Choosing a Used Compact Crossover: BMW X1

The BMW X1 was built on the 3 Series platform, and at first, it seemed that marketers had come up with it for middle managers. However, it later became clear that this was not entirely true.

Everyone who saw the BMW X1 at the beginning of its release in 2009 mistook it for “some strange X3.” The dimensions were similar, and the proportions were the same, but they differed only in shape and width. Moreover, they have the same platforms, motors, and X-drive. The competitors of the BMW X1 are often considered its peers—the Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5. However, the Q5 is better comparable with the BMW X3. Restyling, carried out in 2012, was more about technology than appearance. At the same time, there were versions with AWD and RWD. Initially, the crossover was equipped with three gasoline engines and two diesel engines. Transmissions were 6- and 8-speed automatic and 6-speed manual. 

Today, we gathered all the pros and cons of buying a pre-owned BMW X1 and also prepared a BMW maintenance cost overview here. 

The crossover appeared just at the moment when “sports diesel” became a trend. And who else but BMW could offer cars with heavy fuel but with hot performance? The first-generation BMW X1 was surprisingly economical too. However, after 30 thousand miles, the problems began. Diesel on the BMW X1 is chain-driven. Each has three chains - fuel injection pump drive, timing chain drive, and oil pump. And these chains have one unpleasant property - they stretch. The disease is chronic and has no cure. The Bavarians tried to change suppliers and modernize the unit, but nothing helped. At about 50 thousand, a subtle but very characteristic sound of tired steel can be heard from the engine compartment at first. Replacement helps only temporarily. When buying a car with over 60 thousand miles on the odometer, the future owner should ask when and where the chain was changed. What’s also bad is that they are all located on the flywheel side, and to replace the mechanics, the engine is removed, and it is rather costly. Problems with leaking injectors, which can lead to water hammer, also cannot be discounted. There is also an intake manifold flap that can come off and fly into the cylinder. The particulate filter and EGR valve live separate lives, failing as the mileage approaches 150 thousand miles. The good news for those buying a used X1 is that if the chains and injectors are changed under warranty or after repairs, they will not disturb the 90-120 thousand mileage.

The gasoline engine is generally simpler. Failures may be caused by the complex design of the throttleless intake and the adjustable oil pump. The high oil consumption may occur due to the coking of the piston rings, which also leads to the appearance of noise, scuffing, and, ultimately, the block overhaul. The oil pressure sensor, even though it is electronic, often lies and sometimes even fails quietly and imperceptibly. 

The most successful engine appeared in 2010—the 2.5-liter N52B30. The problem with increased oil appetite was solved when the manufacturer changed the piston group. Otherwise, the engine does not cause any trouble. At the same time, it is very technologically advanced, fast, and economical, even on a crossover. 

Rear-wheel drive versions of the X1 received the index S, and all-wheel drive - X. That is, xDrive28i or sDrive18d, respectively. The crossover had four transmission options: a manual, which is too rare to waste time on, a 6-speed ZF, a 6-speed GM, and an 8-speed ZF. If you have a car with a GM gearbox, you are lucky. The unit is very durable and quite reliable.

The all-wheel drive BMW X1 is almost a classic part-time, with a permanent driven rear axle and a connected front axle. Transmission has a transfer case and cardans. The connection is made by a multi-disc clutch, controlled by an electric motor. The X1 does not have any center differential. Inside the transfer case, gears transmit rotation to the front wheels. This is good because there are no problem circuits.

Buyers of new cars often talk about the BMW X1 as very rigid, dense, and sporty, while owners of used models claim that they don’t notice anything like that. Most likely, the differences in experience come from tires. The X1 from the factory is equipped with tires with run-flat technology, and there is no spare wheel. So, these same RunFlat tires are, for obvious reasons, noticeably stiffer than conventional ones. Over time, as the RunFlat wears out and the owner changes it, and the annoying stiffness disappears. However, the owner of a BMW X1 needs to pay special attention to the suspension. Be sure to change all rubber bands on time, and do not forget that there are nuances such as gluing stabilizer blocks.

The body lasts a long time, squeaks and cracks are not typical for this model. Surprisingly, the thickness of its coating on the right and left may be different, but this does not mean that the car has been beaten and painted. As well as leaking headlights are a feature of the model. However, periodic electronic glitches have nothing to do with the assembly site. This is already a feature of most used BMWs. The designers tried hard but did not find a common language with the technologists, so it may be tricky to understand the X1 electrical circuits and find a floating fault.

Despite all possible disadvantages, the BMW X1 is the case when the old BMW slogan about driving pleasure works a hundred percent, especially for the X1 with the largest engine, an 8-speed gearbox, and, of course, all-wheel drive.