2015-2022 · 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo petrol · B38 engine · 140 hp
Practical premium compact SUV with BMW's efficient 3-cylinder turbo engine. Better reliability than diesel variants, but the B38 engine has known timing chain tensioner issues causing cold start rattle typically between 60,000-100,000 km. Engine mounts wear prematurely, rear brake pads burn through faster than normal due to DSC torque vectoring, and infotainment glitches occur. Water pump and carbon buildup are periodic concerns. Petrol versions prove more robust than diesels, with only 12% of owners reporting faults versus 26% for diesel models. Verify B-pillar and fuel purge valve recalls completed.
The B38 engine is improved over the EA111, but timing chain issues persist. The tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This results in a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start. Typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. If you hear rattle lasting more than a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. BMW has updated the tensioner part. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. On the B38, the timing chain is at the back of the engine, requiring engine removal for replacement. Labor costs are high due to this complexity.
Engine mount failure€350 - €1,200
Upper engine mounts fail prematurely, often before 100,000 km · more· less
The F48 X1 is prone to early engine mount failures. These typically need replacing around 100,000 km, but some X1s have had them fail at less than 30,000 km. It's usually the upper engine mounts that fail first. Symptoms include vibrations in the cabin, clunking noise when putting the car in drive or reverse, and excessive engine movement. The 3-cylinder engine's inherent vibration characteristics accelerate mount wear. Independent shops charge €350-650, BMW dealers €800-1,200.
Water pump and thermostat failure€1,000 - €1,600
Electric water pump fails typically between 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The B38 uses an electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing. Failures are common between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The job takes 5-6 hours due to tight engine bay packaging. BMW recommends replacing the water pump every 5 years, but they often fail earlier. The pump costs €500+, thermostat €65-110, plus labor. Always replace the thermostat and U-shaped coolant hose at the same time. Use only Pierburg brand (BMW OEM manufacturer) for reliability.
Premature rear brake pad wear€300 - €600
Rear pads wear 2-3x faster than fronts due to DSC torque vectoring · more· less
Higher than normal rear brake wear is a known characteristic of the X1 and X2 due to chassis management changes. BMW Dynamic Stability Control applies the rear brakes automatically far more frequently than the driver realizes. The X1 has open differentials, so stability and traction control is provided by DSC braking rather than mechanical limited-slip. Rear pads wear down by 25,000-45,000 km while fronts still have 50-60% life. This is normal for the F48 chassis. BMW uses soft compound pads for good pedal feel, which accelerates wear. Budget €300-400 for independent shop, €500-600 at BMW dealer.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€400 - €750
Direct injection causes carbon deposits, needs walnut blasting every 60,000-80,000 km · more· less
Due to direct fuel injection, the B38 engine experiences carbon buildup on intake valves over time. Fuel doesn't wash the valves clean as it does with port injection. Symptoms include rough idle, hesitation during acceleration, reduced fuel economy, and misfires. Periodic walnut blasting (every 60,000-80,000 km) is recommended to clean the intake valves. Using high-quality fuel and additives can help reduce buildup. Specialists charge €400-500, dealers €600-750. Catch-can installation can reduce buildup frequency.
Front suspension clunking noise€600 - €1,500
Control arm bushings and ball joints wear, BMW issued TSB in 2016 · more· less
This is a known issue for 2016-2022 F48 chassis BMW X1 vehicles. BMW issued a Technical Service Bulletin in November 2016 addressing knocking noise from the front axle when driving over rough surfaces, railroad crossings, and speed bumps. The fix requires BMW bolt repair kit plus new control arms and ball joints. Worn control arm bushings cause knocking sounds, uneven tire wear, compromised steering precision, and increased stress on other suspension parts. BMW's solution is to replace both wishbones (control arms) of the front axle, followed by alignment. Some cases are fixed by replacing inner tie rods or front strut bearings instead.
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket€550 - €1,000
Valve cover gasket degrades, often coincides with oil filter housing leak · more· less
Many X1 owners report oil leaks, particularly around the valve cover gasket. The majority of valve cover gaskets last up to 100,000 km provided oil changes aren't delayed. Valve cover leaks often coincide with oil filter housing gasket failures. Overpressurization from a clogged PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve can accelerate leaks. When replacing the valve cover gasket, check the PCV system for blockages. Independent shops charge €550-800, BMW dealers €900-1,000+. The B38's compact packaging makes access tighter than 4-cylinder engines.
iDrive infotainment system glitches€200 - €1,500
Screen freezing, unresponsive controls, system reboots randomly · more· less
The X1 F48 has reported problems with the iDrive system freezing screens or unresponsive controls. Early cars (2015-2017) have iDrive 4, 2018+ have iDrive 6 with touchscreen. Software updates often resolve issues. Symptoms include screen going blank, system rebooting without command, controller/touchscreen becoming unresponsive, navigation or media stopping. Software glitches and battery-related power issues are common culprits. A basic reset (hold volume and CD eject simultaneously) often helps. Full iDrive replacement with OEM parts is expensive, but third-party upgrades exist for less. Software updates are sometimes free at dealer, full screen replacement €800-1,500.
Fuel tank purge valve failure€0 - €400
EVAP purge valve develops issues, causes hard starting and rough idle · more· less
BMW extended warranty coverage for the fuel tank vent purge valve to 15 years/150,000 miles on affected vehicles. Over time, the EVAP system's vent valve may develop material and operational issues, causing hard starting, rough idle, audible metallic noise from the purge valve, and illuminated MIL (check engine light). If your vehicle is registered in a state/country that adopted California emission regulations, this repair may be covered under extended warranty. Check with BMW dealer using VIN. If not covered, replacement costs €300-400.
Moderately reliable for a premium compact SUV
The F48 X1 with B38 petrol engine is more reliable than diesel variants, with only 12% of owners reporting faults versus 26% for diesels. Main concerns are timing chain tensioner (listen for cold start rattle), premature engine mount and brake pad wear, and periodic cooling system maintenance. Most issues are well-documented and predictable if service history is complete. The 3-cylinder engine is more efficient than expected and has proven durable when maintained properly.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (max 15,000 km).
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds - this is THE most important check.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds to check engine and transmission.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle
Start engine completely cold and listen carefully for rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates chain/tensioner wear requiring expensive repair.
Engine mount condition
From cold start, watch for excessive engine movement. Put car in drive and reverse - listen for clunking. Check for vibration at idle in cabin.
Check rear brake pad thickness
These wear prematurely. Ask about rear pad replacement history. If original pads at 40,000+ km, they're likely due soon.
Front suspension clunking
Drive over bumps, speed bumps, rough surfaces. Listen for knocking from front suspension indicating control arm bushings/ball joints wear.
Coolant level and condition
Check coolant reservoir - should be clean and at proper level. Brown/milky appearance indicates problems. Low level may indicate water pump leak.
Check for oil leaks
Inspect valve cover, oil filter housing for signs of leaking. Look under car for oil spots.
iDrive system functionality
Test all infotainment features - navigation, Bluetooth, screen responsiveness. Watch for freezing or lag.
B-pillar recall verification
2016-2019 models affected. Use VIN to verify recall completed with BMW dealer.
Fuel purge valve warranty check
2018-2019 models may have extended warranty. Check with BMW using VIN if any hard starting or rough idle symptoms.
Fuel tank vent purge valve (2018-2019 B46O engine)15yr/150k mi warranty
Front suspension knocking TSB (2016+ models)Control arm repair kit
Wastegate actuator programming TSBSoftware update available
Contact BMW with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The B-pillar recall affects 106,182 vehicles built March 2015 - May 2019 and requires replacement of vertical trim pieces. Fuel purge valve has extended 15-year warranty coverage on qualifying vehicles.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited km)Expired on all used F48s
Extended warranty availableBMW or third-party options
Fuel purge valve coverage (specific VINs)15 years / 150,000 miles
All 2015-2022 F48 X1s are outside original factory warranty. Extended warranty options available through BMW dealers or third-party providers. Check if your specific VIN qualifies for extended fuel purge valve coverage before purchasing any additional warranty.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.