View all BMW X1 reviews

BMW X1 SUV Running Costs

Current Model

11 February 2019 by James Dennison

Parkers overall rating: 3.9 out of 5 3.9

Running costs

3.9 out of 5 3.9

Reasonable fuel economy returns
Some rivals hold their value better
Large number of UK dealers

BMW X1 running costs

BMW is a premium brand, so servicing costs for the X1 will be higher than some its more value-orientated rivals. Depreciation is also a little steeper than some rivals, so it’s worth factoring this in especially if you’re buying in cash.

If you want X1 with the highest fuel economy figures, the entry level SE-spec 18d (with six-speed manual gearbox) unsurprisingly wins out, returning up to 52.3mpg. At the other end of the scale is the 20i M Sport version, with a claimed average figure of up to 37.7mpg.

Estimated fuel cost per year

Fuel type	Pence per litre	Estimated cost per year *
Unleaded	128p	£1,212 - £1,293 *
Diesel	131p	£976 - £1,083 *

* The estimated fuel cost figure is based on an annual mileage of 10,000 miles and is a guide to how much this model will cost in fuel each year. It's calculated using the model's average MPG (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price from around the country. Actual fuel costs will vary based on driving style and road conditions.

Ongoing running costs

Servicing period	Variable based on trip computer
Warranty	Three-year, unlimited mileage
Road tax (12 months)	£20 - £160 See tax rates for all versions
Insurance group	21 - 34 How much is it to insure?

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO₂ emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered before 01 March 2001 it is based on engine size. For cars registered on or after 01 March 2001 the VED or road tax is based on the car's CO₂ emissions.

Green credentials

3.8 out of 5 3.8

No hybrid or electric models
Competitive CO2 returns, nonetheless
No engine exceeds 136g/km of CO2

BMW X1 green credentials

No hybrid or electric versions on offer, but the X1 still manages to return respectable CO2 emissions that aren’t out of line with its biggest rivals. For the eco-friendliest baby BMW SUV (according to CO2), pick a 18d (emits 120g/km). If that’s not your primary concern, the 20i version produces the most power and CO2.

Highest and lowest CO₂ emissions

Engine	CO₂ emissions	Road tax (12 months)
18d (1995cc) Diesel	120 g/km (Min)	£20 - £145
20i (1997cc) Petrol	152 g/km (Max)	£145 - £160

Reliability

2.8 out of 5 2.8

Patchy reliability record
Multiple recalls on first- and second-generation models
Double check all issues have been checked if buying used

BMW X1 reliability

BMW in general has a solid reliability record, yet, unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to have transferred to the X1. The first-generation model was the subject of four different recalls, while the current generation model has managed to better this with a total of seven thus far.

With this in mind, it’s worth absolutely double checking that said recalls have been addressed if you’re buying a secondhand BMW X1.