How Much Does It Cost to Replace BMW 1 Series Headlights?
Image: BMW 1 Series left side complete LED headlight for F70, 1 Series BMW for £522.74
BMW headlights used to be simple. A bulb went out, you replaced it, and that was the end of the story. That reality disappeared years ago, especially on the BMW 1 Series.
Modern BMW 1 Series headlights are complex, high-value components. LEDs, adaptive functions, control modules and coding all sit inside a single unit. So when a headlight fails, gets cracked, or fills with moisture, the price can feel wildly out of proportion to what looks like “just a light.
At MT Auto Parts, we deal with BMW 1 Series headlights every week. We see the prices owners are quoted elsewhere, and we see what the real-world alternatives look like. Here’s a clear, honest breakdown of what it actually costs, and why.
First, a Reality Check on BMW 1 Series Headlights
Before talking numbers, it’s worth being upfront.
BMW 1 Series headlights are expensive by design. Most modern units are:
full LED or adaptive LED assemblies
electronically linked to safety and car systems
In most cases, you’re replacing the entire headlight, not repairing a small part. That’s the biggest reason costs climb so quickly.
What Actually Determines the Price?
There isn’t one single price for BMW 1 Series headlights. The final figure depends on a few key details:
Generation (F20, F40, or F70)
Technology (halogen, LED, adaptive LED)
Condition (new, used, or damaged)
Two headlights that look similar can be hundreds of pounds apart once you factor those in.
BMW 1 Series Headlight Costs by Generation
BMW 1 Series F20 (2011–2019)
The F20 generation sits at the widest price range.
Some cars use basic halogen units. Others are fitted with LED or adaptive headlights. These are not interchangeable without additional parts and coding, which is where many owners get caught out.
halogen F20 headlights are the most affordable
LED and adaptive units cost significantly more
BMW F20 headlight prices depend entirely on specification
Buying the wrong type to “save money” usually ends up costing more in the long run.
BMW 1 Series F40 (2019–2024)
With the F40, BMW moved firmly into modern LED technology. These headlights are more advanced and priced accordingly.
Real examples taken directly from mtautoparts.com listings include:
BMW 1 Series complete adaptive LED headlight, left (F40): £712.45
BMW 1 Series complete adaptive LED headlight, right (F40): £712.45
BMW 1 Series complete LED headlight, damaged (F40): £284.99
That damaged unit price highlights something important: condition makes a huge difference. Even damaged headlights are often bought for repair or parts, which is why prices can vary so much.
BMW 1 Series F70 (2024–present)
The latest F70 generation continues with full LED headlights as standard, but pricing for non-adaptive units can be slightly lower than earlier adaptive setups.
Current examples from MT Auto Parts:
BMW 1 Series complete LED headlight, right (F70): £522.83
BMW 1 Series complete LED headlight, left (F70): £522.74
Still premium parts, but far below typical new-part pricing.
How These Prices Compare to Other Options
The prices above aren’t estimates. They’re real, current listings from www.mtautoparts.com. To put that into perspective:
BMW main dealers often quote well into four figures for a new LED or adaptive headlight, with added waiting time.
Aftermarket headlights can appear cheaper, but fitment, light output, and compatibility, especially on adaptive systems, can be unpredictable.
Online marketplaces sometimes show lower prices, but listings are often vague, with little clarity on condition, part numbers, or returns.
That’s why many BMW owners choose used genuine BMW headlights instead. You’re getting the original BMW unit, at a realistic price, without gambling on quality or compatibility.
New vs Used BMW 1 Series Headlights
This is usually the key decision.
New BMW headlights
highest cost
long lead times
factory-fresh condition
Used BMW 1 Series headlights
genuine BMW part
proven fitment
significantly lower cost
quick availability
When the part number matches, a used BMW headlight fits exactly as BMW intended.
Costs Beyond the Headlight Itself
The headlight isn’t always the only expense. You may also need to consider:
coding or programming after fitting
labour costs at the Body Shop
replacement control modules if damaged
alignment or calibration
This is why getting the right headlight the first time matters more than chasing the lowest price.
Why Used BMW Headlights Make Sense
Headlights are among the most commonly damaged parts on a BMW and among the most expensive to buy new.
A genuine used BMW headlight offers the same build quality and fitment, without the new-part premium price. That’s why it’s one of the most common and sensible repairs BMW owners make.
Our Approach at MT Auto Parts
We’re a BMW-only dismantler, and headlights are something we handle daily. We know the differences between F20, F40 and F70 units, which specifications are compatible, and what needs checking before a headlight goes on sale.
We specialise exclusively in BMW parts from 2012 onwards, covering modern 1 Series models in detail. Most orders are delivered within 48 hours, with smaller items qualifying for free 24-hour delivery (T&C apply). Most parts include a 30-day warranty (T&C apply).
We sell parts that make sense to fit.
In Conclusion
Replacing BMW 1 Series headlights isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t need to be painful either.
Most problems come down to:
buying the wrong specification
misunderstanding generation differences
assuming all headlights are the same
Approach it properly, and the numbers become manageable.
If you’re dealing with a damaged or failed BMW headlight and want a realistic alternative to dealer pricing, that’s exactly where we come in.
Disclaimer: prices are indicative and based on current stock at the time of writing. Availability, condition, compatibility, delivery times and warranty coverage may vary (T&C apply). Always confirm part numbers and car specifications before purchasing.
