BMW’s first front-wheel drive (FWD) car was the 2 Series Active Tourer, followed by the F48 BMW X1, which continued the bemoaning of BMW enthusiasts. But the market has spoken – buyers of the segment aren’t bothered by which wheels are driven.

What they care about is interior space and practicality, both of which benefit from a FWD architecture, plus the all-important badge. And the F48 BMW X1 delivered those.

Having been on the market for 7 years in Malaysia, there is now a healthy number of choices in the used car market. If you’re keen on a used F48 BMW X1, we’re here to tell everything that you need to know about it.

How many variants were sold?

The F48 BMW X1 was launched in Malaysia in 2015 with a sole fully-imported (CBU) variant, the sDrive20i, priced at RM 279,800. It came with the B48 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 192 PS/280 Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission sending power to the front wheels.

Less than a year later in 2016, BMW Malaysia introduced the locally-assembled (CKD) variants – sDrive20i and xDrive20d, priced at RM 228,800 and RM 255,800 respectively.

As its designation suggests, the X1 xDrive20d is an oil burner, with the B47 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine making 190 PS/400 Nm. Drive goes to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic. Being the range-topping variant, the X1 xDrive20d gets a larger infotainment display and head-up display over the X1 sDrive20i.

However, the diesel variant was short lived as BMW Malaysia decided to discontinue all diesel models from its entire line-up back in 2017.

During that year, the X1 was updated with an entry level variant – the sDrive18i – and a new transmission. All variants of the F48 BMW X1 from then on get a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), replacing the 8-speed automatic.

The X1 sDrive18i is powered by the B38 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with 140 PS/220 Nm, paired to the aforementioned DCT. The BMW X1 also gained a powered tailgate in the update.

The facelifted model was launched in 2020, but prices in the used market are significantly higher (around RM 180k and above) so we won’t be going into those.

Which variant to pick?

While the diesel variant is said to be the most reliable (we were told that examples with 300,000 km is not unusual), they’re hard to come by. The sDrive20i would be the safest bet or more specifically, the earlier models with the 8-speed automatic transmission.

Why? Well, it’s made by Aisin, the company that supplies transmissions to Toyota and should give some assurance to its reliability. As much as dual-clutch transmissions have improved, a traditional torque converter will still prove to be more robust. Given that it’s a used car, you’d want as little items to worry about as you can.

The easiest way to tell which transmission it has is via the gear knob – the automatic has a slightly taller and traditional shifter mechanism while the DCT models has an electronic shifter that has a ‘P’ button on it.

How much is a used F48 BMW X1 going for?

At time of writing, early examples from 2015 and 2016 can be found for just over RM 100k. But the majority of the BMW X1 sDrive20i with the 8-speed automatic, between 2016 to 2017, are hovering in the RM 120k region.

Any common problems to look out for?

Having scoured internet forums, spoken to owners as well as our friends at Munich Precision on the F48 BMW X1, it seems to be a relatively reliable car as common issues as minimal.

On the internet forums, most of the complaints were concerning pre-mature brake pad wear, with some owners having to replace their brake pads as early as 30,000 km.

However, the pre-mature brake wear is said to be caused by stability control in the xDrive all-wheel drive variants that applies brakes to enhance cornering ability. Given that only diesel variant in our market has the xDrive system, the pre-mature brake wear issue may not as prominent on Malaysia-spec F48 BMW X1.

A pair of front brake pads would cost around RM 1050 while the rear brake pads will set you back RM 660 for original replacement parts. OEM replacements can be found for as low as RM 250.

Munich Precision told us that creaking and/or knocking noises over uneven roads have been reported, caused by suspension-related components such as lower control arms or bushings. An genuine replacement for a pair would cost in the region of RM 2,000 and OEM replacements can be found for half the price.

How much to maintain an F48 BMW X1?

At Munich Precision, typical service with an oil change (Shell Helix fully-synthetic oil) plus filter would cost RM 580. Major service (with spark plugs, various filters, etc.) costs around RM 1,300.

Anything else one should know?

Like every other modern BMW sold, the automatic transmission fluid is said to last the lifetime of the car. But as many have disputed, it is recommended to perform a transmission fluid change once the mileage reaches around 80,000 km or so.

Also read: Are "lifetime" transmission fluids a SCAM?

Conclusion

Well, from what we were able to find out, ‘the catch’ isn’t as horrifying as one might have expected. Being a used car, expect the common wear-and-tear items like tyres, brakes, etc. to be due and being a BMW, expect part prices to be higher than a Honda HR-V, for example.

As with any car, maintenance is key. Find one that’s been well-looked after (a full service/repair history is a major plus point) and it’ll serve you well. Check out Carsome's listings of the F48 BMW X1 via this link here.

Also read: Used German cars: A Mercedes-Benz is more reliable than a BMW, fact or myth?