesss
Power seats
Xline
HIFI Stereo
Surround Cameras
Beige Leather

Option I regret not taking

Lights package
Driver assist

The likes

Drives and handles like a dream yet I have no VDC.
In Melbourne red and beige interior it's stunning and quite a head turner, I get some honks and kudos quite a lot.
DRLs are very bright everyone wonder which Beemer it is in fact my SA gotten calls asking which Bimmer is that for the X4 is still rare and exclusive.....at least for now.
I have enough Torque to leave 95% of the cars on the road in the dust with my N20, don't need more power.
My fav option, Surround view Cameras and HIFI systems which rocks, best stereo in any car I have owned, not skipping that option ever again!

Dislikes

After seating in the Macan, the X4 seats are a joke, there not bad but BMW need to up their game for everyone else has ie Merc, Audi, Porsche and bring some of the 5 series level luxury to 3/4 level, sat in new X5 comforts seats and they were wow!
Tiny idrive controller for non Nav option, Looks like a toy!
Old cluster if no Nav also, I hate BMW doing this to us, why not let me order it without being forced to take Prof Nav which is a waste.
Automatic tailgate is a liability, cause of my first scratch and paint chip.
No dual exhaust like the X6.
No LEDs on indicators etc, really BMW?
Beige interior higher maintenance than expected, still worth the look.
Start stop can be annoying.
The Consumption figures are a lie.

Surprises

Rear visibility not as bad as I thought , I am used to it and the Surround Cameras are a must for this car, wifes 1 series rear is worse.
In N20 form it's so quiet, the soundproofing is amazing, was not too happy at first, but why do I need a large exhaust note, enjoying the quietness and my HIFI sound.
The Runflats are pretty forgiving compared to the old, ride actually more cushy.
With 18" rims with regular suspension ride is not chattery or stiff on bad roads.
Comfort Access lights on the handles are so nice when they light at night and rear dome light is so cool at night.
Bluetooth radio is now standard with USB 6NH.
Copper trim look like dark mahogany contrasts the Beige well ordered without seeing it.

Concerns being addressed by dealer under warranty

Slight rattle on the center piano black trim
Front seat already creased, WTH?

So who is the X4 for?

"If you think a 3 Series wagon is too carlike, an X3 too much like a boring SUV, a 3 Series Gran Turismo practical but not sporty enough, a 4 Series Gran Coupe sporty but not practical enough, and you definitely don't want to drive a 3 Series sedan like everyone else, then the X4 is the perfect vehicle for you." http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#__federated=1

So very happy for now however BMW need to up their game, waiting to see what the 2nd Gen Macan brings, if they sort the Tech and cramped interior it maybe my very next car if Bimmer continue with the same trend of giving Series 3/4 lower grade seats and materials unlike Series 5 and above.

PS
NOT gotten time to take photos, I will leave this placeholder teasers and update later but wanted to post review in the interim.

predator · 11-24-2014, 12:30 PM

The consumptionfigures are a joke , i drive an N20 too and mixed i have a consumption of 11,5/ 100km and its getting worse not better , have 4200 km now and contacted my dealer for a check up , i am afraid to use the car in sports modus because then i consume 13L/100 km

Bimar · 11-24-2014, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by predator

The consumptionfigures are a joke , i drive an N20 too and mixed i have a consumption of 11,5/ 100km and its getting worse not better , have 4200 km now and contacted my dealer for a check up , i am afraid to use the car in sports modus because then i consume 13L/100 km

Sports mode is a blast though, it catches me off guard

Sarsippius3rd · 11-24-2014, 12:48 PM

Very nice assessment. I have an x4 Msport in Melbourne red with the mocha interior. 3k miles on it and still loving it like day one. My car as well had been baptised, but sadly by my kids using the door as an art easel, and a rock as their crayon. Fortunately the dealer was able to buff out most but 2 scratches. Enjoy the car. I do!

PIEZON · 11-24-2014, 01:23 PM

Great pictures! Awesome look! Hmmmm maybe I'll consider. :-)

Bimar · 11-24-2014, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarsippius3rd

Very nice assessment. I have an x4 Msport in Melbourne red with the mocha interior. 3k miles on it and still loving it like day one. My car as well had been baptised, but sadly by my kids using the door as an art easel, and a rock as their crayon. Fortunately the dealer was able to buff out most but 2 scratches. Enjoy the car. I do!

Mine pals kid accidentally pressed the open trunk button in driver side and the tailgate had nowhere to go but scrape a surface for was in a tight spot. hope Dr color get Melbourne red so I order.

Yocal · 11-24-2014, 03:32 PM

Nice review. Only got to drive my X4 for 3 weeks before my accident (~800 miles). Eagerly awaiting its return.

TomaGo · 11-24-2014, 05:39 PM

Hello
Nice review and Nice X4, thank you.

Thomas

Andy_o · 11-25-2014, 02:01 AM

Any chance of more pics

Bimar · 11-25-2014, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_o

Any chance of more pics

yeah by weekend, been a bit lazy mostly enjoying the car

Big geordie · 11-25-2014, 03:45 PM

Sorry to hear about damage to your new x4 s. But think i can beat most babtism,s. My car has been baptized / damaged in collision with a deer. Mashed front air grill / broken fog light / front wing respray. goes in on monday 3 days for repair and hefty bill. £733. ouch. well i new BMWs are not cheap.

Yocal · 11-25-2014, 04:28 PM

Unlucky, Big geordie. But nothing will beat the $20,000 repair bill for my X4. At least I get to win at something.

Bimar · 11-25-2014, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big geordie

Sorry to hear about damage to your new x4 s. But think i can beat most babtism,s. My car has been baptized / damaged in collision with a deer. Mashed front air grill / broken fog light / front wing respray. goes in on monday 3 days for repair and hefty bill. £733. ouch. well i new BMWs are not cheap.

Ouch, that sucks! So you must be one of the first owners in the UK?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yocal

Unlucky, Big geordie. But nothing will beat the $20,000 repair bill for my X4. At least I get to win at something.

Triple ouch, hope your car will soon be out.

Big geordie · 11-26-2014, 06:44 AM

Inamik 75 .Picked car up 1st september, have only seen 1 other in white m sport. very rare breed so far.

Yocal. you win hands down unfortunatley. what the ::::: did u hit. hope all goes well with repairs.

Bimar · 11-27-2014, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big geordie

Inamik 75 .Picked car up 1st September, have only seen 1 other in white m sport. very rare breed so far.
.

my dealer just got one a white Msport, enjoying the exclusivity while it lasts.

Bimar · 11-29-2014, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_o

Any chance of more pics

attached pics from my Samsung S5

barcelona · 11-30-2014, 05:31 PM

Beautiful pics, Inamik75. I like the red & beige interior. The auto start stop can be defaulted to last use. What wax/polish do you use and yet have no white powder residue on the black trim? Also, do I see correctly, gas refill door covers on both sides?

Bimar · 11-30-2014, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barcelona

Beautiful pics, Inamik75. I like the red & beige interior. The auto start stop can be defaulted to last use. What wax/polish do you use and yet have no white powder residue on the black trim? Also, do I see correctly, gas refill door covers on both sides?

I flipped photos for effect, I only have one tank cover

Have residue on black trim from day of collection, I think dealer waxed car, can it be removed? Have not waxed yet but use Turtle wax Zip car wash which says it has wax in it, not sure if this product is good or bad used for over 10 years with no issues. Where do I default start/stop, I see nowwhere in idrive or is it a coding thing?

barcelona · 12-01-2014, 09:17 AM

Auto start stop. For x3/f25, dealer did 3 hr programing, now defaulted to last user mode. 1st time no charge.
For x5/f15, no programing needed, it remembers and recalls last user mode.
http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/08/13/bm...stop-settings/

White residue, try Maguire's back to black. For wax, I use Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax as it leaves no white residue. Maybe it is a polish rather than a wax, as most/all? wax leave residue. Only dark graphite it did leave a haze behind, maybe I put to much product on. I am looking for a durable wax without residue, so far it is the Meguires Ultimate Wax, I think turtle wax has a product.

Bimar · 12-01-2014, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barcelona

Auto start stop. For x3/f25, dealer did 3 hr programing, now defaulted to last user mode. 1st time no charge.
For x5/f15, no programing needed, it remembers and recalls last user mode.
http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/08/13/bm...stop-settings/

White residue, try Maguire's back to black. For wax, I use Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax as it leaves no white residue. Maybe it is a polish rather than a wax, as most/all? wax leave residue. Only dark graphite it did leave a haze behind, maybe I put to much product on. I am looking for a durable wax without residue, so far it is the Meguires Ultimate Wax, I think turtle wax has a product.

3 hours?.

I will ask, not sure how good it is to keep going off with turbos spinning. So let me get this right are you saying there is a difference between wax and Polish ég turtle wax product vs Meguires wax?

Bimar · 06-23-2015, 01:47 PM

At 5000km had first service, car still in great shape and shiny. Best part still the only car I have ever owned where I stare at it each time, very happy. Recently drive a 30d F15 X5 and was surprised how much smoother it was to the X4, very Lexus like without the lumbering feel.

Bimar · 07-20-2016, 01:35 PM

Just an update been almost 2 years over 10000miles currently. Still lovely drive just a slight rattle in rear trunk trim. The Melbourne red and beige interior have held well and still a head turner. Been looking to replace but nothing seems to be better in the market apart from X6/5 but too big for me. If the X4M40i had an upgraded interior and seats would upgrade in a heartbeat.

11-24-2014, 11:22 AM	#1
Bimar Colonel 800 Rep 2,599 Posts Drives: Bmw X Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Www iTrader: (0)	My X4 1000km review...The Good, The Bad, The Surprising Hi all finally reached the 1000km milestone and first scratch so my car is fully baptized here is my review. The X3/4 forum has been valuable in me understanding the car and hope this wil also help someone. Firstly when choosing I always wanted the X3 and joined this forum due to this until the X4 was announced and was dead set to wait -->>> http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=521361 Along the way the Macan came had a brief moment of weakness here -->>> http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1038394 but decided on it over Macan due to I like the X4 look better, very unique looking and I always like different and loved the X6 but found it too big and too ostentatious. Tech way better ie Gadget and Gizmos Performance and handling gap too small to make a difference for me, I ain't no Boy racer. The Macan was cramped inside, X1 size comes to mind Looks like a Cayenne which Everyone has and people can't differentiate so no stand out appeal. My options on my N20 over the nice standard features Comfort Acesss Power seats Xline HIFI Stereo Surround Cameras Beige Leather Option I regret not taking Lights package Driver assist The likes Drives and handles like a dream yet I have no VDC. In Melbourne red and beige interior it's stunning and quite a head turner, I get some honks and kudos quite a lot. DRLs are very bright everyone wonder which Beemer it is in fact my SA gotten calls asking which Bimmer is that for the X4 is still rare and exclusive.....at least for now. I have enough Torque to leave 95% of the cars on the road in the dust with my N20, don't need more power. My fav option, Surround view Cameras and HIFI systems which rocks, best stereo in any car I have owned, not skipping that option ever again! Dislikes After seating in the Macan, the X4 seats are a joke, there not bad but BMW need to up their game for everyone else has ie Merc, Audi, Porsche and bring some of the 5 series level luxury to 3/4 level, sat in new X5 comforts seats and they were wow! Tiny idrive controller for non Nav option, Looks like a toy! Old cluster if no Nav also, I hate BMW doing this to us, why not let me order it without being forced to take Prof Nav which is a waste. Automatic tailgate is a liability, cause of my first scratch and paint chip. No dual exhaust like the X6. No LEDs on indicators etc, really BMW? Beige interior higher maintenance than expected, still worth the look. Start stop can be annoying. The Consumption figures are a lie. Surprises Rear visibility not as bad as I thought , I am used to it and the Surround Cameras are a must for this car, wifes 1 series rear is worse. In N20 form it's so quiet, the soundproofing is amazing, was not too happy at first, but why do I need a large exhaust note, enjoying the quietness and my HIFI sound. The Runflats are pretty forgiving compared to the old, ride actually more cushy. With 18" rims with regular suspension ride is not chattery or stiff on bad roads. Comfort Access lights on the handles are so nice when they light at night and rear dome light is so cool at night. Bluetooth radio is now standard with USB 6NH. Copper trim look like dark mahogany contrasts the Beige well ordered without seeing it. Concerns being addressed by dealer under warranty Slight rattle on the center piano black trim Front seat already creased, WTH? So who is the X4 for? "If you think a 3 Series wagon is too carlike, an X3 too much like a boring SUV, a 3 Series Gran Turismo practical but not sporty enough, a 4 Series Gran Coupe sporty but not practical enough, and you definitely don't want to drive a 3 Series sedan like everyone else, then the X4 is the perfect vehicle for you." http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#__federated=1 So very happy for now however BMW need to up their game, waiting to see what the 2nd Gen Macan brings, if they sort the Tech and cramped interior it maybe my very next car if Bimmer continue with the same trend of giving Series 3/4 lower grade seats and materials unlike Series 5 and above. PS NOT gotten time to take photos, I will leave this placeholder teasers and update later but wanted to post review in the interim. Attached Images Last edited by Bimar; 12-21-2014 at 11:37 PM..
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11-24-2014, 12:30 PM	#2
predator Private 7 Rep 83 Posts Drives: Bmw X4 2.0i xline sophistograu Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	The consumptionfigures are a joke , i drive an N20 too and mixed i have a consumption of 11,5/ 100km and its getting worse not better , have 4200 km now and contacted my dealer for a check up , i am afraid to use the car in sports modus because then i consume 13L/100 km
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11-24-2014, 12:48 PM	#4
Sarsippius3rd Private First Class 13 Rep 113 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X4 28i Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Naples, Florida iTrader: (0)	Very nice assessment. I have an x4 Msport in Melbourne red with the mocha interior. 3k miles on it and still loving it like day one. My car as well had been baptised, but sadly by my kids using the door as an art easel, and a rock as their crayon. Fortunately the dealer was able to buff out most but 2 scratches. Enjoy the car. I do!
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11-24-2014, 01:23 PM	#5
PIEZON Lieutenant 114 Rep 526 Posts Drives: In The Market For A New One Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southwest NJ iTrader: (1)	Great pictures! Awesome look! Hmmmm maybe I'll consider. :-) __________________ 2005 X5 4.4 Jet Black (past) \| 2007 X5 4.8 Sapphire Black (past) \| 2007 X3 3.0 Sapphire Black (past) \| 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo JBM (past) \| 2011 X3 35i M sport Carbon Black (past)
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11-24-2014, 03:32 PM	#7
Yocal Private First Class 21 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 2015 X4 28i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Nice review. Only got to drive my X4 for 3 weeks before my accident (~800 miles). Eagerly awaiting its return.
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11-24-2014, 05:39 PM	#8
TomaGo Private First Class 91 Rep 183 Posts Drives: BMW X4 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: France iTrader: (0)	Hello Nice review and Nice X4, thank you. Thomas
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11-25-2014, 02:01 AM	#9
Andy_o Captain 76 Rep 746 Posts Drives: X3 20d Xline Melbourne Red Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Uk - Lancashire iTrader: (0) Garage List [0.00] 2015 BMW X3 [0.00]	Any chance of more pics __________________ Gone: E90 crimson red/black Gone :X1 23d Msport manual, Space/Beige Pro Nav, Adaptive zenons, privacy glass, 18's, ext storage, Current: X3 20d Xline auto, Melbourne/Beige, Sport seats, Viz pack, heated steering wheel, Folding mirrors, privacy glass, luggage net, pro nav Current: E85 Z4 3.0si roadster titanium/Syrah individual Current: F31 320d touring black/black work hack
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11-25-2014, 03:45 PM	#11
Big geordie Private 11 Rep 90 Posts Drives: Bmw x4 2.0 d m sport Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: tyne&wear iTrader: (0)	baptism of fire Sorry to hear about damage to your new x4 s. But think i can beat most babtism,s. My car has been baptized / damaged in collision with a deer. Mashed front air grill / broken fog light / front wing respray. goes in on monday 3 days for repair and hefty bill. £733. ouch. well i new BMWs are not cheap.
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11-25-2014, 04:28 PM	#12
Yocal Private First Class 21 Rep 146 Posts Drives: 2015 X4 28i M Sport Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Unlucky, Big geordie. But nothing will beat the $20,000 repair bill for my X4. At least I get to win at something.
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11-26-2014, 06:44 AM	#14
Big geordie Private 11 Rep 90 Posts Drives: Bmw x4 2.0 d m sport Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: tyne&wear iTrader: (0)	Inamik 75 .Picked car up 1st september, have only seen 1 other in white m sport. very rare breed so far. Yocal. you win hands down unfortunatley. what the ::::: did u hit. hope all goes well with repairs.
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11-30-2014, 05:31 PM	#17
barcelona Major 271 Rep 1,417 Posts Drives: X Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Beautiful pics, Inamik75. I like the red & beige interior. The auto start stop can be defaulted to last use. What wax/polish do you use and yet have no white powder residue on the black trim? Also, do I see correctly, gas refill door covers on both sides?
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12-01-2014, 09:17 AM	#19
barcelona Major 271 Rep 1,417 Posts Drives: X Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Auto start stop. For x3/f25, dealer did 3 hr programing, now defaulted to last user mode. 1st time no charge. For x5/f15, no programing needed, it remembers and recalls last user mode. http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/08/13/bm...stop-settings/ White residue, try Maguire's back to black. For wax, I use Meguiars Ultimate Liquid Wax as it leaves no white residue. Maybe it is a polish rather than a wax, as most/all? wax leave residue. Only dark graphite it did leave a haze behind, maybe I put to much product on. I am looking for a durable wax without residue, so far it is the Meguires Ultimate Wax, I think turtle wax has a product.
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06-23-2015, 01:47 PM	#21
Bimar Colonel 800 Rep 2,599 Posts Drives: Bmw X Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Www iTrader: (0)	At 5000km had first service, car still in great shape and shiny. Best part still the only car I have ever owned where I stare at it each time, very happy. Recently drive a 30d F15 X5 and was surprised how much smoother it was to the X4, very Lexus like without the lumbering feel.
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07-20-2016, 01:35 PM	#22
Bimar Colonel 800 Rep 2,599 Posts Drives: Bmw X Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Www iTrader: (0)	Just an update been almost 2 years over 10000miles currently. Still lovely drive just a slight rattle in rear trunk trim. The Melbourne red and beige interior have held well and still a head turner. Been looking to replace but nothing seems to be better in the market apart from X6/5 but too big for me. If the X4M40i had an upgraded interior and seats would upgrade in a heartbeat.
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