2018 BMW X1
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- Xdrive28i 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 228 hp
- Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 174.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,660 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 BMW X1 is a large car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive 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 26 MPG combined (23 city / 32 highway), 13% better than the 2018 large car average of 23.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 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 60 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 X1 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 X1 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Regensburg, Germany · Manaus, Brazil · Born, Netherlands
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 X1 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 sDrive28i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +13% | $3,150 | 337 |
| X1 xDrive28i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | +8% | $3,300 | 349 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 BMW X1.
Similar 2018 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 BMW X1 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | ★★★★★ | 19 |
| 2018 Audi A3 | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2018 Audi A5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Volvo S60 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly · Aug 14, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V601000 · 32 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2019 X2 xDrive28i, MINI Cooper S Convertible, Countryman, and John Cooper Works Countryman vehicles. The steering gear tie rod may have been assembled incorrectly, which may result in excessive wear of the tie rod end, eventually causing it to break.
- Risk
- A broken steering tie rod would lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the tie rods and ball joints as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
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.
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights · Jan 30, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V074000 · 5,920 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 BMW X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles. Contaminated hardware may cause the attachment brackets of the taillight housings to crack, causing the lights to loosen or possibly detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- If a taillight detaches from the vehicle, it would no longer provide the required lighting to following traffic, or it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will properly secure the taillights, free of charge. The recall began March 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Jul 11, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V465000 · 5,309 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2018 BMW X1 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 BMW X1 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 20 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,000 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 X1 | 26 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 164 |
| 2016 X1 | 25 | 174.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 163 |
| 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 →