Models · BMW
BMW X1 F48 buying guide
The second X1, built from 2015 to 2022 with a facelift in 2019. It moved to a front-wheel-drive layout, sold as sDrive, with xDrive four-wheel drive optional, and came with three- and four-cylinder petrols and four-cylinder diesels.
The versions
- Petrol: sDrive18i 1.5 three-cylinder (B38), and 20i and 25i 2.0 four-cylinder (B48)
- Diesel: 18d, 20d and 25d 2.0 four-cylinder (B47)
- sDrive front-wheel drive or xDrive four-wheel drive
- 6-speed manual on the 18d and sDrive18i, 8-speed automatic on others; the xDrive20d is automatic only
- An xDrive25e plug-in hybrid was also sold but isn't covered here
What to check on a F48 X1
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The diesel EGR cooler recalls
What to look for: On a diesel, ask whether the EGR cooler recall work has been done, or check with a BMW dealer using the VIN. Ask whether the car has needed coolant topping up.
Why it matters: The X1 was recalled in December 2018 and again in August 2020 for exhaust gas recirculation coolers that could leak, with a risk of fire. Most cars have been done by now, and a dealer can confirm it in minutes.
Other recall work
What to look for: Ask the dealer to list every campaign for the VIN and confirm each is complete.
Why it matters: Other X1 recalls covered airbags on cars built from September to December 2016 and again in 2020, a front axle manufacturing fault (2018), crankshaft sensors that could cut the engine (2018), rear light fixings (2019) and steering assemblies (2020). All are dealer jobs.
The particulate filter on diesels
What to look for: On a diesel, ask how the car has been used and watch for a particulate filter warning. A run at steady motorway speed during the test drive helps.
Why it matters: The filter has to reach temperature to clean itself, so diesels that rarely see the motorway are the ones most likely to have trouble. Owner surveys also show diesels had more faults than petrols, so a diesel with regular longer runs in its history is the better bet.
Also in the full guide
- Infotainment and electrical warnings
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the F48 X1
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.