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BMW X1 U11 problems (2022–today)

We have documented 3 engines for the BMW X1 U11; the BMW B47 has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the BMW B38 / B37, with a «Buy» verdict.[1]

Outside the engine: Away from the engine, the X1 U11 (including the electric iX1) has racked up several recalls: the integrated braking system, the hollow shaft of the brake servo, the seat belts, the B-pillar reinforcements, water ingress into the control unit and the folding of the driver's airbag. These are preventive campaigns covering few units, and reliability data by mileage is still lacking.[2][3][4][5][6][7]

BMW X1 U11 (2022–today)
Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468106.3out of 10

BMW X1 U11 rating: acceptable reliability

Calculated using only 14 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine7.6From 6.2 to 8.9 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox10.0No documented faults
  • Suspension10.0No documented faults
  • Brakes5.72 faults
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering10.0No documented faults
  • Electrical system7.11 fault
  • Headlights and lights10.0No documented faults
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior7.11 fault
  • Airbags and safety5.72 faults

Ranked 39 of 78 among the Compact SUVs with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the BMW X1 U11

  1. 1Critical severity: Integrated braking system (IBS) failure: loss of hydraulic assistanceBrakes
  2. 2Critical severity: Faulty weld on the hollow shaft of the brake servo (brake system servo motor)Brakes
  3. 3Critical severity: Seat belts with a manufacturing defect or fitted incorrectly (C-pillar, retractor and rear seats)Airbags and safety
  4. 4Critical severity: B-pillar reinforcement plates made from unsuitable materialBodywork and interior
  5. 5Critical severity: Water ingress into the body control unit (BCP) through the panoramic roof drainsElectrical system

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

13 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: R/2025/443 and alert SR/04168/25: outer rear seat belts. See the campaigns for the BMW X1 U11

17 sourcesHow we work

BMW B47

BMW B47 (B47D20 / B47C20) · Diesel

In the X1 U11
since 2022[8]
Names
sDrive18d · xDrive20d · xDrive23d
Faults that affect it
3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
38
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • B47 114-150 hp, single turbo (2014-)since 2014 · 114–150 hp · B47D20, B47C20

    With caution

    Shares with the rest of the B47 family the documented risk of EGR cooler failure and, to a lesser extent, of timing chain failure.[9][10]

  • B47 168-190 hp, single turbo (2014-)since 2014 · 168–188 hp · B47D20, B47C20

    With caution

    Same documented risk of EGR cooler and timing chain failure as the rest of the B47 range.[9][10]

  • B47 202-228 hp, twin-turbo (2015-)since 2015 · 202–228 hp · B47D20, B47C20

    With caution

    The higher level of turbocharging does not exempt this version from the EGR and timing chain risk documented for the rest of the family.[9][10]

Faults that affect the X1 U11

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The BMW B47 has 4 documented faults in total.

  1. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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

X1 U11 BMW B47 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW B47

BMW B48 / B38

BMW B48 (B48A20 / B48B20) / B38 (B38A15 / B38B15) · Petrol

In the X1 U11
since 2022[8]
Names
xDrive23i · M35i
Faults that affect it
3
Risk index on this car
24
Low risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the X1 U11

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The BMW B48 / B38 has 4 documented faults in total.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

X1 U11 BMW B48 / B38 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW B48 / B38

BMW B38 / B37

Safest option

BMW B38 (1.5 gasolina) and B37 (1.5 diésel) de tres cilindros · Petrol

In the X1 U11
since 2022[8]
Names
sDrive16i · sDrive18i · sDrive20i
Faults that affect it
2
Risk index on this car
11
Low risk

Verdict for the version it uses

Faults that affect the X1 U11

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The BMW B38 / B37 has 3 documented faults in total.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

X1 U11 BMW B38 / B37 pageAll versions and faults of the BMW B38 / B37

Faults of the BMW X1 U11 outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

Checklist for buying a used BMW X1 U11

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the BMW B47 (since 2022)

Timing chain wear (improved, but is it really at the front?)

High severity

Premature turbo wear from neglected maintenance

High severity

Particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use

Medium severity

If it has the BMW B48 / B38 (since 2022)

Deterioration of hoses and seals in the cooling circuit, with coolant loss

Medium severity

Oil leaks or seepage from seals and covers, near the turbo and the VANOS

Medium severity

Carbon build-up on the intake valves (direct injection)

Low severity

If it has the BMW B38 / B37 (since 2022)

Coolant leaks and water pump or thermostat failure on the B38

Medium severity

Carbon build-up on the B38's intake valves and injectors

Low severity

Wear parts for the BMW X1 U11

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links

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Frequently asked questions

Is the BMW X1 U11 reliable?

We have documented 3 engines for the BMW X1 U11; the BMW B47 has high or critical severity faults. The safest option is the BMW B38 / B37, with a «Buy» verdict. Away from the engine, the X1 U11 (including the electric iX1) has racked up several recalls: the integrated braking system, the hollow shaft of the brake servo, the seat belts, the B-pillar reinforcements, water ingress into the control unit and the folding of the driver's airbag. These are preventive campaigns covering few units, and reliability data by mileage is still lacking.

Which BMW X1 U11 engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines we have documented, the safest option is the BMW B38 / B37, with a «Buy» verdict. 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.[1]

What problems does the BMW X1 U11 have apart from the engine?

Away from the engine, the X1 U11 (including the electric iX1) has racked up several recalls: the integrated braking system, the hollow shaft of the brake servo, the seat belts, the B-pillar reinforcements, water ingress into the control unit and the folding of the driver's airbag. These are preventive campaigns covering few units, and reliability data by mileage is still lacking. The most important documented faults are: integrated braking system (IBS) failure: loss of hydraulic assistance (brakes, critical severity), faulty weld on the hollow shaft of the brake servo (brake system servo motor) (brakes, critical severity), seat belts with a manufacturing defect or fitted incorrectly (C-pillar, retractor and rear seats) (airbags and safety, critical severity) and b-pillar reinforcement plates made from unsuitable material (bodywork and interior, critical severity).[2][3][4][5][6][7]

What faults does the BMW X1 U11 have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: 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), particulate filter (DPF) clogging in urban use (BMW B47, medium severity), deterioration of hoses and seals in the cooling circuit, with coolant loss (BMW B48 / B38, medium severity) and oil leaks or seepage from seals and covers, near the turbo and the VANOS (BMW B48 / B38, medium severity).

What is the best year to buy a BMW X1 U11?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2026 (8.8/10); the worst rated is 2022 (6.3/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the BMW X1 U11 have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 13 campaigns for the BMW X1 U11, such as r/2025/443 and alert SR/04168/25: outer rear seat belts (2025). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[4]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. BMW Dreizylinder: Dauertest-Probleme des B38 behoben?BimmerToday · Motoring press · published 5 October 2017 · consulted 4 October 2026 · in German
  2. BMW recalls around 64,000 vehicles in France over possible brake faultConnexion France · General press · published 12 September 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026
  3. BMW X1 (2022–2024) Recall: Brakes, Accident Riskcar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 10 January 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026
  4. BMW X1 (2025): seat-belt recallcar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 29 November 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026
  5. BMW X1 (2024) recall: B-pillar reinforcement platescar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 7 July 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026
  6. BMW iX1 (2022) recall: water in the basic control unitcar-recalls.eu · Other source · published 23 December 2022 · consulted 9 October 2026
  7. Safety Gate: alerta A12/00859/23 (BMW iX, X1, iX1, airbag del conductor)Comisión Europea – Safety Gate · Official body · published 20 April 2023 · consulted 9 October 2026
  8. BMW X1 (U11)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
  9. 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
  10. Motor BMW B47 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Motor BMW B48: defectos, mantenimiento y guía de compraRecambios y Accesorios BMW (blog) · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Motor BMW B47: problemas, modelos y qué revisarCarexam · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. BMW B47 Engine Guide: Reliability, Efficiency, Tuning, Pros and ConsBMW BLOG · Other source · published August 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026
  14. BMW B38: fiabilidad y puntos débiles (Autoscore)Autoscore · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  15. BMW B38 engine reliability, efficiency and tuningBMWBLOG · Motoring press · published 18 December 2025 · consulted 30 October 2026
  16. BMW B38: Probleme, Schwachstellen und ZuverlässigkeitGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 2 November 2025 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  17. MINI Countryman F60: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German