Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 X1.
The 2018 BMW X1 is an SUV that comes with an automatic S8 transmission and EPA‑rated fuel economy of 23 city, 32 highway and 26 combined mpg. It has recorded 59 total owner complaints, with the Structure category accounting for the most frequent issues and four recall campaigns. Its complaint history peaks at 159 reports in 2016 but drops to a single complaint by 2022, indicating a recent improvement in reliability.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 800 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11425B3A1A5. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11425B3A1A5 alt 11428570590 |
| Engine air filter | 13718513944 |
| Spark plug | 12120040551 |
| Battery | 61217555719 alt 61216805461 |
| Front wiper blades | 61615A27D68 |
| Cabin air filter | 64316835405 alt 64316835406 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Overall length | 174.8 in |
| Overall width | 71.7 in |
| Overall height | 63.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in |
| Curb weight | 3660 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 61.4 / 61.4 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 57/43 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 23 / 32 / 26 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the X1 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | xDrive28i 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 6.30 sec | 14.90 sec | 228 hp | AWD |
| 2016 | xDrive28i 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 6.30 sec | 14.80 sec | 228 hp | AWD |
| 2016 | xDrive28i 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 6.40 sec | 14.90 sec | 228 hp | AWD |
| 2016 | xDrive28i 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 6.80 sec | 15.20 sec | 228 hp | AWD |
| 2020 | xDrive28i (xLine) 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 5.70 sec | 14.40 sec | 228 hp | AWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 20.0 ft-lbs. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 7.4 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s) | 3.0 ft-lbs |
| Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs | 14.0 ft-lbs |
| Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s) | 35.0 ft-lbs |
| Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s) | 18.0 ft-lbs |
| Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) Sensor Bolt(s) | 37.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pan to Block Bolts | 9.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 20.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 103 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.00-1.10 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 94R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 800 cca |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 94R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 800 cca |
| RPM | 725.0 |
| 1 | 14.0 ft. lbs. | 14 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 70 degrees | 70 degrees |
| 3 | 70 | |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.
| 1 | 22.0 ft. lbs. | 22 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees. | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 180 degrees | 180 degrees |
| 1 | 18.0 ft. lbs. | 18 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 60 degrees | 60 degrees |
| 3 | 60 | |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2018 BMW X1 sits in a clear downward trend of complaints from its predecessors: 159 complaints in 2016 fell to 154 in 2017 and dropped sharply to 59 in 2018, the lowest among the recorded years. Recalls, however, increased from three in 2016 and two in 2017 to four in 2018, indicating a modest spike in safety‑related fixes that year. The single investigation and 97 TSBS incidents in 2018 mirror the pattern of declining scrutiny after 2017, while the 6 crash complaints and 2 fire complaints show the most severe issues recorded for that year. Compared with the 2019 downturn (11 complaints) and the 2023 rebound (70 complaints), 2018 represents a transitional year with fewer owner grievances but a higher recall count. Overall, the 2018 model offers fewer reported problems than its immediate predecessors but still carries a higher recall burden; a buyer should weigh the lower complaint volume against the increased recall activity when deciding if 2018 is a good year to purchase.
All 59 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… Remedy: 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…
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… Remedy: 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…
Showing 5 of 97 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B010224 | 2026-05-05 | Engine | The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or… |
| B011924 | 2025-01-16 | Electrical System | The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in… |
| B01192024 | 2024-12-31 | Electrical System | The Telematics Control Units (TCU) Internal Emergency (Backup) Battery for defects in… |
| B840324 | 2024-10-11 | Electrical System | The “End of life” or “Emergency call system error” Check Control message appears in the… |
| B010224 | 2024-05-01 | Engine | EVAP SYSTEM PURGE (VENT) VALVE EXT LTD WTY (ELW) 15/150 |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 23 city / 32 highway / 26 combined mpg.