2012 BMW X1 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol BMW X1 first registered in 2012 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 213 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 213 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2012 BMW X1 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 BMW X1 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres21% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes14% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics11% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension8% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions3% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.
Known faults on the 2012 BMW X1 petrol
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Built to 2012
Engine bolt and steering box recalls
Engine bolts could loosen and leak oil on some cars built before November 2011, and the steering box could fail on some built before July 2012. There were five recalls in all.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 BMW X1 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have all the recalls been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW X1?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW X1 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 291 | Tyres 13% |
| 2022 | 7,938 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 15,621 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 23,263 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 40,760 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 43,483 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 41,392 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 37,304 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 13,804 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 23,178 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 21,376 | Tyres 32% |
| 2011 | 17,693 | Tyres 35% |
| 2010 | 13,975 | Tyres 33% |
| 2009 | 1,269 | Suspension 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW X1 cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score