Used BMW X1 2015-2022 reliability review

What should I look for in a used BMW X1?

What are the most common problems with a used BMW X1?

Non-engine electrics

Some owners have complained of failures that involve non-engine electrics, including the DAB radio, the sat-nav and the entire infotainment system. Many have had to wait a long time for replacement parts and had to pay quite a lot of money in the process.

DPF issues

There aren’t really any common issues with the X1. That said, we would suggest you check for diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues on diesel cars that haven’t ventured onto the motorway very often. The DPF needs to have been brought up to temperature before it can regenerate, and this process is best triggered at a constant, higher speed. Check how the previous owner has used the car if you are unsure.

Is a used BMW X1 reliable?

There should be few things to worry about with the BMW X1. In our annual What Car? Reliability Survey it placed eighth out of 34 cars in the family SUV class, achieving a great score of 96.6%. That was below the Skoda Karoq and the Volvo XC40 but above the Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLE.

Reliability rating 96.6%

What went wrong? Battery 4%, brakes 4%, engine 4%, interior trim 4%, non-engine electrics 4%

It’s the petrol versions of the 2015-2022 BMW X1 family SUV that are proving more robust than the diesel models. Owners told us that 12% of petrol X1s suffered a glitch, compared with 26% of diesels. The faults proved fairly inconvenient, with 40% of cars undriveable and out of action for more than a week, but BMW covered the cost of all repair work softening the blow for owners.

BMW did well as a brand, placing eighth out of 30 in our rundown of the most reliable used car brands. That was above Audi and Mercedes but below Hyundai, Kia and Volvo.

Used BMW X1 reliability: the owners' view

What Car? readers have offered their insights on the BMW X1. Their feedback points to a mostly sound reliability picture.

On one hand, the mechanical aspects of the X1, such as the engine and transmission, are generally reliable, with few significant failures reported. However, electrical issues, including faults with the infotainment system and electronic dashboard warnings, have been problematic for many owners, leading to several dealership visits.

Dealer service quality also varied among respondents. Some praised their dealers for professionalism and effective communication, particularly in resolving warranty-covered repairs efficiently. Others, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the length of time it took to schedule service appointments and complete repairs, alongside concerns about the cost of out-of-warranty work.

Overall, while the BMW X1 demonstrates solid mechanical reliability, electrical problems and inconsistent dealer service experiences highlight areas for potential improvement.

To take part in our annual reliability survey with your car, please follow the link here