What are the most common problems with a 2017 BMW X1 diesel?

Known faults on the 2017 BMW X1 diesel include eGR cooler recall (diesel, fire risk) and airbag, steering and front axle recalls. The area flagged most at MOT is tyres, on 28% of the 34,003 MOTs these cars had in 2023–2025.

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 2017 BMW X1 diesel?

Have the EGR cooler recalls been done? Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Used car guide

2017 BMW X1 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel BMW X1 first registered in 2017 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 34,003 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

34,003MOTs of 2017 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025

85%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%)

8,400typical miles a year

28%had tyres flagged

Common 2017 BMW X1 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 BMW X1 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Tyres

28% 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.
Brakes

13% 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.
Suspension

8% 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 electrics

7% 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 mirrors

6% of testsRough price £15–£250

At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Seats and seatbelts

4% of testsRough price £80–£250

At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2017 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.

EGR cooler recall (diesel, fire risk)
Diesel
Leaks from the EGR cooler, with a risk of fire, led to recalls in 2018 and 2020.

At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

Source: Auto Express: used BMW X1 (Mk2, 2015-2022) buyer’s guide
Airbag, steering and front axle recalls
All engines
There were recalls for faulty airbags (including cars built Sept to Dec 2016), a front axle fault, faulty steering assemblies, crankshaft sensors and rear light fixings.

At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm every recall has been done.

Source: Auto Express: used BMW X1 (Mk2, 2015-2022) buyer’s guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 BMW X1 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

Have the EGR cooler 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%
2016	37,304	Tyres 27%
2015	13,804	Tyres 29%
2014	23,178	Tyres 33%
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 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score