BMW X1 E84
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
306–360 PS
3.0L Turbo Benzin
Turbo Six Crossover
Fun to Drive!170–252 PS
2.0L Turbo Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW X1 E84 is available with 10 engine variants — from 90 to 360 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The BMW 18d (Diesel, 136–143 PS) has the N47D20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW sDrive18d (Diesel, 136–150 PS) has the N47D20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW sDrive20d (Diesel, 177–184 PS) has the N47D20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive20d (Diesel, 177–184 PS) has the N47D20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive23d (Diesel, 204 PS) has the N47D20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW sDrive18i (Benziner, 143–150 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N46B20 (2009–2012, Be Careful) und N13B16 (2012–2015, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the sDrive18i!
The BMW sDrive20i (Benziner, 184 PS) has the N20B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive20i (Benziner, 184 PS) has the N20B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive28i (Benziner, 245–258 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N52B30 (2009–2015, Be Careful) und N20B20 (2012–2015, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the xDrive28i!
The BMW xDrive35i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| xDrive Transfer Case Bearing Damage The transfer case (ATC350) on xDrive variants suffers premature wear of the needle bearing at the propshaft take-off. Noises from around 100,000 km; complete failure is possible. Symptoms: Scraping and grinding from the front axle at low speed, loud whining or droning under load, juddering on acceleration from 100,000 km | High |
Alternatives
Audi RS Q3 8U
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2018)
Ford EcoSport I
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2022)
Mercedes-Benz GLA X156
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2020)
Nissan Qashqai J11
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2017)
Subaru Crosstrek GP
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2017)
Suzuki S-Cross I
Kompakt-SUV (2013–2016)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 47 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW X1 E84 (2009–2015) — 40 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N47D20 (2.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Rust, Suspension, Electronics.
X1 (N47D20, 2009–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 136–150 PS.
X1 (N47D20, 2009–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 177–184 PS.
X1 (N47D20, 2009–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 204 PS.
X1 (N47D20, 2009–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 136–143 PS.
X1 (N46B20, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Valvetronic eccentric shaft / actuator motor defective, VANOS solenoid valve defective. Power: 150 PS.
X1 (N52B30, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Oil filter housing gasket — oil into coolant, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure. Power: 258 PS.
X1 (N13B16, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Turbo oil supply line — O-rings defective, Piston rings and valve stem seals worn. Power: 143 PS.
X1 (N20B20, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 184 PS.
X1 (N20B20, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 245 PS.
X1 (N55B30, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW X1? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW X1 E84 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW X1 E84? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW X1 E84 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW X1 E84 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW X1 E84? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee