Likes
- Luxury brand feels. If you’re into that kind of thing
- Great practicality with great boot for class
- 3-cylinder engine offers great fuel economy
Used BMW X1 review
2015 - 2022
Dislikes
- Expensive compared to rivals
- Turbo-petrol engine is fun to drive
- Parts and labour will charge a premium
- Usual Euro depreciation
- Short warranty. Most won’t have any left
Stuff you should know
The Australian-delivered F48 BMW X1 has proven to be a popular vehicle in the compact luxury SUV market. With the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) update, it’s seen several essential enhancements, giving it an even more modern appearance and advanced technological features.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a range of engines offered, with the option for petrol or diesel, generally spanning from 1.5 to 2.0 litres. Fuel consumption is rated at an efficient 4.7 to 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the engine type and driving conditions.
The LCI update, introduced in mid-2019, brought refreshed styling to the X1, with redesigned front and rear bumpers, LED headlights, and more attractive interior elements. Inside the cabin, there’s been a focus on quality materials and improved infotainment systems.
Safety features have also been given a boost in the Australian X1, with additions like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more, part of the standard package in many models.
Boot space is generous for its class, providing 540 litres with all seats in place, which is excellent for its class, adding to its appeal for families or those needing some extra cargo space.
But, with a factory warranty of only 3 years, many BMW X1s will have no factory support left on them. To see if that’s a problem, read on.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- The 2014 X1 model has a rare but notable issue where the paint peels off, exposing the metal and potentially leading to issues with or rust.
Interior:
- The 2014 BMW X1 has an inconsistent HVAC system that, while generally effective, sometimes only turns on at specific settings, affecting the interior ambiance and making it challenging to maintain the desired cabin temperature.
Mechanically:
- A coolant leak in the engine can lead to overheating and eventually shut down the vehicle, while also disturbing the cooling system and making cabin temperature maintenance difficult. This issue can be managed by routinely topping up the coolant, repairing damaged seals, and conducting regular maintenance and checkups to identify and address the problem.
- The passenger engine mount in BMW X1 vehicles is prone to cracking, requiring immediate and often expensive repairs. Many users have encountered this problem after the warranty expires on brand new vehicles, making it a particularly concerning issue.
- Many BMW X1 2013 owners have reported a recurring issue where a hazardous foggy substance rises from the exhaust channel under the windscreen, moving from the passenger compartment to the driver’s side and obscuring the view. Attempts by dealers to wipe the windscreen have only worsened the condition, and despite its prevalence among various models, no effective solution has been found to prevent this problem.
- Check the X1 for diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues, especially in diesel cars that haven’t been driven on the motorway frequently, as the DPF needs higher speeds for regeneration. Verify the car’s usage with the previous owner if needed.
Recalls:
- May 2017 – A fault in BMW X1 WAGON vehicles manufactured between 2016 and 2017 has been identified where the milling process of “weak points or deployment points” in the passenger side of the dashboard panel, crucial for the deployment of the passenger airbag, was not carried out, potentially leading to improper airbag deployment and an increased risk of injury to the front passenger. Approximately 2,317 units are affected.
Exterior:
- The 2014 X1 model has a rare but notable issue where the paint peels off, exposing the metal and potentially leading to issues with or rust.
Interior:
- The 2014 BMW X1 has an inconsistent HVAC system that, while generally effective, sometimes only turns on at specific settings, affecting the interior ambiance and making it challenging to maintain the desired cabin temperature.
Mechanically:
- A coolant leak in the engine can lead to overheating and eventually shut down the vehicle, while also disturbing the cooling system and making cabin temperature maintenance difficult. This issue can be managed by routinely topping up the coolant, repairing damaged seals, and conducting regular maintenance and checkups to identify and address the problem.
- The passenger engine mount in BMW X1 vehicles is prone to cracking, requiring immediate and often expensive repairs. Many users have encountered this problem after the warranty expires on brand new vehicles, making it a particularly concerning issue.
- Many BMW X1 2013 owners have reported a recurring issue where a hazardous foggy substance rises from the exhaust channel under the windscreen, moving from the passenger compartment to the driver’s side and obscuring the view. Attempts by dealers to wipe the windscreen have only worsened the condition, and despite its prevalence among various models, no effective solution has been found to prevent this problem.
- Check the X1 for diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues, especially in diesel cars that haven’t been driven on the motorway frequently, as the DPF needs higher speeds for regeneration. Verify the car’s usage with the previous owner if needed.
Recalls:
- May 2017 – A fault in BMW X1 WAGON vehicles manufactured between 2016 and 2017 has been identified where the milling process of “weak points or deployment points” in the passenger side of the dashboard panel, crucial for the deployment of the passenger airbag, was not carried out, potentially leading to improper airbag deployment and an increased risk of injury to the front passenger. Approximately 2,317 units are affected.
Exterior:
- The 2014 X1 model has a rare but notable issue where the paint peels off, exposing the metal and potentially leading to issues with or rust.
Interior:
- The 2014 BMW X1 has an inconsistent HVAC system that, while generally effective, sometimes only turns on at specific settings, affecting the interior ambiance and making it challenging to maintain the desired cabin temperature.
Mechanically:
- A coolant leak in the engine can lead to overheating and eventually shut down the vehicle, while also disturbing the cooling system and making cabin temperature maintenance difficult. This issue can be managed by routinely topping up the coolant, repairing damaged seals, and conducting regular maintenance and checkups to identify and address the problem.
- The passenger engine mount in BMW X1 vehicles is prone to cracking, requiring immediate and often expensive repairs. Many users have encountered this problem after the warranty expires on brand new vehicles, making it a particularly concerning issue.
- Many BMW X1 2013 owners have reported a recurring issue where a hazardous foggy substance rises from the exhaust channel under the windscreen, moving from the passenger compartment to the driver’s side and obscuring the view. Attempts by dealers to wipe the windscreen have only worsened the condition, and despite its prevalence among various models, no effective solution has been found to prevent this problem.
- Check the X1 for diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues, especially in diesel cars that haven’t been driven on the motorway frequently, as the DPF needs higher speeds for regeneration. Verify the car’s usage with the previous owner if needed.
Recalls:
- May 2017 – A fault in BMW X1 WAGON vehicles manufactured between 2016 and 2017 has been identified where the milling process of “weak points or deployment points” in the passenger side of the dashboard panel, crucial for the deployment of the passenger airbag, was not carried out, potentially leading to improper airbag deployment and an increased risk of injury to the front passenger. Approximately 2,317 units are affected.
Should you buy it?
If you need a luxury SUV, and you’re a fan of the BMW badge, the BMW X1 is the cheapest entry point into that world. Packed with features, fun to drive, and with all the brand cache you could ever want, the X1 would seem like a great choice against other luxury competitors like the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA or Volvo XC40. And, while it competes in size with the likes of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon, it’s unlikely people would be cross-shopping the X1 against them.
The X1 isn’t without its concerns, however. There are some diese-related issues that you should be on the lookout for if you’re buying one as we as some concerns around the quality of the paint, meaning rust may present itself. As usual, be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection to make sure there aren’t any gremlins lurking, and it’s absolutely critical that it has a full and thorough service history. The BMW X1 only came with a three-year warranty, so there’s a good chance the one you’re looking at will have little to no factory support left on it.
Because of this, remember that being a premium brand, the consumables will need to be premium too. Likewise with parts and labour, being European, both of those will come at a cost, so factory that into your budget.
If you need a luxury SUV, and you’re a fan of the BMW badge, the BMW X1 is the cheapest entry point into that world. Packed with features, fun to drive, and with all the brand cache you could ever want, the X1 would seem like a great choice against other luxury competitors like the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA or Volvo XC40. And, while it competes in size with the likes of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon, it’s unlikely people would be cross-shopping the X1 against them.
The X1 isn’t without its concerns, however. There are some diese-related issues that you should be on the lookout for if you’re buying one as we as some concerns around the quality of the paint, meaning rust may present itself. As usual, be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection to make sure there aren’t any gremlins lurking, and it’s absolutely critical that it has a full and thorough service history. The BMW X1 only came with a three-year warranty, so there’s a good chance the one you’re looking at will have little to no factory support left on it.
Because of this, remember that being a premium brand, the consumables will need to be premium too. Likewise with parts and labour, being European, both of those will come at a cost, so factory that into your budget.
Should you buy it?
If you need a luxury SUV, and you’re a fan of the BMW badge, the BMW X1 is the cheapest entry point into that world. Packed with features, fun to drive, and with all the brand cache you could ever want, the X1 would seem like a great choice against other luxury competitors like the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA or Volvo XC40. And, while it competes in size with the likes of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tuscon, it’s unlikely people would be cross-shopping the X1 against them.
The X1 isn’t without its concerns, however. There are some diese-related issues that you should be on the lookout for if you’re buying one as we as some concerns around the quality of the paint, meaning rust may present itself. As usual, be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection to make sure there aren’t any gremlins lurking, and it’s absolutely critical that it has a full and thorough service history. The BMW X1 only came with a three-year warranty, so there’s a good chance the one you’re looking at will have little to no factory support left on it.
Because of this, remember that being a premium brand, the consumables will need to be premium too. Likewise with parts and labour, being European, both of those will come at a cost, so factory that into your budget.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of August 18, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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