x1 Reliability

[dragoon6779]

Hi all,

I just got a nice x1 with 29k miles that was a lease return (held by a salesman's wife). It has all options and the M Sport package.

It is a nice car and suits my wife and I well. I did check consumers reports and a few sites, and found good information regarding the 2015 model, and one site had lots of positive comments from owners (Edmunds?).

However, since then, I have done more reading on quora and in general, as I am pondering an extended warranty (which I have never purchased for a car before).

It seems that lots of people, to include BMW owners and even BMW trained mechanics have indicated the following (in my summary):

A nice handling car that costs more to maintain, and you should certainly maintain it, (even doing extra oil changes between dealer service), and that these cars do not wear well after 50k miles, and the electronics and turbo's, but mostly the electronics, will start to fail, and it will be costly.

It would be understandable if BMW haters said these things, but what is causing me concern is that BMW owners and mechanics seem to be also saying these things.

Unfortunately, I like to keep my cars for a long time, and just gave away my 2005 RX330 Lexus to a family member. This car had only one minor problem (the door mirror came loose). Not bad for a car 13 years old with 115k miles.

Your comments welcomed! And I guess I ought to get the 7 year 75k warranty for 4,200 dollars? Thank you.

[Vidgamer]

OK, if you want the reliability of Toyota or Honda, you're going to have to get a Toyota or Honda (or their upscale brands).

As for long-term reliability of the X1, I don't know. There are a few on here that have put a lot of miles on it, but the main problem I worry about with the n20 seems to be related to the timing chain (for certain model years), and BMW may have extended the warranty on that. Problems with electronics with BMWs was something a friend told me about 30 years ago.

Whether or not you get an extended warranty might depend on whether or not you can afford potential repairs. Otherwise, the insurance companies have determined the odds.

These cars do seem expensive to maintain and repair. Aside from that, it's a fun car with unique styling. What do you want?

[darkrom]

If an oil change every 7k instead of every 15k is even remotely a big deal, sell it now. These cars need more effort than a Honda or Toyota. You get out what you put in. Do preventative work to avoid getting stuck with repairs or breaking down.

[dragoon6779]

[QUOTE=Vidgamer;23186140]OK, if you want the reliability of Toyota or Honda, you're going to have to get a Toyota or Honda (or their upscale brands).

As for long-term reliability of the X1, I don't know. There are a few on here that have put a lot of miles on it, but the main problem I worry about with the n20 seems to be related to the timing chain (for certain model years), and BMW may have extended the warranty on that. Problems with electronics with BMWs was something a friend told me about 30 years ago.

Whether or not you get an extended warranty might depend on whether or not you can afford potential repairs. Otherwise, the insurance companies have determined the odds.

These cars do seem expensive to maintain and repair. Aside from that, it's a fun car with unique styling. What do you want?[/QUOTE


Just friendly advice. Thank you.

[dragoon6779]

Originally Posted by darkrom

If an oil change every 7k instead of every 15k is even remotely a big deal, sell it now. These cars need more effort than a Honda or Toyota. You get out what you put in. Do preventative work to avoid getting stuck with repairs or breaking down.

Oil change not a big deal. Agree regarding preventative maintenance.

[themishmosh]

$4k is a lot of money. I'd guess your car may be only worth $17k. Not worth it in my opinion. Hit or miss whether your water pump lasts 50k miles or 100k miles. Aside from that, I don't think any major repairs are likely. rear differential is rare imho but does happen.

[0w40X1]

I don't think fanatical oil change can preempt most of these expensive failures including timing chain.

There's the thermostat and water pump problems, and then front trans axle on x models.

I guess I'll change out my own free dealer 5w30 to Mobil 1 0w40 at 8k miles so I CAN MEASURE HOW LOW OIL LEVEL MIGHT BE.

Dash oil level feature never showed anything but full, and when I did my only change at 5k miles. It was near 1 quart low.

I put in 5 quart jug, but don't trust electronic gauge.

So how much oil do you guys with n20 engine use, and ever see quart low?

[PrematureApex]

I say this a lot...but I have no idea what all these failures are that could have been prevented with maintenance...

The regular points of failures on these cars (and any E90 car really) are most certainly not caused by a lack of maintenance. Just seems to be something people like to repeat to make themselves feel better?

[dragoon6779]

Originally Posted by PrematureApex

I say this a lot...but I have no idea what all these failures are that could have been prevented with maintenance...

The regular points of failures on these cars (and any E90 car really) are most certainly not caused by a lack of maintenance. Just seems to be something people like to repeat to make themselves feel better?

My wife's brother in law has an x5, and he did get the extended warrenty. He is very glad he did. He claims 30k in repairs. I know some of them involved the active suspension, and I once saw it sitting with a distinct lean.

I was hoping to hear some comments from some who had or have no problems, as often the news you hear is when something goes wrong. Actually, in 40 years driving, I have never had a car with problems, from (no special order) Lexus, to Mustang, to Corvette, to MX5 and RX7, to Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler, to two Dodge pickups, to Lincoln, Fiat, Chevy Volt, and even a Fiesta. Just lucky?

[zeevette]

I've had my X1 for four years now. Total miles is still under 35k, so nothing major has broken yet. Bought it CPO with extra warranty included, but I doubt if I have it too much longer. Fantastic acceleration, and steering, but lots of plastic parts keep breaking/falling off, and it rattles a bit. The rear suspension is a bit punishing, too.

[dragoon6779]

Originally Posted by zeevette

I've had my X1 for four years now. Total miles is still under 35k, so nothing major has broken yet. Bought it CPO with extra warranty included, but I doubt if I have it too much longer. Fantastic acceleration, and steering, but lots of plastic parts keep breaking/falling off, and it rattles a bit. The rear suspension is a bit punishing, too.

Thank you. The extended warrenty might be good. I wonder if the bumper to bumper ones cover plastic stuff. The plastic parts breaking is also something I have read about.

[sudermatt]

85k miles... no problems. Go to the how many miles thread and you'll see folks with over 100k with no problems.

[dragoon6779]

Originally Posted by sudermatt

85k miles... no problems. Go to the how many miles thread and you'll see folks with over 100k with no problems.

Thank you, I just saw the thread.

[hooligan_G01]

Originally Posted by zeevette

I've had my X1 for four years now. Total miles is still under 35k, so nothing major has broken yet. Bought it CPO with extra warranty included, but I doubt if I have it too much longer. Fantastic acceleration, and steering, but lots of plastic parts keep breaking/falling off, and it rattles a bit. The rear suspension is a bit punishing, too.

Such as?

I'm not doubting you, just curious as to what I should keep an eye on.

[mcdanielvzw]

2nd 35i X1, first was a new base 35i until 30k (totaled) and this one bought last summer w/ 29k (loaded sportline) and I'm at 58k now. No problems with either, previous owner rode the e-brake on this and I had to get new rear rotors and e-brake. Nothing plastic fell off or broken and zero problems.

[bucketfoot]

2.5 years into my 2014 CPO ownership (just hit 40K miles) and the only issue I've had was a complete failure of the iDrive head unit.

I am definitely glad it failed while still under the factory warranty, as I learned that the CPO warranty does not cover anything iDrive related.

I absolutely love the car and have no regrets about buying it.

[LevinBR]

In researching the reliability of your X1, I recommend focusing on the motor first.

Reliability of 28i:
http://mywikimotors.com/bmw-n20/

Reliability of 35i: http://mywikimotors.com/n55b30/

[Lucky13]

Go to Consumer Reports, the strongest area pf the X1 is actually the engine which got much better than average on all 4 engine areas. Weakness are electronics, ride and comfort (small backseat). I get the questionaire twice a year (on line) because I have a digital subscription.

[zeevette]

Originally Posted by hooligan_clt

Such as?

I'm not doubting you, just curious as to what I should keep an eye on.

First thing that fell off is the driver's door threshold. A broken tab means it's going to pop off again. The rear license plate holder is also very loose. I had to replace the nylon holders with aftermarket, larger pieces because I almost lost the plate a couple of times. The rear bumper has two plastic covers (jacking points?) that I finally glued on. (lightly) I use the hatch every day, which might be more than normal, but never slam it shut, and still it would pop off those little plates. Something fell off the pass. seat base too. These are all minor, but still disappointing.

[zgrunstein]

Just bought an X1 35i MSPT with 57,300KM (35,800mi approx). Just wanted to know some of your thoughts in terms of the maintenance. Im huge BMW guy and have an E91 328 and just got rid of my E60 535 (also have a E34 M5 3.8). So my 535 was very unreliable and the diff went early and the transfer case and everything else on the 4WD System. So I was wondering of a to keep it in better shape. Yes I followed all regular oil changes and did LiquiMoly 5W-40...

So at this mileage now what do you guys suggest. Just had the oil & filter and microfilter done. Im doing the rear brakes today so at the same time should I do the Brake Fluid? I know BMW says the tranny fluid is "lifetime" but we all know that is complete bs... Anything guys?