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Cheap BMW 1 Series Starter Motor

Compare prices on a used BMW 1 Series starter motor from UK breakers. Free part request, no obligation.

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Choosing the right used BMW 1 Series starter motor

Used starter motors vary between vehicles - and whether you call it used, second hand or a replacement, matching the right one matters. These are the details breakers need to match the right part to your car - our request form asks them so you only hear from suppliers with the correct part:

Other used BMW 1 Series parts

Used starter motor for other BMW models

Fitment questions

Does a starter motor from a 2010 BMW 1 Series fit a 2013 BMW 1 Series?

This depends more on engine code than build year, but it is worth knowing that the 1 Series ran as the E87/E81/E82/E88 generation through to 2013 and was replaced by the F20/F21 generation from 2011 onwards, meaning there was a production overlap. A 2010 car is E-series and a 2013 car could be either generation, so confirm your exact generation and engine code before assuming these will interchange — ask the breaker to match against your registration to be sure.

Will a starter motor from a diesel 1 Series fit my petrol 1 Series?

No — diesel and petrol engines have very different compression ratios, meaning a diesel starter motor is built to produce significantly more torque on startup and will not be a direct swap for a petrol unit. Engine code is the key detail here, and you should supply your exact engine code (found on your V5 or via a VIN check) when requesting a quote from a breaker to make sure you get the right unit.

Does the starter motor differ between a 1 Series SE, Sport, M Sport or M140i?

Trim level — whether SE, Sport, M Sport, or the performance M140i — does not determine which starter motor is fitted; what matters is the engine code underneath the bonnet. Two cars with identical engines but different trim badges will use the same starter motor, so focus on matching the engine code rather than the trim when sourcing from a breaker.

Does it matter whether my 1 Series has a manual or automatic gearbox?

Gearbox type can affect starter motor fitment on some applications, as the ring gear the starter engages sits on the flywheel or flexplate, which differs between manual and automatic transmissions. Always tell the breaker whether your car is manual or automatic alongside the engine code, so they can confirm the correct unit.

I have a 2012 BMW 1 Series — is that E-series or F-series, and does it affect the starter motor I need?

The F20/F21 generation was introduced from 2011, so a 2012 car is most likely F-series, but there was a transitional overlap and build dates do not always match registration years cleanly. Because E-series and F-series 1 Series share some engine families but can have differences in ancillary components and mounting, you should confirm your exact generation and engine code with the breaker rather than assuming a part from one generation will cross to the other.

Do I need to worry about the starter motor being coded to my BMW's ECU or immobiliser?

This is a genuine consideration on modern BMWs, and whether a used starter motor requires any coding or pairing to your specific vehicle is something you should confirm directly with the breaker or a BMW specialist before buying. It is not safe to assume a used unit will simply plug in and work without any further steps, so get clarity on this before committing to a purchase.