2009 BMW X1: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 BMW X1?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 BMW X1 than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  BMW X1

  24.6% All 2009 cars

  11.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2009 BMW X1 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 BMW X1 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  34% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  33% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  8% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2009 BMW X1

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Timing chain stretch and snapping (2.0 diesel)

  2.0 diesel

  There are complaints of stretched and snapping timing chains on the 2.0 diesel, which can mean a new engine.

  At the viewing: Listen for ticking, knocking or rattling from the engine.

  Source: What Car?: used BMW X1 (2009-2015) reliability

• Engine bolt and steering box recalls

  Built to 2012

  Engine bolts could loosen and leak oil on some cars built before November 2011, and the steering box could fail on some built before July 2012. There were five recalls in all.

  At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: What Car?: used BMW X1 (2009-2015) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 BMW X1

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the timing chain been replaced, and is there an invoice?
2. Have all the recalls been done?
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2009 BMW X1 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?