2016 BMW X1 problems
The 2016 BMW X1 was sold with 3 engines that we have documented: the BMW B47, the BMW B48 / B38 and the BMW B38 / B37. The BMW B47 and the BMW B48 / B38 have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the BMW B38 / B37 (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2016 cars, such as steering track rod without spherical washer: possible rack breakage (built 2016-2019).
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2016 BMW X1 score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 12 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine6.4From 2.7 to 8.9 depending on the engine
- Gearbox8.61 fault
- Suspension8.90 faults
- Brakes8.10 faults
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering8.71 fault
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Headlights and lights8.50 faults
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior7.90 faults
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2015 BMW X1
- Score: 7.5 → 7.2
- Starts to be affected by: steering track rod without spherical washer: possible rack breakage (built 2016-2019) (rest of the car)
BMW B47 engine in the 2016 BMW X1
Names: sDrive18d · xDrive20d · sDrive20d · xDrive25d
- With caution
B47 114-150 hp, single turbo (2014-)
114–150 hp · B47D20, B47C20
Shares with the rest of the B47 family the documented risk of EGR cooler failure and, to a lesser extent, of timing chain failure.[4][5]
- With caution
B47 168-190 hp, single turbo (2014-)
168–188 hp · B47D20, B47C20
Same documented risk of EGR cooler and timing chain failure as the rest of the B47 range.[4][5]
Faults that affect 2016 cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlEGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fireYes: the EGR valve cooler can suffer internal coolant leaks which, mixed with soot and oil, can reach combustion temperatures; BMW has launched several technical campaigns since 2018 to inspect and replace it because of the risk of engine fire.Repair (garage): €500–€1,500
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?)BMW improved the chain's tensioner, guides and oil supply compared with the N47, and failures take much longer to appear. But a specialist workshop insists the chain is still at the rear of the block, not at the front as is often claimed, so repairing it still means removing the engine or the gearbox.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTurboPremature turbo wear from neglected maintenanceThe B47's turbo does not have a design flaw as well documented as the N47's, but it can wear out early if oil changes are not respected, with repairs that usually run at around €1,000 to €2,000.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlParticulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban useYes: as on most modern diesels, the B47's particulate filter can clog with soot in cars used in town on short journeys, with cleaning or replacement costing from €500 to €1,800 depending on the condition of the filter.Repair (garage): €500–€1,800
BMW B48 / B38 engine in the 2016 BMW X1
Names: sDrive20i · xDrive20i · xDrive25i
- Buy
B48 2.0 178-197 hp (120i, 220i, 320i, 520i, X1/X2/X3 20i, MINI Cooper S)
178–197 hp · B48A20, B48B20
It is the most widely fitted B48 version and has no serious, widespread fault on record; it is worth checking the cooling circuit and any oil leaks next to the turbo and the VANOS.[7]
Faults that affect 2016 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingDeterioration of hoses and seals in the cooling circuit, with coolant lossYes: over the years and many heat cycles, the hoses, the expansion tank and some of the plastic seals in the B48/B38 cooling circuit can deteriorate and lose coolant, sometimes without any visible puddle under the car.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalLubricationOil leaks or seepage from seals and covers, near the turbo and the VANOSYes: over time, oil seepage or leaks can appear at seals, covers and crankcase ventilation connections, in an area of the engine close to the turbo and the VANOS system.
- High severityFrequency: RareTimingTiming chain on the early units (2014-2018), redesigned in the B48TUWe have found no documented cases of timing chain breakage on the B48. The one concrete fact that does exist is that BMW redesigned the chain as a single piece in the 2018 B48TU update, which points to an area for improvement in engines built before that date.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonIntakeCarbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)Yes, as on most direct-injection engines: because they are not washed by fuel, the intake valves on the B48/B38 build up carbon over the years, especially in urban use, with a loss of smoothness and a less stable idle.
BMW B38 / B37 engine in the 2016 BMW X1
Names: sDrive18i · sDrive16d
- Buy
B38 1.5 136-140 hp from April 2015 (B38A15 / B38B15)
136 hp · B38A15, B38B15
BMW says the bearing change eliminated the problem, and we have found no other serious, widespread fault documented in the press or by official bodies for these units.[8]
- Buy
B37 1.5 diesel 95-116 hp (B37C15K0 / B37C15U0), up to 2017
95–116 hp · B37C15K0, B37C15U0
We have found no serious, widespread documented fault on the B37; the MINI Cooper D F56 in a 2026 feature clocked up a million kilometres on its original engine, although it is an isolated case.[9]
Faults that affect 2016 cars
- Medium severityFrequency: RareCoolingCoolant leaks and water pump or thermostat failure on the B38Two sources point to the cooling circuit (thermostat housing, electric water pump and hoses) as the most cited wear point on the B38, with leaks from around 70,000 km. The data is scarce and of uneven quality, so it is treated as a risk to watch rather than a widespread fault.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalIntakeCarbon build-up on the B38's intake valves and injectorsAs a direct-injection engine, the B38 builds up carbon deposits on the intake valves and injectors, like other direct-injection petrol engines. The German press cites it as the point to watch in an otherwise trouble-free engine, and it is noticed mainly on short journeys.
Faults outside the engine in the 2016 BMW X1
- Critical severityFrequency: RareSteeringSteering track rod without spherical washer: possible rack breakage (built 2016-2019)Yes, there was a recall: in X1 units built between August 2016 and April 2019 a spherical washer was missing from the steering rack track rod end, which could break from wear and cause loss of control.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchDelay in power engagement when pulling away on the 7-speed dual-clutch Steptronic gearboxIt is a known trait and not an isolated fault: on X1 F48 cars with the 7-speed dual-clutch (DKG) Steptronic gearbox, the engagement of power when pulling away is noticeably delayed, something Gebrauchtwagenberater.de recommends checking on the test drive.
Buying a 2016 BMW X1?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 BMW X1 reliable?
The 2016 BMW X1 was sold with 3 engines that we have documented: the BMW B47, the BMW B48 / B38 and the BMW B38 / B37. The BMW B47 and the BMW B48 / B38 have serious faults that affect the cars of that year. The safest option is the BMW B38 / B37 (verdict “Buy”). Outside the engine, 2 documented faults affect 2016 cars, such as steering track rod without spherical washer: possible rack breakage (built 2016-2019).
Is the 2016 BMW X1 better than the 2015?
Our score goes from 7.5 in 2015 to 7.2 in 2016. Starts to be affected by: steering track rod without spherical washer: possible rack breakage (built 2016-2019) (rest of the car).
What is the best year for the BMW X1?
According to our score, the best are 2022 and 2021 (8.1/10). The year with the worst score is 2017 (7.1/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2016 BMW X1 have?
The most important ones documented for 2016 cars are: eGR cooler leaks with risk of engine fire (BMW B47, critical severity), steering track rod without spherical washer: possible rack breakage (built 2016-2019) (steering, critical severity), timing chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?) (BMW B47, high severity), premature turbo wear from neglected maintenance (BMW B47, high severity) and timing chain on the early units (2014-2018), redesigned in the B48TU (BMW B48 / B38, high severity).
Own a 2016 BMW X1? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- BMW B47Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- Motor BMW B47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- BMW X1 (F48)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
- 324.000 diésel de BMW tendrán que pasar por el taller en Europa, por un posible riesgo de incendio en la EGRDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 August 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Motor BMW B47 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- BMW B48Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
- Motor BMW B48: defectos, mantenimiento y guía de compraRecambios y Accesorios BMW (blog) · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- BMW Dreizylinder: Dauertest-Probleme des B38 behoben?BimmerToday · Motoring press · published 5 October 2017 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in German
- Project one M: MINI Cooper D F56 fährt eine Million Kilometer in 12 JahrenBimmerToday · Motoring press · published 24 June 2026 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in German