Second Hand BMW 1 Series Headrest

The E81/E87 generation ran from 2004 to 2011, with a facelift in 2007, and headrests are a genuine fitment on all variants across the range. Within this generation, the key things to match are the trim level, since seat styles varied between entry-level trims and sportier options like M Sport, and whether it is a front or rear headrest. Confirm the exact seat specification with the breaker against your registration to make sure the headrest peg count and shape align.

The F20/F21 generation ran from 2011 to 2019, with a facelift in 2015, and headrests are fitted across all variants in this range. Within the generation, match by trim level, as M Sport seats use a different headrest design to standard Sport or SE seats, and specify whether you need a front or rear headrest and which side (nearside or offside) for shaped items. Confirm the exact seat code with the breaker against your registration before buying.

The E87 (2004–2011) and F20 (2011–2019) are completely different generations with different seat architectures, so a headrest from the E87 generation is very unlikely to be compatible with the F20. The peg spacing, post diameter, and headrest shape differ between these platforms. Stick to the correct generation and confirm the part against your registration with the breaker.

Trim level does matter here because BMW 1 Series M Sport models typically came with sportier, more sculpted seats that use a differently shaped headrest compared to SE or Sport seats. If you fit an SE headrest to an M Sport seat, it may physically attach but could look mismatched or not sit correctly. Match your replacement headrest to your specific seat type and confirm with the breaker against your registration.

No — the engine and gearbox make no difference to headrest fitment on the BMW 1 Series; it is purely an interior trim part. What matters is the generation (E87 2004–2011 or F20/F21 2011–2019), the seat trim level, and whether you need a front or rear headrest. You can safely ignore engine and transmission details when describing your requirements to the breaker.

For front headrests, door count does not affect fitment as long as the seat trim level matches. Rear headrests could differ between 3-door and 5-door body styles depending on the seat design, so it is worth specifying your body style when contacting a breaker. Confirm the exact part against your registration to be sure you get the right item.