2014 BMW X1 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel BMW X1 first registered in 2014 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 22,232 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 BMW X1 diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 BMW X1 diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usualBMW X114.8% All 2014 cars7%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.5% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Coil springs: 1.9% here, against 5.7% of all 2014 cars. Shock absorbers: 2.4% here, against 5.1% of all 2014 cars.
Common 2014 BMW X1 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2014 BMW X1 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Brakes24% 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.
- Suspension21% 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.
- Lights and electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2014 BMW X1 diesel
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.
- 2.0 diesel
Timing chain stretch and snapping (2.0 diesel)
There are complaints of stretched and snapping timing chains on the 2.0 diesel, which can mean a new engine.
At the viewing: Listen for ticking, knocking or rattling from the engine.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 BMW X1 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the timing chain been replaced, and is there an invoice?
- Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2014 BMW X1 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- 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% |
| 2013 | 21,376 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 16,008 | Tyres 33% |
| 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 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score