Is the BMW X1 equipped with a three-cylinder engine?

[Clarisse]

BMW X1 offers both three-cylinder and four-cylinder versions. It is equipped with two types of engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Below are the differences between three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines: The operational smoothness of a three-cylinder engine is inferior to that of a four-cylinder engine, and the noise level during operation is higher with a three-cylinder engine. Additionally, the production cost of a three-cylinder engine is lower than that of a four-cylinder engine. Compared to a four-cylinder engine, a three-cylinder engine has one less cylinder, piston, connecting rod, set of intake and exhaust valves, spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, intake manifold, and exhaust manifold. Three-cylinder engines are lighter and more compact in size. Using a three-cylinder engine helps improve fuel economy and reduce exhaust emissions. Most hybrid vehicles utilize three-cylinder engines due to their smaller size, which allows for the installation of an electric motor in the engine compartment. Many automakers employ technical measures to compensate for the inferior operational smoothness of three-cylinder engines.

[DeAlex]

I remember a couple of years ago when my friend was torn about buying a BMW X1, he specifically researched the engine issue. The early versions of the X1 did indeed use a three-cylinder engine, like the 1.5T three-cylinder in the 2016 model, which had quite noticeable vibrations at low speeds. However, the new models are completely different now. Last year, I accompanied a colleague to test drive the 2023 model, which comes with a 2.0T four-cylinder engine across the lineup. It's important to distinguish the specific model year—post-2022 facelifted models have all been upgraded to four-cylinder engines, with much smoother power delivery and fuel consumption that's actually about half a liter lower than the older three-cylinder versions. When choosing a used car, pay special attention to the production date on the nameplate.

[SanTessa]

I discussed this topic with the technician during my last maintenance visit at the 4S dealership. The BMW X1 has undergone significant engine changes over the years. The first-generation domestically produced models used a three-cylinder engine, especially the entry-level versions around 2017. However, the current X1 models on sale have long been upgraded to the B48 series four-cylinder engines, with the 2.0T displacement available in both high and low power versions. In fact, the three-cylinder engine had noticeable vibrations during start-stop in traffic jams, but the switch to a four-cylinder in the new model has significantly improved smoothness, making rear passengers less prone to motion sickness. I recommend opening the hood and counting the ignition coils when inspecting the car for the most reliable confirmation.

[DeZoey]

According to the official website specifications, the currently available BMW X1 models are all equipped with a 2.0T four-cylinder engine. The earlier three-cylinder versions were mainly found in the sDrive18Li models between 2016 and 2019. Now, when buying a new car, there's no need to worry at all—even the most basic XDrive25Li comes with a four-cylinder engine. Interestingly, the hybrid version, the xDrive30Le, reverts to a three-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, offering a pure electric range of 50 kilometers. When selecting a car, be sure to check the rear badge—models labeled '20i' or '25i' are all equipped with four-cylinder engines.

[LaHayden]

Owners who have driven the older three-cylinder X1 report noticeable differences. The 2018 batch of three-cylinder engines exhibited slight steering wheel vibrations at idle, especially when the air conditioning compressor was engaged. However, significant improvements were made after switching to a four-cylinder engine in 2022. The current 2.0T engine delivers maximum torque at just 1,500 RPM, providing a much stronger push-back sensation during overtaking. Maintenance costs are actually quite similar, but the older three-cylinder models required engine mount replacements at around 60,000 kilometers—an issue not yet observed with the newer versions. It's recommended to focus on low-speed crawling conditions during test drives.

[FaithAnn]

Compared the differences in engine bay layout. The old three-cylinder X1 had a large empty space on the right side of the engine bay due to the smaller size of the three-cylinder unit. The current four-cylinder engine fills the space completely, though the cooling fan position has been optimized. In actual driving, the old three-cylinder felt sluggish below 2,000 rpm, while the new four-cylinder has turbo engagement starting at 1,500 rpm. On paper, the current model's maximum horsepower of 204 hp shows a significant improvement over the old three-cylinder's 140 hp, while fuel consumption remains around 7L. The transmission has also been upgraded from a 6AT to a 7-speed dual-clutch.