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BMW X1 X1 xDrive20d common faults.

2022–, SUV, diesel, 150 HP.

The fault list covers: B47C20B engine, 7DCT transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

4 fault write-ups. All are important. 16 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

4 important faults

Diesel high pressure pump: power loss and engine shutdown while driving

critical

The high pressure pump of these common rail diesels (Bosch CP4) can fail while driving. The characteristic course is not gradual: a "Drivetrain fault" message appears on the dash, and within a few seconds the power is gone, on the motorway too. Afterwards the engine often cranks but will not start.

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What makes the repair expensive: once the inside of the pump wears, metal debris travels through the rail and contaminates the entire fuel system. At that point replacing the pump is not enough: the injectors, the rails, the tank and the lines go with it. That is the difference between a "pump replacement" and a "full system replacement" quote, that is what you should ask about.

The maker started a recall for this in the United States (NHTSA 21V586000, 2014 to 2018 328d / X5 xDrive35d / 535d / 740Ld / X3 xDrive28d). The same campaign did not run in Europe, even though the same pump works in the 320d/520d/X3 20d versions that are common right across Europe. The recall does not cover these cars.

between 79,000 and 248,000 km

What to check

  • Ask whether there has ever been a "Drivetrain fault" message or a loss of power while driving
  • Ask for the service history: if the high pressure pump was replaced, check whether the injectors and the lines were replaced with it. If not, the debris may still be in the system
  • After a cold start listen to the engine at idle: irregular running or smoke is suspect
3 more steps in the write-up

Diesel EGR cooler: cracking, coolant in the intake, fire risk

critical

The internal fins of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler crack over time, and glycol coolant leaks into the intake, where it mixes with soot. The sticky mixture can ignite at high temperature: it can melt the plastic intake manifold and, in extreme cases, cause an engine bay fire.

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The maker recalled the 2013 to 2018 four and six cylinder diesels, roughly 800,000 cars worldwide. The first repair attempt proved insufficient, and the leak returned in several cases: the cooler fitted since 2022, from a different supplier, is the valid fix.

So "the recall was carried out" is not enough on its own: you have to check when, and which repair was done. A first round repair does not by itself rule the problem out.

The early symptoms are white, sweet smelling exhaust smoke, slowly dropping coolant, and a rough idle.

It shows up on diesels built between 2013 and 2018. The earlier M57 is not covered by the recall.

between 108,000 and 222,000 km

What to check

  • Check the level in the expansion tank, and ask whether it has needed topping up
  • After a cold start watch the exhaust: persistent white smoke and a sweet smell mean the coolant is burning
  • Ask for the service book and find the EGR cooler recall entry: Check the date too
2 more steps in the write-up

B47 diesel: the timing chain stretches on the early model years

critical

On the early model years the timing chain of the B47 stretches faster than intended. The chain tensioner compensates for the stretch for a while and then no longer can: the chain jumps, the valve timing goes off, and in a severe case engine damage follows. The first sign is a rattling, clacking noise on a cold start that goes quiet after one to three seconds. On the B47 the chain sits at the front of the engine, not at the rear as on its predecessor, the N47. The replacement is therefore considerably less, between 1,200 and 1,800 euro, against 2,000 to 2,500 euro on the N47; if the chain has already jumped, the repair can run up to 4,500 euro. The risk is highest on units built before the end of 2015, with a reported rate of 3 to 5 per cent. 2016 was better but cases remained, and between July and December 2016 an improved chain tensioner was phased in. After mid-2016 the problem is rare, below one per cent. The engine has been in almost every four-cylinder diesel BMW since 2014, from the 1 Series to the 5 Series and from the X1 to the X4. The build date therefore says more here than the model.

above 120,000 km1,200–4,500 EUR

What to check

  • Start the engine cold and listen for the rattling noise in the first seconds
  • Ask for the build date, because units built before the end of 2015 are the risky ones
  • Ask whether the chain or the tensioner has been replaced, and ask for the invoice
2 more steps in the write-up

B47 / B57 diesel: particulate filter and turbo on short trips

critical

The B47 replaced the N47, and the maker fixed the timing chain problem. The two remaining risks on this modern diesel depend on how the car was used.

Show the rest

The first is the particulate filter. On short urban trips the regeneration cannot finish, and the filter clogs. The second is the turbo. With extended oil change intervals its bearings wear.

On this engine the service history and the type of use tell you more than the odometer. On a 200,000 km car driven on motorways and serviced often, the filter and the turbo can be in better shape than on a 90,000 km city-only car.

Where turbo wear leads in the worst case: a runaway engine. If the turbo shaft seal fails, engine oil enters the intake on the compressor side. A diesel burns that too, and this is different from a petrol engine: a diesel controls torque with the quantity of fuel injected, and it has no throttle. Once the engine runs on its own oil, cutting the injection and switching off the ignition will not stop it. The revs climb on their own until the engine destroys itself for lack of lubrication.

If this happens while driving, turning the key does not help. The only thing that works is cutting off the air: cover or plug the intake, or discharge a dry powder extinguisher into the intake tract. On a manual car you can also stall it: hold the parking brake and the brake pedal, select a high gear, and release the clutch quickly so the drivetrain chokes the engine.

This is not common, and it can happen on any turbo diesel, not only on this engine. On this engine the turbo bearing and seal wear. The warning signs are blue smoke under acceleration, an unexplained drop in oil level, and an oily charge air pipe.

What to check

  • Ask how the car was used: short daily trips or longer runs?
  • Read the fault codes for particulate filter regeneration and differential pressure
  • On a longer test drive watch the power delivery and the smoke under load
5 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

BMW X1 X1 xDrive20d

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall16 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 4 November 2024

24V829000STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSSTRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS4 November 2024 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X1 xDrive28i and X1 M35i vehicles. The left and right-side B-Pillar reinforcement plates may have been manufactured with insufficient structural strength.

Risk: A B-Pillar structure with reduced strength may not adequately protect passengers in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the left-side and right-side B-Pillar and, if affected, replace the B-Pillar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

23V260000SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHERSEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER12 April 2023 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 X1 xDrive28i, X1 M35i vehicles. On the second-row outboard seats, the seat belts may have been pinched by an interior trim panel during vehicle assembly.

Risk: A pinched seat belt may not function properly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and adjust the interior trim panel, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

23V079000AIR BAGS:FRONTALAIR BAGS:FRONTAL14 February 2023 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 iX xDrive40, iX xDrive50, iX M60 and 2022-2023 X1 xDrive28i vehicles. The front driver's air bag may have been manufactured incorrectly and may not deploy as intended during a crash.

Risk: A driver's air bag that does not deploy as intended during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 14, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00859/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The driver airbag may be incorrectly folded. In the event of an accident it may consequently not be able to unfold correctly, increasing the risk of injury to the driver. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00976/22Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The micro gas generator inside the seat belt retractor may not have been manufactured to specifications. This may lead to an impairment of the restraint function in case of an accident, increasing the risk of injury. Moreover, there may be spark formation in case of a pressure release outside of the inflator damaged tube, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00996/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The integrated braking system could be compromised, which could lead to an unexpected failure of the hydraulic braking assistance, thereby requiring greater pressure on the brake pedal. This can result in a longer braking distance, as well as failure of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01029/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The outer safety belts for the second row of seats may have a suboptimal functioning, increasing the risk of injury in case of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01377/22Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

Defects in the winding of cell-internal foils in the high-voltage batteries can lead to the occurrence of increased self-discharge. This can cause high voltage cell modules to overheat, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01864/22Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

When water penetrates the basic control unit, different electrical functions may be impaired, such as lights and central locking could malfunction, the steering and braking assistance may fail and the engine might stall. Moreover, this could lead to increased risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01976/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The seat recliner adjuster may not be correctly welded, which could cause the backrest not to lock. If it doesn't lock, the seatback might not stay secure in a collision, increasing the risk of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/02488/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The front left seat's height adjustment mechanism may have been incorrectly riveted, potentially compromising the seat's structural integrity. In an accident, this could have a negative impact on the restraint system and increase the risk of injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/00053/25Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The hollow shaft of the servomotor was not welded correctly. The weld may not be able to withstand high braking pressure build-up and may break. In this case, the reduced braking performance requires greater force and the braking distance may increase. In addition, the ABS and DSC brake control systems are not assisted. This increases the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/02504/25Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The material used for the B-pillar reinforcement plates is inadequate. This can alter the crash characteristics, leading to an increased risk of injuries in the event of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/02913/25Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The cell modules in the vehicles concerned were not produced in accordance with the specifications, which may cause the module frame to fail. This may lead to a shutdown of the high-voltage system and fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/03496/25Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The seat belts of the car were not manufactured correctly. In the event of a collision or accident, the restraint function of the seat belts may be reduced and may not provide the necessary protection. As a result, there may be an increased risk of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/04168/25Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The seatbelts in the second row may not have been manufactured correctly and could cause the car-sensitivity sensors to fail. This could reduce the protective effect of the seatbelts and lead to injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

B47C20B

110 kW (150 HP) · diesel

7DCT · 7-speed dual-clutch, transverse (BMW Steptronic DCT, Getrag 7DCT300)

DSG · 7 speed

Clutchwet
Torque limit450 Nm
MakerGetrag

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
X1 xDrive20d
Body
SUV
Fuel
diesel
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
1995 cc
Power
110 kW (150 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2022–

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Engine oil and oil filter (BMW condition-based service)

    • LongLife25,000 km or 2 years

  • Fuel filter, diesel

    • 60,000 km or 2 years
All U11 versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms