BMW X1 engine failure problems

Filed Mar 27, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 134,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment, after which the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The engine overheating warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the thermostat and radiator hose. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Feb 8, 2025 · Engine · FL

My water pump went bad and overheated my engine, resulting in a repair cost of over $4,000 for a 2017 BMW X1. Needed repairs are: Water Pump, Remove & Replace Drive Belt Tensione, OEM , OE Replacement, and New Engine Water Pump.

Filed Aug 15, 2023 · Engine · CA · fire

The engine caught on fire - While driving the car, the engine suddenly started running poorly. Check engine lights went on and the car went into limp mode. Smoke came out of the engine compartment. We were able to pull over to the side of the road. The engine died and would not start. The car was towed to an independant repair shop and then to the BMW dealer. BMW of NA sent a field investigation team to inspect the car. BMW said there was "thermal activity in the engine compartment where the intake ducting was partially melted". BMW would not release a copy of the report. The insurance company is inspecting the car now. Photos are available. This might be related to the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑119.

Filed Dec 8, 2022 · Engine · 120,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was knocking in the engine and the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the temperature gauge was faulty and needed to be replaced. No repairs were performed. The contact stated that after the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and the dealer, the engine seized while driving, causing the vehicle to lose motive power. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and declined the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Oct 11, 2021 · Engine · WA

On Sept 8, 2021, on I-5, North of Marysville, WA, a truck threw a rock through the lower radiator of our X1. We were very lucky that we stopped and found the coolant running out. Otherwise the engine might have seized at highway speed , causing an accident. We lost all coolant and car was hauled to BMW, Seattle on 9/9/21. On 9/10 service rep Josh Logan advised: "We confirmed that it does not come with a guard, but when you order a new part, that does come in conjunction." and that: "no warranty coverage, as it does not cover damages, so you would have to go through your insurance for that one." We did so and USAA covered the amount above the $1000 deductible. It is unacceptable that the need for the rock shield was clearly a known condition, yet when damage occurred due to it not being installed from new, that the replacement was not covered under warranty.

Filed Jul 11, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · VT

Driving down I-89 in Vermont, just South of Montpelier, we were driving at highway speeds toward a construction zone, suddenly, all of the power to the car cut out. There was no warning, no lights, no “bing bong” of the car to let us know there was an issue, it just stopped. We had less than 10 seconds to make a decision. When the car lost power, We had no power brakes or steering. We were in the section with concrete barriers on both sides and no shoulder. This is the most dangerous situation I can think of. We noticed an on ramp merge lane just ahead and managed to coast into it just in time to loose all momentum before the steep hill. The car had been in for service less than a month prior. When I had it towed to the Automaster, they told me that it could be the timing chain. We found out later that the timing chain is known to be faulty in these engines (though we were not informed of this earlier). We learned (by searching on line) there was a class action law suit and that these engines are known to have this problem around 100K miles. I was told that I have to spend $1500 to determine if it is the timing chain and if so, It will only be covered "maybe up to 50%" by the warranty. The cost of a new engine is $15,000 and I just paid off my loan on the car the day before we left for vacation. If this problem is known to BMW Of North America, why is this not a recall item? We were put in a very dangerous situation and if our kids or my clients were in the car at the time, it could have turned out very differently. We were very lucky, but this is a really dangerous situation to be in, for a car that is less than 7 years old and under 100K miles that has been maintained diligently. We feel this should be a safety recall item that BMW should be responsible for. Timing chains should not brake like that. I have never been so terrified and felt so out of control in a vehicle before. No one should have to go through that.

Filed Jun 27, 2021 · Engine · CA

Total engine failure while driving. No prior warning message. Car stopped dead in the middle of an intersection. Wheels would not turn to move the car. These cars have known defective time chain module, it is made of plastic and it breaks down causing engine failure. There is a class action lawsuit, see Gelis v. BMW North America. BMW sold 600,000 cars with this defect to Americans and has not done a recall. Car is at BMW of Palm Springs and they refuse to repair. You are welcome to inspect it.

Filed Jan 16, 2021 · Engine · 26,000 miles · NC

Bmw has reported and extended the warranty for a timing chain and oil pump drive chain. I have seen several posts online that say the engine failed completely. What I do not understand is why this had not been a recall. I have seen other manufacturers recall cars, recently one even said that it may have to replace the engine because of potential failure. We don't have a lot of miles on the car and it has been maintained by our dealer but am really concerned about failure on a highway. I am sorry, I had to put a date below in order to go to next page.

Filed Sep 24, 2020 · Engine, Steering · 74,000 miles · NY

Leaking power steering lines. Need to be replaced and bled out$1300.00. Oil filter housing gasket leaking$513.00 timing chains stretched and engine making ticking sound. Guides broken. Oil mod also recommended to be replaced. Several engine issues and was diagnosed by certified bmw dealership. Total cost of repairs $6200.00 white horse automotive would not do repairs at a certified bmw repair shop. This car was not just traded. The engine was literally seized I had no chiice

Filed Mar 16, 2020 · Engine · 68,000 miles · CO

Vehicle with 68,000 miles began having whirring noise that progressed to rattling while driving. Whirring first heard while engine running idle then disappeared. Then no issues with power or noise for several miles, then noise restarted while driving high speeds. Safely pulled over then indicator light showed engine malfunction. Car had to be towed to a service shop, as it could not be safely driven. Diagnosed timing chain on oil pump went out and needs a new engine. Became aware of tsb si b11 03 17 after the car failed. I never received notification through the dealer where serviced or where cpo warranty came from regarding this issue with the engine. The car had received maintenance and oil changes at prescribed intervals.