Popular compact premium SUV with solid build quality and decent fuel economy. The B47 diesel engine is a major improvement over the problematic N47, with the timing chain relocated to the front for better durability. Main concerns: EGR cooler recall affects 2016-2017 models, timing chain tensioner issues after 80,000+ km, DPF problems with short-distance driving, front suspension clunking noise (TSB issued), coolant leaks from water pump/thermostat housing, and premature engine mount failures. Oil filter housing gasket leaks are common. Avoid if you only do short city trips - this diesel needs regular highway runs.
2016-2017 models affected by glycol leak from EGR cooler causing fire risk · more· less
BMW issued a recall in August 2018 (expanded December 2020) for EGR cooler failures on 2016-2017 diesel models. Glycol can leak from the EGR cooler and ignite when exposed to hot exhaust gases, creating a fire risk. The recall involves replacing the EGR cooler with a software update. However, many owners report problems AFTER the recall work - symptoms include loss of power, engine hesitation, twitching during shifts, and various engine warnings. Some owners needed additional repairs including intake manifold and sensors. BMW extended warranty to 15 years for EGR cooler and subsequent damage. If buying a used X1, verify recall completed and ask if there have been any post-recall issues.
Timing chain tensioner wear€1,500 - €2,800
Chain stretches over time, tensioner loses pressure causing cold start rattle · more· less
While the B47 is vastly improved over the N47 (timing chain now at front of engine, not rear), chain wear can still occur at high mileage. The tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle on cold starts, typically between 80,000-120,000 km. If rattle lasts more than 1-2 seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. BMW has updated the tensioner part number. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. Regular oil changes every 8,000-10,000 km with quality synthetic oil help prevent premature wear. The B47 is far more reliable than the N47 in this regard - timing chain wear at very high mileage is less frequent.
DPF clogging (short trips)€1,500 - €3,000
Diesel particulate filter blocks with soot if driven mainly in city traffic · more· less
The DPF needs temperatures above 600°C to regenerate (burn off accumulated soot). This requires driving at highway speeds for 20-30 minutes with at least 1/4 tank of fuel. Short urban trips prevent regeneration, causing DPF to clog. Symptoms include DPF warning light, power loss, rough running, and excessive smoke during acceleration. Faulty exhaust back pressure sensor can also prevent regeneration (costs around €250 to replace). If DPF fills with ash (not soot), regeneration won't work - physical removal and cleaning required. Some owners resort to TerraClean procedures to de-coke the intake system and DPF. DPF removal is illegal and will cause MOT failure. If you mostly do short trips under 15 km, avoid diesel X1s entirely - buy petrol instead.
Front suspension clunking noise€800 - €1,600
Control arm bushings, ball joints, or sway bar links cause clunking over bumps · more· less
This is a well-documented issue on F48 X1s from 2016-2022. BMW issued a Technical Service Bulletin in November 2016. The clunking typically occurs when driving over rough roads, railroad crossings, or speed bumps. The repair requires replacing both front control arms (wishbones) with ball joints, plus front/rear alignment. BMW repair kit includes genuine bolts, control arms, and ball joints. Other potential causes include worn sway bar links, control arm bushings, strut bearings, or inner tie rods. Some owners resolved it by replacing strut bearings or inner tie rods (DIY parts about €30 each). Ignoring this can lead to uneven tire wear and compromised steering precision. Shock/strut replacement costs €1,380-1,542 if those are the culprit. Inspect during test drive - listen carefully over bumps.
Water pump / thermostat housing leak€1,200 - €1,800
Electric water pump fails between 70,000-100,000 km causing coolant leaks · more· less
The B47 engine uses an electric water pump integrated with thermostat housing. Failures typically occur between 70,000-100,000 km. The pump comes as an assembly on a bracket with gasket - BMW parts are expensive for what you get. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The 2016 model had known issues with coolant leaks from seal failures. Repair is expensive because the pump location requires dropping the subframe for access - labor warranty time is approximately 7 hours. Parts cost €400-500, total repair €1,200-1,800. Best to install new thermostat when replacing water pump if it's old/original. Pressure testing and borescope inspection needed to diagnose. Check coolant level and look for leaks underneath during inspection.
Engine mount failure€350 - €1,200
Upper engine mounts fail prematurely, some as early as 20,000 km · more· less
The F48 X1 is notorious for premature engine mount failures, particularly the passenger-side and driver-side upper mounts. Engine mounts typically last 100,000 km, but some X1s experience failures under 20,000 km. Symptoms include harsh clunking when accelerating, slowing, or shifting into gear, plus excessive engine vibration. To test: put car in drive, hold brake with one foot and press accelerator with other - defective mount causes significant shuddering. Once replaced, ride quality improves dramatically. Most owners don't realize mounts have gradually failed until replacement reveals how smooth car should feel. Average cost €350-400 per mount at independent shops, €800-1,200 at BMW dealers. Aggressive driving, outside storage, and dry climates accelerate wear.
Oil filter housing gasket leak€350 - €1,500
Plastic housing cracks or gasket fails where it seals against block · more· less
Oil filter housing gasket leaks are common on F48 X1s. The gasket becomes brittle and cracks over time, allowing oil to leak out. The housing itself (plastic) is usually the failure point due to hairline cracks - simply replacing gasket often doesn't solve the problem. Labor warranty time is about 3 hours. Gasket-only replacement at independent shop: €350-400. If housing needs replacement: genuine BMW part costs €725, total repair at dealer approaches €1,500-3,000. DIY option: gasket is under €10 and takes 2 hours maximum. Often occurs simultaneously with valve cover gasket leaks. If leak has damaged surrounding components, additional repairs needed. Check for oil seepage during inspection - look at seam where housing meets engine block.
Valve cover gasket leak€700 - €1,000
Gasket degrades around 70,000-100,000 km causing oil seepage · more· less
Valve cover gaskets are wear items that typically last 70,000-100,000 km. Leaks often stem from degraded gaskets or crankcase ventilation overpressure - a clogged PCV valve accelerates leaks. The B48 valve cover gasket is only a €30 part, but labor runs €700-1,000 at independent shops due to accessibility. BMW dealers charge €2,000-2,800+. Some dealers quote up to €2,200 because parts of the firewall must be removed first. If both valve cover and oil filter housing need repair simultaneously, combined dealer cost exceeds €6,000. DIY option feasible with mechanical experience - parts €30-150, 2-4 hours labor. Watch for oil smell in cabin or visible oil seepage on valve cover perimeter during inspection.
Turbocharger failure€2,000 - €5,200
Turbo fails due to oil starvation from leaks or wastegate issues · more· less
About 15% of owners report turbocharger problems, often linked to oil starvation from oil filter housing or valve cover leaks. Symptoms include reduced power, unusual noises, decreased acceleration, and increased exhaust smoke. The wastegate can develop excessive play between gate and seat, causing rattling - may need bushings or full turbo replacement. Turbocharger replacement costs €4,120-5,161 average in US (roughly €3,800-4,800 in Europe). Turbo oil line repairs: €287-362. Average turbo lifespan is 160,000-200,000 km with proper maintenance, but harsh driving and low-quality oil cause premature failure. Turbo failure must be addressed immediately - particles can destroy engine or clog catalytic converter. Oil consumption can spike, risking engine seizure. Maintain oil changes every 8,000-10,000 km to prevent turbo issues.
Premature brake pad wear (rear)€350 - €400
Rear brake pads wear faster than expected, often need replacing around 40,000 km · more· less
Many F48 X1 owners report premature rear brake pad wear - some needing replacement at just 24,000 miles (39,000 km). This is a known issue, not limited to individual driving habits. Front brake pads typically last 65,000-100,000 km with good driving habits, but rears wear much faster. Brake pad replacement costs €344-402 per axle on average. Parts run €100-200 per axle, labor €80-100. Some BMW dealerships offer "Value Service" pricing competitive with independent shops. Many owners also complain about "grabby" brakes - dealers say this is "normal on many F48s" and cannot be adjusted. Expect brake maintenance costs higher than typical compact SUVs.
Parking sensor failure€150 - €770
Sensors fail from dirt contamination, wiring damage, or mechanical damage · more· less
The X1's parking sensors are notoriously troublesome when contaminated with dirt or water. Just one faulty sensor can stop entire system from working. Excessive dirt/dust distorts ultrasonic sensor signals - sometimes happens after car wash, usually fixed by cleaning with cloth. However, true sensor failures require replacement. One failed sensor can cause system failure and button flashing. To diagnose: turn ignition on without starting engine, select reverse, listen for clicking from each sensor. Replacement costs €730-770 average in US, approximately €150-180 in UK. Wiring damage, corroded connections, or mechanical damage from slight bumper impacts are common causes. Software issues may also cause malfunctions - BMW updates available. Fortunately, sensors are relatively easy to replace.
Battery drain / parasitic draw€200 - €800
Electrical components drain battery when parked, common culprits are BDC module and IBS sensor · more· less
Some X1 owners report excessive battery drain. Acceptable parasitic draw is 30-40mA after systems sleep (15 minutes after shutdown) - anything higher indicates a problem. Common causes: faulty Body Domain Controller (BDC) module preventing communication and charging; defective IBS sensor on negative battery terminal; Comfort Access door handles (especially driver's door); faulty alternator; phone chargers or devices plugged into 12V outlet. Battery age also matters - older batteries lose charge-holding capacity. Troubleshooting: update vehicle software (known issue), use diagnostic scanner for error codes, verify battery registration after replacement, try BDC reset. New BDC module costs €500-800. Make sure software is updated before replacing parts.
Reasonably reliable for a BMW, but watch for EGR and DPF issues
The F48 X1 with B47 diesel is significantly more reliable than earlier BMW diesels, but it's not trouble-free. The timing chain relocation was a major improvement. Most issues are predictable and can be caught early with proper inspection. The EGR recall affects 2016-2017 models specifically - verify completion. If you drive mostly short distances under 15 km, avoid this diesel entirely and choose petrol instead. Regular highway driving is essential for DPF regeneration. With diligent maintenance and proper driving patterns, the B47 can reach 200,000+ km reliably.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (every 8,000-10,000 km ideal).
Tires
Check tread depth, age, and uneven wear patterns. Many F48s came with run-flat tires.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 1-2 seconds (acceptable), longer rattling indicates problems.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Look for oil leaks under engine.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds, highway driving, and bumpy roads to test suspension.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify EGR cooler recall completed (2016-2017 models)
Contact BMW with VIN. Ask seller if there were any issues AFTER recall work was done. Critical safety recall.
Listen for cold start timing chain rattle
Start engine completely cold. Rattle lasting more than 1-2 seconds indicates chain wear. This is the most important check.
Check for front suspension clunking
Drive over speed bumps, railroad crossings, rough roads. Listen for clunking from front end. Very common issue.
Inspect for coolant and oil leaks
Look underneath engine for wet spots. Check oil filter housing gasket, valve cover, and water pump area. Check coolant level.
Test engine mounts
Put car in drive, hold brake, press accelerator gently. Excessive shaking/shuddering indicates failed mounts.
Check DPF status and driving pattern
Ask seller about typical journey lengths. If mainly short trips under 15 km, walk away. Check for DPF warning light.
Test parking sensors
Activate parking sensors front and rear. One failed sensor stops entire system. Check for warning messages.
Verify steering recall completed (2018-2019 models)
Tie rod recall from October 2019. Contact BMW with VIN to verify completion.
Check brake condition and feel
Rear brake pads wear prematurely on X1s. Check pad thickness. Test brake feel - many owners report "grabby" brakes.
Battery and electrical system check
If possible, ask seller to disconnect battery overnight to test for parasitic drain. Check all electrical functions work properly.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
EGR cooler fire risk (2016-2017 diesel models)CRITICAL - verify completed
Steering tie rod failure (2018-2019 X1)CRITICAL - verify completed
Front suspension clunking (TSB Nov 2016)Control arm replacement
B-pillar crash safety (2016-2019 X1)Check with BMW
Fuel tank vent/purge valve warranty extensionAsk dealer about coverage
Contact a BMW dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The EGR cooler recall (2016-2017) and steering tie rod recall (2018-2019) are particularly critical for safety. Ask specifically about any post-recall repairs that were needed.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all F48 models
EGR cooler extended warranty15 years from manufacture
BMW extended warranty availableContact dealer for pricing
All 2015-2019 X1s are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. However, BMW extended the EGR cooler warranty to 15 years for affected 2016-2017 models, including coverage for subsequent damage caused by EGR failure. Extended warranty may be available for purchase through BMW dealers - get quotes from multiple dealers as pricing varies significantly.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.