BMW X1 common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used BMW X1, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 317,355 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
The 2025 BMW X1
Cars registered in 2025 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the BMW X1 as a whole.
What to check on a 2025 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009
What usually goes wrong with a BMW X1?
Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.
- Cars registered 2015–2022 · Diesel
EGR cooler recall (diesel, fire risk)
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
- Cars registered 2009–2014 · 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.
- Cars registered 2009–2012 · 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.
- Cars registered 2015–2022 · All engines
Airbag, steering and front axle recalls
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
- Cars registered 2020–2022 · xDrive25e plug-in hybrid
Battery recall (plug-in hybrid)
The xDrive25e plug-in hybrid was recalled in 2020 for battery faults.
At the viewing: Ask for proof of the recall work, and check it charges properly.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X1 (Mk2, 2015-2022) buyer’s guide
Common BMW X1 MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.
Diesel
Suspension arm bushes and joints
up to 2.1× usualStands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
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.
Engine warning light
up to 2.8× usualStands out on cars registered in 2018 and 2019.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
BMW X1 MOT pass rate by year
Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2010 BMW X1 did best (69% passed first time, 9 points above all 2010 cars) and the 2022 did worst (92%, 3 points above all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 91% | 92% -1 | 291 (small sample) |
| 2022 | 92% | 89% +3 | 7,938 |
| 2021 | 90% | 87% +3 | 15,621 |
| 2020 | 90% | 87% +3 | 23,263 |
| 2019 | 89% | 85% +4 | 40,760 |
| 2018 | 87% | 83% +4 | 43,483 |
| 2017 | 86% | 80% +6 | 41,392 |
| 2016 | 85% | 77% +8 | 37,304 |
| 2015 | 80% | 74% +6 | 13,804 |
| 2014 | 74% | 70% +4 | 23,178 |
| 2013 | 74% | 67% +7 | 21,376 |
| 2012 | 71% | 64% +7 | 16,008 |
| 2011 | 70% | 62% +8 | 17,693 |
| 2010 | 69% | 60% +9 | 13,975 |
| 2009 | 67% | 59% +8 | 1,269 |
Questions to ask the seller before buying a BMW X1
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?
- Has the timing chain been replaced, and is there an invoice?
- Have all the recalls been done?
- Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the BMW X1 as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the BMW X1 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, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score