Cheap BMW 1 Series CV Joints

Yes, the BMW 1 Series has CV joints, and their layout depends on the drivetrain. Early 1 Series models (E87/E81/E82/E88, 2004–2013) were rear-wheel drive, so they have CV joints at the rear driveshafts; the later F20/F21 generation (2011–2019) and F40 generation (2019–present) switched to front-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive, meaning they have CV joints at the front driveshafts and, on xDrive variants, at the rear as well. Always confirm with the breaker which end you need and whether your car is standard drive or xDrive.

These two cars are from different generations — the 2012 car is the rear-wheel-drive E87/E81 generation (2004–2013), while the 2015 car is the front-wheel-drive F20/F21 generation (2011–2019) — so the CV joints are fundamentally different in design and location and will not interchange. You need to source a CV joint specifically for the F20/F21 generation for your 2015 car. Confirm the exact part with your breaker against your registration, as xDrive all-wheel-drive variants within the F20 range use additional rear CV joints that differ from the standard front-wheel-drive setup.

Trim level alone does not affect CV joint fitment on the BMW 1 Series — an SE, Sport, M Sport, or M140i will use the same CV joint provided the generation, drivetrain layout (rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or xDrive), and engine size are the same. The M Sport trim adds cosmetic and suspension changes but does not alter the driveshaft CV joint specification. Where engine size or drivetrain type differs between variants, that is what drives the difference, not the trim badge.

Engine size can affect CV joint specification because higher-torque engines place greater load through the driveshafts, and manufacturers sometimes fit heavier-duty driveshaft components to larger or more powerful variants. On the F20/F21 generation in particular, it is worth checking whether the part from a smaller-engined car (such as a 116i) will match one from a higher-output variant (such as a 125i or M135i). Confirm the exact spec against your registration with the breaker rather than assuming all F20 CV joints are identical.

Yes, side matters — CV joints are handed, so you need to specify nearside (NS, left-hand side as you sit in the car) or offside (OS, right-hand side) when contacting a breaker. Ordering the wrong side is a common and easily avoided mistake, so double-check which driveshaft is worn or damaged before requesting a quote. On xDrive all-wheel-drive F20 variants you will also need to specify whether the joint is front or rear.

The F20 1 Series received a facelift in 2015, but this was primarily a cosmetic and trim update and the fundamental drivetrain architecture remained the same. CV joint fitment within the F20 generation is therefore likely to be consistent across pre- and post-facelift cars of the same drivetrain and engine type. That said, you should still confirm directly with the breaker against your registration, as minor running-gear revisions can occur mid-generation without a formal facelift announcement.