Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 X1.
The 2021 BMW X1 pairs an 8-speed automatic transmission with a 5.5-quart oil capacity using 0W-20 viscosity, delivering EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. This model year recorded just 6 total owner complaints—centered on air bags—and a single recall, placing it among the quieter entries in the X1’s 2012–2026 complaint history, where the peak reached 159 complaints in 2016. That low count signals a notably dependable point in the nameplate’s evolution.
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 11428593186. 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 | 11428593186 |
| Engine air filter | 13718513944 |
| Spark plug | 12122455258 |
| Front wiper blades | 61615A27D68 |
| Thermostat | 11539430899 alt 11539430898 |
| 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 | 24 / 33 / 27 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | xDrive28i (xLine) 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 5.70 sec | 14.40 sec | 228 hp | AWD |
| 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 |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 5.5 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to Use new seal: 18.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | ATF6 |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity | 7.39 qt |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Engine Coolant | HOAT |
| Engine Oil | 0W-20 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 5.5 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs | 14.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Head Instructions | Only use new bolts. |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | Use new bolts only. 88.0 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | Use new seal: 18.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 103 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | 26.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Refrigerant | R1234yf |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46YF |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 94R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 800 cca |
| Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque | Rear: 22.0 ft-lbs |
| Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque | Front: 81.0 ft-lbs |
| ABS Sensor Torque | 6.6 |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Front: 11.57; Rear: 11.02 |
| 1 | Bolts 1-10 | 22 ft. lbs |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2021 BMW X1 sits at the low point of a complaint arc that began with 159 filed complaints in 2016 and peaked in 2017 before declining steadily: 59 (2018), 11 (2019), 12 (2020), and just 6 in 2021. Recalls similarly trended downward across this span—from a high of 4 in 2018 to 1 in both 2020 and 2021—while TSBs dropped from 219 in 2016 to 36 in 2021, the lowest volume in the entire dataset. The 2021 model also recorded zero active NHTSA investigations, matching the calm seen in 2019. Notably, the year after 2021 (2022) saw only 1 complaint, but 2023 produced a sharp reversal with 70 complaints and 6 recalls—the generation's worst year—before partial recovery in 2024–2025. For the 2021 specifically, the top complaint areas were Air Bags and Electrical/Forward Collision Avoidance systems (2 each), with 2 crash-related complaints and zero fire complaints on record. The data does not specify root causes for these complaints. **Takeaway:** The 2021 BMW X1 represents one of the strongest years in this generation from a defect-risk standpoint. It benefits from the downward trend in complaints and TSBs through its model run, yet predates the significant 2023 spike, making it a comparatively sound purchase within this generation—provided a pre-purchase inspection verifies the specific Air Bag and collision-avoidance systems noted in its complaint history.
All 6 complaints on record, top 4 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4… Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on…
Showing 5 of 36 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… |
| B513019 | 2025-04-29 | Structure | A groaning noise is present from the door frame of any door, most commonly when driving… |
| B120425 | 2025-04-25 | Electrical System | As a result of a data input error, certain fault memories are permanently stored. The… |
| B840324 | 2024-10-11 | Electrical System | The “End of life” or “Emergency call system error” Check Control message appears in the… |
| B511024 | 2024-04-15 | Electrical System | The tailgate sporadically fails to open when signaled via- The interior button… |
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.
5.5 qt of BMW LongLife-14 FE+ 0W-20 is recommended., per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 24 city / 33 highway / 27 combined mpg.