Cheap BMW 1 Series Wiper Motor

The BMW 1 Series has two main generations: the E87/E81/E82/E88 (first generation, 2004–2013) and the F20/F21 (second generation, 2011–2019, with a facelift in 2015). The wiper motor you need depends on which generation you have, as the two generations use different designs and are not directly interchangeable. Check your registration against the generation names when contacting a breaker to make sure you get the right unit.

Both 2012 and 2013 fall within the first generation (E87/E81, produced until 2013), so a wiper motor from either year should be from the same generation and is likely compatible. That said, the E87 (five-door) and E81 (three-door) share the same platform, and front wiper motor fitment within this generation is generally consistent. Confirm the exact part against your registration with the breaker before purchasing, as there can be minor production variations.

2011 is a boundary year for the 1 Series: the first-generation E87/E81 ran until 2013 but the second-generation F20/F21 also launched in 2011, so a 2011 car could be either generation. A first-gen wiper motor will not fit a second-gen car, so you must establish which generation your 2011 car is before sourcing the part. Tell the breaker your exact registration so they can confirm the generation and match the correct motor.

No — trim level (such as SE, Sport, M Sport, or M135i) does not affect wiper motor fitment; the motor is determined by the generation and whether it is the front or rear unit. You may find cosmetic differences in how trim levels present the car, but the wiper mechanism itself is the same across trims within a generation. Simply confirm with the breaker whether you need the front or rear motor and supply your registration to verify the generation.

Front and rear wiper motors are different parts and must be sourced separately — make sure you tell the breaker which one you need. If you are crossing from the first generation (E87/E81, up to 2013) to the second generation (F20/F21, 2011–2019), the rear motor is unlikely to be interchangeable due to the redesigned tailgate. Confirm fitment with the breaker against your registration, as they will be able to check the specific part numbers involved.

The second generation F20/F21 received a facelift in 2015, so a 2014 car is pre-facelift and a 2016 car is post-facelift. Both fall within the F20/F21 generation, but whether the wiper motor changed across the 2015 facelift is something you should confirm with the breaker rather than assume. Give the breaker your registration so they can check whether the part you've found is the right match for your specific build date.