Common Problems with the BMW X1
Charlotte Phillips, 1 year ago
3 min read
- BMW
- Common problems
FixMyCar discusses common problems with the BMW X1 and average repair costs.
First introduced in 2009, the BMW X1 is part of a line of subcompact luxury crossovers manufactured by the German automaker. Since its release, the X1 has proven to be a popular model with three generations of the model released, and the option to purchase the model as a petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid or even full electric.
However, some drivers have also reported some problems with the model. Some common problems with the BMW X1 include:
Some of these problems have resulted in BMW announcing recalls on affected X1 models, which you can read about in the table below.
BMW X1 recent recalls
| Affected model dates | Issue |
|---|---|
| 11/01/2022 – 18/02/2022 | In the event of an accident, the front seatbelts may not properly retract |
| 29/02/2020 – 29/09/2020 | Impurities in the high voltage batteries may cause a short circuit |
| 12/03/2020 – 20/03/2020 | Airbag control unit may have a faulty sensor |
| 07/11/2014 – 23/05/2018 | Possible undetected EGR system leaks |
BMW X1 engine problems
Some drivers have experienced problems with the engine on their BMW X1. Reports of this problem outline how the passenger engine mount is prone to cracking, which can be a costly job to fix. The engine mount helps to fix the engine of your car firmly to the car frame, which is why it’s really important that this component isn’t damaged in any way.
While we haven’t got an average repair cost for this problem specifically with the BMW X1 using our own records, prices can vary roughly from between £100 to £200. Ultimately, this will vary depending on the car you own and the extent of the repair.
BMW X1 cooling problems
Drivers have also reported an issue with the cooling system on their BMW X1, with reports of the model leaking engine coolant. Drivers can often notice this problem with symptoms including a sweet smell throughout the car, an overheating engine, a puddle below the car, as well as the more obvious sight of the coolant warning light illuminating. This problem can commonly be caused by corrosion of the radiator, a leaking coolant pump seal, or faulty hoses. The only sure way to know exactly what’s causing the problem is to take your car to a trained professional, who can diagnose the fault for you.
BMW X1 A/C and heater problems
Drivers have also reported problems with the A/C and heating system of the BMW X1. According to reports, drivers have found that the aircon and heating only seems to work when set to certain temperatures. While this isn’t a safety concern, it’s certainly annoying to have this problem for you and your passengers, and can make the shortest of journeys feel uncomfortable. If you’ve noticed something wrong with your A/C or heating, a trained mechanic will be able to check out the fault for you.
BMW X1 airbag problems
There have also been reports of faults with the airbag component on the BMW X1. This problem has resulted in two recalls so far on models manufactured in both 2016 and 2017.
It goes without saying that any issue with the airbag in your car is a serious safety concern, so if your model was manufactured during these years, it’s crucial to contact your BMW dealer and get your airbags checked out. The average quote for an airbag repair on the BMW X1 is £174.57 when booked with FixMyCar.
Is the BMW X1 reliable?
In terms of reliability, the BMW X1 excels amongst the competition, with What Car? ranking the model fourth out of 39 cars in the family SUV class in their most recent Reliability Survey. Additionally, BMW fared well as a brand placing in 16th position out of a total 32 manufacturers.
In terms of safety, the X1 even managed to secure a top mark of five out of five stars in Euro NCAP’s 2022 crash test, with the model achieving 86% and 89% for adult and child occupant safety respectively.
Having some issues with your BMW X1? At FixMyCar we can help you find a trusted local specialist for the best price.
