Last updated on October 12th, 2023 at 08:16 am

The BMW X1 is a series of subcompact luxury crossover SUVs in production since 2009. The BMW X1 is a fairly reliable car. As a relatively new vehicle, you can expect the BMW X1 to last a long time. 

So, “How long does the BMW X1 last?”- It depends on how much maintenance the car will require and which model year you’re interested in.

The X1 features an all-wheel drive and a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, making the X1 more powerful than already.

Depending on driving habits and road conditions, tires on a BMW X1 will typically last for two to four years and the manufacturer will cover the brake pads and discs for up to 70,000 miles.

Keep reading to find out the Reliability of BMW X1 and how many years of performance you can expect from a BMW X1.

How Long Do BMW X1 Last?

The BMW X1 is a strong vehicle expected to last between 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and smooth driving habits.

The average life of the BMW X1 is about 15 years, so if you drive the car on an average of 15,000 miles per year, that means the vehicle will provide 10 to 13 years of service before needing expensive repairs.

Although the BMW X1 is a new vehicle, it’s still a popular choice among drivers. Even though it’s a relatively recent car, it’s expected to cross the 100,000-mile mark before you need to replace the engine or the battery.

The gas mileage for BMW X1 is pretty efficient as it delivers 29 mpg highway when tested.

However, as with many other cars in its class, the BMW X1’s lifespan will be significantly shorter than most other luxury compact SUVs. Considering the repair and replacement cost, once the X1 reaches the milestones between 150,000 to 200,000, the car will most likely need costly repairs and becomes expensive to maintain.

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Thoughts On High-Mileage BMW X1

A BMW X1 with over 100,000 miles on the odometer is considered high-mileage and thus, becomes an unsafe investment due to higher chances of major internal component failures.

As high numbers are reached, the vehicle becomes prone to failure of essential parts such as engines and transmission systems.

Before purchasing a second-hand X1, check the vehicle’s maintenance history and get a mechanic to checkup if there are any massive issues with the car.

A BMW X1 with high mileage can be a good buy if you are sure about how it has been taken care of and has extensive service records.

Reliability of BMW X1

As with any car, reliability is an important factor to consider when purchasing, especially as expensive as the BMW X1. You should consider a car’s warranty coverage, how often it needs maintenance, and how long it will stay on the road. If these issues can’t be avoided, you’ll want to choose another model.

The X1 is a versatile car that offers the drivers a nice mixture of daily usability, raised ride height, performance, and maneuverability for city drives.

Even though the BMW X1 is not the most reliable car in this category, it promises a smooth driving experience with many luxury features and regular usability.

On RepairPal, the BMW X1 has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 and is ranked 6th out of 11 for compact luxury crossover SUVs.

A new BMW X1 will cruise past the 100k mark with a reasonable maintenance and repair schedule. However, if you are prone to car problems, repairs will be costly.

The BMW X1’s warranty is a big plus, but it’s not guaranteed that it won’t have problems.

Reliability is a huge concern with any vehicle. It’s important to look at the cost of maintenance, which is why most buyers choose to buy a car with a low maintenance cost.

Reliability Compared to Other SUVs

ModelsReliability
Acura RDX4.5/5
Lexus NX200t4/5
Infinity EX354/5
Volvo XC604/5
BMW X13.5/5
Mercedes-Benz GLK3503.5/5
Lincoln MKC3.5/5
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque3/5
Land Rover LR23/5
BMW X32.5/5
Porsche Macan1.5/5
Average Luxury Compact SUV3.5/5

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How Long Does the BMW X1 Last Compared to Similar Car Models?

In this section, we will compare the BMW X1 with its competitors.

BMW X1 vs. Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 is a luxury subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Audi and in production since 2011.

According to current owner reports, both Q3 and X1 have an average life expectancy of 150,000 to 200,000 miles.

The average maintenance and service cost for an Audi Q3 is $987, and for the BMW X1, it is $915 per year.

According to RepairPal, the Audi Q3 scores 3 out of 5, and BMW X1 scores 3.5 out of 5, both in terms of reliability.

J.D. Power rates the Q3 77 out of 100, whereas the X1 scores 75 out of 100 for quality and reliability.

BMW X1 offers improved driving dynamics, while the Audi Q3 provides a more-roomy cabin and bigger cargo space.

BMW X1 vs. Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 is a subcompact crossover luxury SUV manufactured by Volvo cars, first launched in September 2017.

XC40 has an average lifespan of 200,000 to 250,000 miles which is higher than the expected mileage for BMW X1.

Comparing maintenance costs, the XC40 costs less per year to maintain, $769, whereas the price for the X1 is $915 annually. 

RepairPal rates both cars 3.5 out of 5 in terms of reliability.

J.D. Power scores the Volvo XC40 a 78 out of 100 and BMW X1 75 out of 100, both in quality and reliability.

Volvo XC40 is a better choice for people looking to get the most value for money as it offers a higher predicted lifespan and a more affordable maintenance fee.

BMW X1 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLA Class

The GLA Class is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in 2014. 

Mercedes-Benz GLA Class is expected to last an average of up to 200,000 miles which is close to the expected mileage for BMW X1.

The annual average service and maintenance cost for the GLA Class is $987, and for the X1, the price is $915.

RepairPal rates the X1 at 3.5 out of 5, and there is insufficient GLA Class data, so no ratings.

According to J.D. Power, the Mercedes-Benz GLA Class scores 78 out of 100, and BMW X1 scores 75 out of 100.

Both the cars contain similar engines producing an equal amount of horsepower and identical torque.

Comparison Chart

 Car ModelsBMW X1Audi Q3Volvo XC40Mercedes-Benz GLA Class
Expected Mileage150,000 to 200,000 miles150,000 to 200,000 miles200,000 to 250,000 milesAverage 200,000 miles
Annual Maintenance Cost$915$987$769$987
RepairPal Ratings3.5 out of 53 out of 53.5 out of 5Not enough data
J.D. Power Scores75 out of 10077 out of 10078 out of 10078 out of 100
Price RangeStarts from $35,400Starts from $34,900Starts from $34,100Starts from $36,230

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Best and Worst Years

The BMW X1 has been booming since its launch; however, X1 has had some good and bad years just like any other vehicle.

Best Years

The 2016 BMW X1 got a complete redesign and more space inside. The quality of seats and other interior materials also improved drastically. 

Models from 2017,2018 and 2019 also feature a low number of complaints. 2018 was the brand’s best-selling model worldwide.

The best year for BMW X1 is 2020, with no complaints and expectations of the 2021 model having similarly few complaints are high.

Worst Years

According to CarComplaints, 2013 model X1 was ranked as the worst model due to severe problems with the engine and foggy substance on the windshield.’ 

The 2013 model was also more prone to rust on brake calipers and wheel housing.  

2012,2014 and 2015 models faced problems with the transmission, steering, engine, body, paint, and AC/heater malfunction.

 Is the BMW X1 Expensive to Maintain?

The BMW X1 costs an average of $915 annually for maintenance with an expected $6,225 for five years. 

Model Average Annual Maintenance Cost
Acura RDX$497
Lexus NX200t$690
Infinity EX35$588
Volvo XC60$746
Lincoln MKC$853
Mercedes-Benz GLK350$859
Land Rover LR2$895
BMW X1$915
BMW X3$1034
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque$1102
Porsche Macan$1265
Average Luxury Compact SUV$859

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Is The BMW X1 A Good Car?

The BMW X1 is a good choice for a small SUV. The standard features of this car include an automatic emergency braking system, low-speed forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Unlike some other compact SUVs, however, the X1 offers front-wheel drive. The lack of rear-wheel drive may be a problem for some BMW diehards, but most buyers will find the X1 a fun and practical vehicle.

The interior of the BMW X1 is primarily premium and easy to use. The 8.8-inch iDrive system offers standard features like in-dash navigation, Apple CarPlay capability, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. An optional 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system is available.

Although the driver’s cockpit is well-designed, there are some complaints about the quality of the sound system. The dashboard is very stylish and the gauge cluster looks upscale, but steering wheel adjustments lack the range of motion and are difficult to use.

The BMW X1 is similar in size to the Audi Q3 but is bigger and longer than its other competitors. It has a standard set of driver assistance tech, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The X1 has a good performance score compared to other compact SUVs. The X1 is also equipped with a power tailgate and rear parking sensors. Its fuel economy is also impressive, averaging 23.2 mpg on a test loop.

How Long Does the BMW X1 Brake Pads Last?

The BMW X1 brake pads will last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles with regular use. 

The price of each brake pad usually ranges from $50 to $100 and some extra for labor.

If you go through much stop-and-go traffic, your BMW X1 brakes will likely wear out faster than expected.  

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How Long Does the BMW X1 Tire Lasts?

The BMW X1 tires last an average of 30,000 to 50,000 miles or between 2 to 4 years of use; this varies depending on some factors.

Factors such as driving habits, road conditions, extreme temperatures, and driving frequency affect your tires’ average lifespan.

Off-roading or driving on rocky terrain will wear out your tires much sooner than expected.

How Long Does the BMW X1 Battery Last?

Batteries for a BMW X1 typically last between 3 to 5 years, but this varies depending on weather conditions, driving habits, type of battery, and much more.

The cost for batteries is not reasonable, and then there is the added labor cost.

If the car is slow to start after turning the key or if the battery connections and cables form corrosion, your car batteries need replacement.

Tips to Prolong the Longevity of Your BMW X1

  • Keep the interior of your car dry at all times.
  • Keep updated with all the service and maintenance schedules.
  • Store your vehicle in a garage to protect it from the weather’s elements.
  • Avoid setting up any performance-enhancing modifications.
  • Adopt smooth driving styles.
  • Check the engines, coolant, transmission, and other components from time to time to notice any odd signs.
  • Drive carefully to increase the longevity of tires, brake pads, and batteries.
  • Wash your car regularly to get rid of dirt and grime, leading to rust and corrosion.
  • Use good quality parts and fluids.

We hope this article has guided you with any questions regarding a BMW X1.

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