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BMW E84 X1 buyer's guide
2013–2015 · sDrive28i / xDrive28i, xDrive35i (N20, N55)
Last updated
Engines by year Model-year changes Known problems Other issues Warranty extensions Recalls Inspection checklist Red flags Specs Coding Ownership costs Production Sources
Models and engines by year
US-market models. Chassis codes: E84. Not sure which one you have? The VIN check decodes year, model and engine.
Model-year changes
| Model year | What changed |
|---|---|
| 2013 | First X1 models for the US arrive with the 2012 facelift (redesigned lights, bumpers and interior, xLine/Sport/M Sport trims). Engines: 28i (N20 turbo four) and xDrive35i (N55).9 |
| 2014 | Updated X1 unveiled at the 2014 Detroit show and on sale spring 2014: ConnectedDrive updates and new trim, paint and wheel choices.9 |
| 2015 | Production ended in June 2015.9 |
US model years unless noted. "LCI" (Life Cycle Impulse) is BMW's name for a mid-cycle facelift.
Known problems and when they show up
Mileages are what the cited shops, specialists and owner forums report. They are typical ranges, not predictions for any one car.
N20 engine
sDrive28i / xDrive28i (2013–2015) · N20 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain | any mileage; BMW warranty extension is 7 years/70,000 miles | A whine from the front of the engine that rises with rpm, or a cold-start rattle. A broken guide can destroy the engine. BMW revised the chain parts from January 2015 production. Its warranty extension (SIB 11 03 17) covers listed 2012–2015 N20/N26 cars built up to mid-2015, for 7 years/70,000 miles from in-service. A class-action settlement (SIB 11 02 21) covers cars built through February 2015.1,2,3,4 | N20 timing chain replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,375–$2,832 · dealer $3,550–$5,000 |
| Oil leaks and electric water pump | not tied to a mileage in our sources | Valve cover, oil filter housing gasket leaks and electric water pump failures also come up on higher-mileage N20s. | No price yet |
N55 engine
xDrive35i (2013–2015) · N55 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve cover and gasket leak | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Burning-oil smell and oil on the spark plug wells. The plastic cover can also crack, so it is often replaced together with the gasket.5,6,7 | N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) Owners paid: indie shop $930–$1,625 · dealer $1,450–$2,076 |
| Oil filter housing gasket leak | about 50,000–130,000 miles | Oil drips onto the belt and tensioner. Fix it before the belt is damaged.5,6,7,8 | N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) Owners paid: indie shop $648–$763 |
| Electric water pump and thermostat | usually before 100,000 miles; reported failures range from about 30,000 to over 120,000 | Fails suddenly, often with no warning, then overheats.5,6,7 | N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| Plastic charge pipe | can crack at any age, even at stock boost; about 40,000–90,000 miles (60,000–150,000 km) per EngineScope | Sudden loss of boost and a whoosh under load.5,7 | N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement |
| Oil pan gasket | usually past 100,000 miles | Expensive labor because the subframe must be lowered.5 | N55 oil pan gasket Owners paid: indie shop $1,588–$1,900 |
| VANOS solenoids | around 120,000 miles | Rough idle and cam timing faults.5 | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
Known E84 issues beyond the engine
N20 timing chain (28i). See the N20 section.9
Warranty extensions and service campaigns 8
Warranty extensions (8)
- SIB 01 20 16 Electrical system service information Electrical system service information on BMW E46/E70/E71/E72 and other models (2006–2014); BMW extended coverage for eligible cars. Warranty extension · May 2026
- SIB 11 03 17 Timing chain warranty extension Timing chain warranty extension on BMW E84/E89/E92/E93 and other models (2011–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Oct 2021
- SIB 11 02 21 Electrical class-action settlement Electrical class-action settlement on BMW E84/E89/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2018); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Sep 2021
- SIB 01 13 21 Electric water pump class-action settlement Electric water pump class-action settlement on N54/N55 engines (2007–2019); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · May 2021
- SIB 01 16 18 Airbag class-action settlement Airbag class-action settlement on BMW E46/E53/E70/E71 and other models (2006–2015); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Jan 2019
- SIB 01 01 16 Thermostat warranty extension Thermostat warranty extension on N20/N52/N55 engines (2012–2017); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Dec 2017
- SIB 01 06 17 Thermostat warranty extension Thermostat warranty extension on BMW E84 models (2013–2014); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2017
- NHTSA 10215024 Engine warranty extension Engine warranty extension on BMW E60/E70/E71/E72 and other models (2011–2013); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2017
Filed by BMW with NHTSA. Extensions usually follow the car to later owners and can reimburse earlier repairs; a BMW dealer can confirm by VIN.
NHTSA safety recalls 7
- Recall 24V608: water pump, plug connector 228I, 328I, 428I, 528I, X1, X3, X4, X5, Z4, 2012–2018. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 201
- Recall 20V017: inflator module 1 SERIES M, 128I, 135I, 325I, 328I, 330I, 335D, 335I, 335IS, M3, X1, X3, X5, X6, X6 ACTIVEHYBRID, 2006–2015. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Recall 19V016: inflator module X1 SAV, 2015. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the driver frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cy
- Recall 17V087: cables X1 SAV, 2014. The affected vehicles may have battery positive (B+) cables that develop high resistance in the connections to the fuse box.
- Recall 16V071: inflator module 1 SERIES M, 128I, 135I, 325, 328, 330, 335, M3, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 ACTIVEHYBRID, X6 SAC, 2006–2015. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Recall 14V627: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 320I, 328I, 428I, 528I, X1 SAV, X3, Z4, 2012–2014. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X
- Recall 13V454: vacuum 320I, 328I, 528I, X1 SAV, X3, Z4, 2012–2014. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. A recall may cover only some cars from a year, and it may already have been done on yours. Check by VIN →
Test drive and inspection checklist
- Run the VIN for open recalls. Open safety recalls are free at any BMW dealer. Check on NHTSA's site or our recall page before you buy.10
- Scan for stored fault codes with a BMW-capable tool. A generic OBD reader misses most BMW modules. Specialist guides recommend a BMW-level scan (ISTA or similar) to catch faults that have been cleared from the dash but still stored.11,12
- Start it from cold. Ask the seller not to warm the car up first. Chain rattle, VANOS rattle, lifter tick and rough idle show most clearly in the first seconds after a cold start.11,13,14
- Ask a BMW dealer about warranty extensions and campaigns. Several BMW warranty extensions follow the car, not the owner, and some reimburse earlier repairs. A dealer can check the VIN. The list for this chassis is below.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW specialist. A few hundred dollars for an independent BMW specialist is the usual advice, especially for M cars and high-mileage turbo engines.15,11
- Ride quality on M Sport cars. Auto Express notes M Sport damping can feel too firm, and wheel and tire size makes a big difference to comfort.16
Engine items to listen and look for are in the known problems section.
Service-history red flags
- Oil changes only at the long computer interval. Several guides advise changing oil more often than the onboard service indicator (CBS) suggests, especially with lots of city driving.14,17
- Gaps in the records around known failure mileages. If the engine section below lists a job that usually comes due at the car's mileage, ask for the invoice. A missing record isn't proof it wasn't done, but it is a negotiating point.
- Tuned or "deleted" cars. Tunes, emissions deletes and removed parts complicate warranty claims and inspections and raise wear on turbo cars. Ask, and look for aftermarket intakes, downpipes and charge pipes.
- N20: ask for records of Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain; Oil leaks and electric water pump.
- N55: ask for records of Valve cover and gasket leak; Oil filter housing gasket leak; Electric water pump and thermostat; Plastic charge pipe; Oil pan gasket; VANOS solenoids.
E84 specs
BMW's US figures we have on file run from 240 hp (X1 sDrive28i) to 300 hp (X1 xDrive35i), with 0-60 mph as quick as 5.3 s.
No manual gearbox appears in the EPA listings for this chassis. Full E84 specs: every US engine, transmission and drive by year →
Coding
The coding apps' own lists show 141 settings that owners can change on the E84 with a phone and an OBD adapter, in areas such as Tail gate/Rear lid, Doors/windows, Daytime running light, Convenient opening/closing, Welcome Lights, Window cleaning. 111 come from BimmerCode's list and 30 more appear only in Carly's list.
Ownership costs
Routine maintenance: oil service prices by engine size, published BMW Value Service prices (brakes, spark plugs) from 16 US dealers, and the E84 maintenance schedule.
Repairs we price that apply to the E84
| Repair and owner-reported prices |
|---|
| N20 timing chain replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,375–$2,832 · dealer $3,550–$5,000 |
| N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) Owners paid: indie shop $648–$763 |
| N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) Owners paid: indie shop $930–$1,625 · dealer $1,450–$2,076 |
| N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| N55 oil pan gasket Owners paid: indie shop $1,588–$1,900 |
| VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
| N55 ignition coils (all six) |
| N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement |
"Owners paid" is the middle 50% of sourced owner prices across chassis with the same engine. Each job page reprices for your ZIP.
By model year
| Year | Models and engines | NHTSA recalls | Warranty extensions | Repairs we price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | sDrive28i / xDrive28i N20 xDrive35i N55 | 5 | 8 | 8 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2014 | sDrive28i / xDrive28i N20 xDrive35i N55 | 6 | 7 | 8 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2015 | sDrive28i / xDrive28i N20 xDrive35i N55 | 4 | 5 | 8 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
Recalls and warranty extensions are counted when their published model-year range includes that year. Each one may cover only some cars, so check by VIN. Repairs counted are the ones whose engine was offered that year.
Production
| What | Units | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First-generation X1 sold (as of 2014) | more than 640,000 | BMW Group PressClub |
Figures are copied as each source publishes them (retrieved October 18, 2026). "Sold" figures are BMW's reported sales, not production counts. Where we add numbers up, they come from one source. We leave out anything that hasn't been published.
Sources
- BMW SIB 11 03 17 (rev. 7): N20/N26 timing chain warranty extension, via NHTSA
- BMW SIB 11 02 21: N20/N26 class action settlement (Gelis v. BMW)
- RightFootDown: BMW redesigns N20 timing chain parts (01/2015)
- Bimmerpost X3 forum: build date for revised N20 chain
- BMWTuning: N55 FAQ
- BMWTuning: 5 most common N55 problems
- EngineScope: N55 reliability
- r/F30: how long has your N55 lasted?
- Wikipedia: BMW X1 (E84)
- NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
- The Stable: E92 M3 buyer's guide
- Euro Premium Parts: E60 M5 reliability guide
- carsales: buying a used F30 3 Series (2015–20)
- carsales: buying a used E90 3 Series
- Road & Track: E46 M3 buyer's guide
- Auto Express: used BMW X1 (Mk1) buyer's guide
- Drive-My: E60 5 Series buying guide (six-cylinder petrol)
Retrieved 2026-10-18. Bulletins and recalls come from NHTSA filings; owner prices come from the public posts linked on each job page.