| Engine code | Year | Engine size | Chassis | Fuel | KW | HP | Cylinders | Valves | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N20B16A Engine | 2013-2016 | 1.6 | E84 | Petrol | 105 | 135 | 4 | 16 | |
| N47SD20D Engine | 2009-2016 | 2.0 | E84 | Diesel |
A smooth running engine keeps your BMW X1 at its best. When the original engine fails because of high mileage, oil leaks, timing chain problems or turbo issues, engine replacement can breathe new life into the car. Buying a new engine directly from the manufacturer is costly and often unnecessary. High quality used and reconditioned BMW X1 engines are available at much lower cost and can deliver years of reliable performance when supplied by specialists.
BM Engine Works supplies and fits BMW X1 engines at very amazing prices. We hold a large stock of petrol and diesel units from the X1 line, including modern 2.0 litre B48 petrol engines, 1.5 litre three cylinders and robust 2.0 litre B47 diesel engines. Each unit is inspected, cleaned and tested by BMW specialists at our in house workshop. For added peace of mind, we offer up to 24 months' warranty and a vehicle recovery service. Because we recondition engines ourselves, we can offer up to 40% discount compared with buying new. Our team handles the full process from supply and removal to fitting or delivery, with fast turnaround times.
BMW uses several engine codes in the X1 range. Most first generation models (E84, 2009- 2015) and second generation models (F48, 2015-present) use 4-cylinder engines. For petrol owners, the B48A20B is a turbocharged 2.0-litre unit. This engine has a displacement of 1998 cm³, produces strong low-down torque and holds about 5 litres of engine oil. Later models also offer the smaller 1.5 litre B38 3 cylinder petrol engine for the 16i trim; despite its compact size, it delivers smooth power and good fuel economy. Diesel versions commonly use the B47C20B or B47C20O engines. These are 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo diesels with an engine capacity of 1995 cm³ and an oil capacity of around 5 litres. Some variants use slightly larger oil sumps that take 5.5 litres. Each engine uses modern common rail injection and twin scroll turbochargers; the 2.0l units produce strong mid-range torque, while the smaller 1.5 litre engine provides good fuel efficiency for city driving. All engines are built with aluminium blocks and four valves per cylinder. When buying a replacement, confirm the engine code (for example N47, B47, B48, N20 or N52) and ensure it matches the model year, fuel type and drivetrain (sDrive or xDrive). Our team can check the correct engine code using your registration number.
Like all vehicles, the BMW X1 can suffer from mechanical issues over time. On early 2.0 litre diesel models, a known problem is timing chain failure. Timing chains on some N47 engines were prone to stretching or breaking, which can cause misfires, loud rattling and an illuminated check engine light. If left unresolved, the chain can slip and lead to severe engine damage. Many owners replace the chain preventively or fit a reconditioned engine with a reinforced chain. Another problem on first generation models is turbocharger wear. A faulty turbo can lead to reduced power, oil leaks, blue or grey smoke and whining noises. Our reconditioned engines come with refurbished or new turbos to avoid these issues.
Second generation X1 (F48) are generally reliable but still has a few common faults. Some petrol models suffer electrical glitches where the infotainment or sat nav freezes. Diesel models used in short journeys can experience blocked diesel particulate filters (DPF), leading to reduced performance and warning lights. Regular motorway runs help keep the DPF clear. Across all generations, regular oil changes and quality fuel protect the engine.
Buying a used engine or reconditioned engine for your BMW X1 provides a cost effective way to get the vehicle back on the road. A used engine is removed from a donor vehicle, inspected and tested. We source low-mileage used engines with verifiable history to ensure reliability. A reconditioned engine is stripped down and rebuilt by specialists. Worn parts like pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets and timing chains are replaced with new components. The head is machined, and the block is honed. Sensors, injectors and the turbo are tested or replaced. This process restores performance close to new and increases longevity.
We keep a large inventory of used and reconditioned BMW X1 engines in stock. Because we recondition in house, we control quality and can offer fast turnaround. Our team can supply and fit the engine at our workshop or arrange UK wide delivery to your chosen mechanic. We also offer a vehicle recovery service if your engine has failed away from home. The process is simple: provide your registration or engine code, and we will check availability and schedule installation. All engines are covered by an up to 24-month warranty for peace of mind. Contact us to see which BMW X1 engines for sale are currently available; units commonly in stock include the 2.0 litre B48 petrol, 2.0 litre B47 diesel, N47, N20, N52 and the 1.5 litre three cylinder. Whether you drive an sDrive18i, sDrive18d, xDrive20i, xDrive23i or 23d, we have the right engine ready for a direct replacement.
The engine mount secures the engine to the chassis and absorbs vibration. A typical mount comprises metal brackets and rubber or fluid filled inserts. Engine mounts reduce noise and vibration and keep the engine aligned for safety. Over time, rubber hardens or fluid leaks, leading to vibration in the cabin, rattling noises and clunking when shifting gears. Modern mounts often use liquid filled cores and should be replaced when cracked or leaking. On the BMW X1, mounts generally last 60,000–100,000 miles, but aggressive driving or poor road conditions can shorten their life.
Replacing a BMW X1 engine mount requires supporting the engine, removing the old mount and fitting a new OEM or equivalent part. Labour costs vary, but the job usually takes a couple of hours at a professional workshop. For UK owners, we offer supply and fitting services using quality mounts and can combine mount replacement with engine installation for convenience. Customers benefit from our in house expertise and a fast turnaround, ensuring minimal downtime.
Most BMW X1 models use an electronic oil level sensor rather than a dipstick. To check, park on a level surface, start the engine and navigate the iDrive menu to Vehicle Information > Vehicle Status > Measure Engine Oil Level. Follow the on screen instructions; it takes a few minutes for the system to display the level. Petrol B48 engines hold about 5 litres of oil, while diesel B47 engines take 5–5.5 litres. Always use oil that meets BMW’s LL 04 or LL 17 specifications.
BMW recommends synthetic oils that meet their Longlife specifications. For petrol B48 and smaller B38 engines, a 5W 30 synthetic oil meeting BMW LL 17 FE+ is typical. For diesel B47 engines, 5W 30 or 5W 40 synthetic oils meeting BMW LL 04 are usually specified. Always check your owner’s manual or consult a specialist for the correct grade.
The engine temperature gauge is normally within the instrument cluster. Some models display coolant temperature digitally via the onboard computer. You can access it through the iDrive system under Vehicle Status. If the temperature warning light appears or the gauge moves into the red zone, stop driving and allow the engine to cool before checking coolant levels.
The BMW X1 range has various engines. Early petrol models used naturally aspirated 3.0 litre N52 and turbocharged 2.0 litre N20 engines. Later models switched to the turbocharged 2.0 litre B48 and compact 1.5 litre B38 petrol engines. Diesel versions use 2.0 litre N47 and B47 engines. Each engine uses a four cylinder layout except the 3.0 litre N52, which has six cylinders.
Replacement costs depend on the engine type (petrol or diesel), model year, and whether you choose a used or reconditioned unit. Our low-mileage used engines offer substantial savings over new units. Contact us for a personalised quote and ask about our current offers.
A brand new engine from the manufacturer is expensive around £5,000 to over £10,000+ due to the cost of parts and labour to assemble it. Many owners choose reconditioned or low-mileage used engines instead, saving up to 40% while still receiving a quality unit. Reach out to our team to discuss your options.
With regular servicing and correct oil, an X1 engine can easily exceed 150,000 miles. Reconditioned engines built with new components often provide similar longevity. Timing chain replacement and turbo maintenance extend the life of diesel engines.
After repairing the underlying issue, you can reset the check engine light by using an OBD II diagnostic tool. Connect the scanner to the diagnostic port under the dashboard, read the fault codes and clear them once the problem is fixed. For persistent warnings, consult a specialist to avoid masking serious issues.
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