DecodedCars2016 BMW X1
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- Xdrive28i 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,660 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2016 large car (21.2 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints163 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 7 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 BMW X1 is a large car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,660 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 18% better than the 2016 large car average of 21.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 163 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2016
- New body dimensions: 0.4 in shorter, wheelbase −3.6 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine dropped: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 X1 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xdrive28i 4dr SUV | 174.8 in | 71.7 in | 63.4 in | 105.1 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,660 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X1 xDrive28i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +18% | $3,300 | 349 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 BMW X1.
Similar 2016 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW X1 (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A3 | 39 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2016 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Volvo S60 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 BMW 2 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · May 9, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V349000 · 106,182 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2019 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles. In the event of a crash where the occupants head contacts the B-pillar, the pillar may not absorb an adequate amount of the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the insufficient impact absorption can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vertical trim pieces on the upper portion of the interior B-Pillars, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 1, 2019. Second notices will be sent as parts become available, starting on September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 26, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V062000 · 16,771 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 X1 xDrive28i and X1 sDrive28i vehicles. The affected vehicles have an instrument panel that may not allow the front passenger air bag to deploy properly in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began May 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor · Oct 17, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V747000 · 15,455 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i vehicles. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Gear Box (Other Than Rack And Pinion) · Dec 30, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V887000 · 2 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door vehicle manufactured November 24, 2015, and one BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) manufactured October, 19 2015. The steering gearbox may have been manufactured with incorrect parts.
- Risk
- A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will replace the steering gearbox, free of charge. Affected vehicles are located in dealer inventory and will be remedied before customer retail. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2016 BMW X1 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 BMW X1 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 31 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Visibility/Wiper — 18 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Structure › Body — 15 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 36,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 BMW X1. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X1 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 X1 | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 X1 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2025 X1 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
| 2024 X1 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 30 |
| 2023 X1 | 28 | 177.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 70 |
| 2022 X1 | 27 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2021 X1 | 27 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2020 X1 | 27 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 13 |
| 2019 X1 | 26 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 13 |
| 2018 X1 | 26 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 60 |
| 2017 X1 | 26 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
| 2015 X1 | 26 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 94 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →