I'm looking to buy a first generation x1 xDrive. I know diesels give better mileage but I'm asking purely in terms of reliability as I've heard the timing chain is prone to stretching on the diesels. Is this is a common issue? Also, does the diesel have problems with fuel getting into the engine oil when the DPF is regenerating? I know a lot of diesels in general have this issue regardless of make/model.

 

Any additional advice between petrol and diesel models would be greatly appreciated.

Morning Haros

The engines in the X1 are tried and tested in the 3 and smaller 5 series long before the X1 began production in 2009. Yes there are recognized issues with both flavours petrol and diesel, however if you measure the issues against numbers manufactured they are relatively small remember on a site like this you generally find the problems very few screaming whoop whoop they last forever. 

Service history is paramount plus any evidence of interim oil changes. Many out there myself included believe extended oil change schedules applied by many manufacturers is the underlying cause of many issues.

So choose the best you can find in your budget with the best evidence of good maintenance.

Then get a warranty to protect your wallet if the worse happens then drive it and enjoy it, plenty of help here when needed

Dave