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

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.

Need help with finance?

What is the car's build year?

2020

Loan Amount

$5,000

Finance estimate ~

$30

Per week*

8.49%

Comparison rate p.a#

Models, pricing & features

BMW X1 F48 2015-2022-16

sDrive18i

Price when new: $44,500 - $48,900

Price used: $22,000 - $48,200

Standard:

12V Socket(s) – Auxiliary
18″ Alloy Wheels
6 Speaker Stereo
ABS (Antilock Brakes)
Active Torque Transfer System
Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach
Air Conditioning
Airbag – Driver
Airbag – Passenger
Airbags – Head for 1st Row Seats (Front)
Airbags – Head for 2nd Row Seats
Airbags – Side for 1st Row Occupants (Front)
Armrest – Front Centre (Shared)
Armrest – Rear Centre (Shared)
Audio – Aux Input USB Socket
Bluetooth System
Body Colour – Door Handles
Body Colour – Exterior Mirrors Partial
Brake Assist
Brake Emergency Display – Hazard/Stoplights
Brakes – Regenerative
Camera – Rear Vision
Central Locking – Remote/Keyless
Chrome Exhaust Tip(s)
Chrome Interior highlights
Collision Mitigation – Forward (Low speed)
Collision Warning – Forward
Control – Corner Braking
Control – Electronic Stability
Control – Park Distance Front
Control – Park Distance Rear
Control – Traction
Cruise Control – with Brake Function (limiter)
Cup Holders – 1st Row
Cup Holders – 2nd Row
Daytime Running Lamps – LED
Disc Brakes Front Ventilated
Disc Brakes Rear Ventilated
Door Pockets – 1st row (Front)
Door Pockets – 2nd row (rear)
Driving Mode – Selectable
Engine – Stop Start System (When at idle)
Engine Immobiliser
First Aid Kit
Floor Mats
Fog Lamp/s – Rear
GPS (Satellite Navigation)
Gloss Finish Inserts
Headlamp – High Beam Auto Dipping
Headlamps – LED
Headrests – Adjustable 1st Row (Front)
Headrests – Adjustable 2nd Row x3
Lane Departure Warning
Leather Look – Seats
Leather Steering Wheel
Metallic Finish Front Grille
Metallic Finish Window Surrounds – Exterior
Multi-function Control Screen – Colour
Multi-function Steering Wheel
Parking Assistance – Automated Steering
Power Door Mirrors
Power Steering – Electric Assist
Power Steering – Speed Sensitive
Power Windows – Front & Rear
Radio – Digital (DAB+)
Rain Sensor (Auto wipers)
Rear Wiper/Washer
Remote Fuel Lid Release
Roof Rails
Scuff Plates (on door sills)
Seatback Pocket – Front Driver Seat
Seatback Pocket – Front Passenger Seat
Seatbelt – Load Limiters 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelt – Pretensioners 1st Row (Front)
Seatbelts – Lap/Sash for 5 seats
Seats – 2nd Row Split Fold
Skid Plate – Front
Skid Plate – Rear
Smart Device App Display/Control
Smart Device Integration – Apple CarPlay
Speed Limiter
Speed Zone Reminder – Road Sign Recognition
Spoiler – Rear Roof Mounted
Starter Button
Steering Wheel – Sports
Storage Compartment – Centre Console 1st Row
Tail Lamps – LED
Telematics – Monitoring Service
Tyre Repair Kit
Voice Recognition
Wireless Charging – Compatible Devices

LCI update

5 Speaker Stereo
Audio – Aux Input Socket (MP3/CD/Cassette)
Audio – Input for iPod
Audio – MP3 Decoder
Cargo Tie Down Hooks/Rings
Chrome Grille Surround
Daytime Running Lamps
Fog Lamps – Front
Glovebox – Cooled
Guard – Tailgate Lip
Headlamps – Corner (Fixed)
Headlamps Automatic (light sensitive)
On-board Computer
Power – Boot/Tailgate
Seat – Height Adjustable Driver
Seat – Height Adjustable Passenger
Storage Compartment – In Cargo Area
Tyre Pressure Sensor
Tyres – Runflat
Information Display – Head Up

sDrive20i

Price when new: $48,500 - $58,600

Price used: $18,700 - $55,100

Adds:

Ambient Lighting – Interior
Gear Shift Paddles behind Steering Wheel
Lighting – Exterior Side
Rear View Mirror – Electric Anti Glare

LCI update

Exhaust System – Dual
Air Conditioning – Charcoal Filter (Odour Reducer)
Air Conditioning – Sensor for Pollutants
Electric Seat – Drivers with Memory
Electric Seat – Passenger
Power Door Mirrors – Auto Dipping (Reversing)
Power Door Mirrors – Folding
Power Door Mirrors – with Memory

sDrive18d

Price when new: $49,500 - $54,900

Price used: $17,800 - $51,300

Adds:

Air Cond. – Climate Control 2 Zone
Air Conditioning – Pollen Filter
Air Conditioning – Rear
Air Conditioning – Sensor for Solar/Sun
CD Player
Cargo Net
Footwell Lamps – Front
Footwell Lamps – Rear
Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Front Passenger
Lock Nuts
Map/Reading Lamps – for 1st Row
Map/Reading Lamps – for 2nd Row
Sunvisor – Illuminated Vanity Mirror for Driver

sDrive18i Sport Collection

Price when new: $51,900

Price used: $39,300 - $50,000

Adds:

Air Cond. – Climate Control
Central Locking – Key Proximity
Electric Seats:- 1st Row (Front) with Memories
Heated Seats – 1st Row
Paint – Metallic
Power Door Mirrors – Anti Glare
Seat – Driver with Electric Lumbar
Seat – Passenger with Electric Lumbar

xDrive20d

Price when new: $56,500

Price used: $21,100 - $32,900

xDrive25i

Price when new: $59,900 - $66,900

Price used: $22,500 - $60,100

Adds:

19″ Alloy Wheels
Leather Seats – Perforated
Navigation System – Advanced Functionality
Power Steering – Variable Ratio (more lock faster)

sDrive20i Sport Collection

Price when new: $60,900

Price used: $46,200 - $57,600

Adds:

Body Kit – F&R Spoilers, Skirts, Rear Apron
Fog Lamps – Front LED
Gloss Finish – Exterior Highlights
Gloss Finish Window Surrounds – Exterior
Grille – Black
Headlining – Colour
Leather Seats
Sports Seats – 1st Row (Front)
Sunroof – Electric
Suspension – Sports

Tech specs

Body Styles

5 door Wagon

Engines

2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (sDrive18d, xDrive20d)

2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive20i, xDrive25i, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection)

Power

110kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel (sDrive18d)

141kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive20i, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

140kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (xDrive20d)

170kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (xDrive25i)

100kW – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i)

103kW – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection)

Torque

330Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (sDrive18d)

280Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive20i, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

400Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (xDrive20d)

350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (xDrive25i)

220Nm – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection)

Transmissions

8-speed Sports Automatic (sDrive18d, sDrive20i, xDrive20d, xDrive25i)

7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (sDrive20i, sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

Fuel Consumption

4.7 – 7.1L / 100km

Length

4439 – 4447mm (5 door Wagon)

Width

1821mm (5 door Wagon)

Height

1598mm (5 door Wagon)

Wheelbase

2670mm (5 door Wagon)

Tare Mass

1391 – 1549kg (5 door Wagon)

Kerb Weight

1430 – 1580kg (5 door Wagon)

Towing

750kg (unbraked), 1800kg – 2000kg (depending on variant)

ANCAP Ratings

5 stars (tested 2015)

Body Styles

5 door Wagon

Engines

2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (sDrive18d, xDrive20d)

2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive20i, xDrive25i, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection)

Power

110kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel (sDrive18d)

141kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive20i, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

140kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (xDrive20d)

170kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (xDrive25i)

100kW – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i)

103kW – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection)

Torque

330Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (sDrive18d)

280Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive20i, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

400Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (xDrive20d)

350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (xDrive25i)

220Nm – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection)

Transmissions

8-speed Sports Automatic (sDrive18d, sDrive20i, xDrive20d, xDrive25i)

7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (sDrive20i, sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

Fuel Consumption

4.7 – 7.1L / 100km

Length

4439 – 4447mm (5 door Wagon)

Width

1821mm (5 door Wagon)

Height

1598mm (5 door Wagon)

Wheelbase

2670mm (5 door Wagon)

Tare Mass

1391 – 1549kg (5 door Wagon)

Kerb Weight

1430 – 1580kg (5 door Wagon)

Towing

750kg (unbraked), 1800kg – 2000kg (depending on variant)

ANCAP Ratings

5 stars (tested 2015)

Body Styles

5 door Wagon

Engines

2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (sDrive18d, xDrive20d)

2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive20i, xDrive25i, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection)

Power

110kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel (sDrive18d)

141kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive20i, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

140kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (xDrive20d)

170kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (xDrive25i)

100kW – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i)

103kW – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection)

Torque

330Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (sDrive18d)

280Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive20i, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

400Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel (xDrive20d)

350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol (xDrive25i)

220Nm – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol (sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection)

Transmissions

8-speed Sports Automatic (sDrive18d, sDrive20i, xDrive20d, xDrive25i)

7-speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch (sDrive20i, sDrive18i, sDrive18i Sport Collection, sDrive20i Sport Collection)

Fuel Consumption

4.7 – 7.1L / 100km

Length

4439 – 4447mm (5 door Wagon)

Width

1821mm (5 door Wagon)

Height

1598mm (5 door Wagon)

Wheelbase

2670mm (5 door Wagon)

Tare Mass

1391 – 1549kg (5 door Wagon)

Kerb Weight

1430 – 1580kg (5 door Wagon)

Towing

750kg (unbraked), 1800kg – 2000kg (depending on variant)

ANCAP Ratings

5 stars (tested 2015)

Warranty & servicing

Warranty

3 years / unlimited km

Service Intervals

Not available

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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.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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