Used car guide

2023 BMW X1: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW X1 first registered in 2023: we looked at the 291 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 291 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

291MOTs of 2023 cars, done in 2023–2025
91%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
7,400typical miles a year
13%had tyres flagged

Common 2023 BMW X1 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2023 BMW X1 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    13% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    3% 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
    1% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Brakes
    1% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    1% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 BMW X1

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW X1?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW X1 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
20227,938Tyres 21%
202115,621Tyres 24%
202023,263Tyres 24%
201940,760Tyres 27%
201843,483Tyres 29%
201741,392Tyres 28%
201637,304Tyres 27%
201513,804Tyres 29%
201423,178Tyres 33%
201321,376Tyres 32%
201216,008Tyres 33%
201117,693Tyres 35%
201013,975Tyres 33%
20091,269Suspension 39%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW X1 cars first registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score