Most X1 E84 owners start with mirror caps, LED indicators and interior lights, then fix the small things that wear out on a car of this age, such as the start button and the boot release switch. At the time of writing, small interior parts start from around €9, mirror caps from around €43 and a wireless CarPlay module from around €247.
First, work out which car you have
The first X1 was built from 2009 to 2015 and came in one body only: the five door E84, sold as sDrive (rear wheel drive) and xDrive (all wheel drive). See how to find your BMW chassis code if in doubt.
The facelift, which BMW calls the LCI, arrived in 2012. It matters for some exterior parts, because several of the mirror caps and mirror indicators below list 2012 onwards in the title. If your car is an early pre-LCI X1, check the fitment table on the product page before ordering. More in LCI vs pre-LCI explained.
Many E84 cars left the factory with the M Sport package, which has its own bumpers. We do not stock bumper lips, splitters or diffusers for this car yet, so the bumper question does not affect anything in this guide. Everything we list for the E84 is in the X1 E84 collection.
One more point: a lot of these parts are shared with the 1 Series, 3 Series and other BMWs of the same era, so the titles name only a few example models. Always check the fitment table on the product page rather than relying on the title alone.
Mirror caps
Mirror caps are the easiest way to change the look of an X1 without paint or tools you do not already own. There are three ways to go about it:
- replacement mirror caps that name the X1 E84 in the title, from around €47;
- M4-style mirror caps, which change the shape of the cap as well as the finish, from around €49;
- mirror cover overlays in black, white or carbon look, from around €48.
What to check: whether the part replaces the original cap or sits over it. Replacement caps clip on after the old cap is released from the mirror housing, which takes a plastic trim tool and some patience in cold weather, when the clips are brittle. Overlays stick over the existing cap with adhesive tape, so clean and dry the surface first. Carbon look is a printed finish, not real carbon fibre.
Indicators and exterior lighting
LED indicators are the next most common change. For cars with indicators in the mirrors, the sequential LED mirror indicators replace the original lens unit, from around €40. For the small markers on the front wings there are three choices:
- sequential LED side markers from around €15;
- plain amber LED side markers without the sweeping effect, from around €24;
- a second sequential pair in a different lens style, from around €29.
What to check: look at your car first and see where the indicators sit, because that decides which part you need. Side markers push out of the wing and unplug, and the new ones plug into the same connector, so this is a five minute job. Mirror indicators mean taking the mirror glass out, which needs more care. LED parts can trigger a bulb warning on some cars, and sequential indicators are not accepted everywhere, so check local rules.
At the back, LED number plate lights from around €15 replace the yellowish original bulbs with white light. They unclip with a small flat tool and plug straight in.
Interior lighting
The original interior bulbs in an E84 look dim and yellow next to modern LED cabins. The LED interior light kit for the X1 from around €39 swaps the cabin, boot and vanity bulbs in one go. The LED footwell and door courtesy lights from around €17 replace complete light units rather than bulbs. Our guide to error free LED interior kits explains how to avoid warning lights and flicker.
Worn interior parts
A ten year old X1 usually shows its age in the places you touch every day. These are cheap fixes:
- A worn or faded start button: the start/stop button cover from around €9 fits over the original button.
- A tailgate that will not open from the outside: the boot lid release switch from around €17 is a common failure on BMWs of this age. Fitting means removing the inner tailgate trim and the handle.
- A shiny, worn M Sport steering wheel: the stitch-on steering wheel cover from around €34 is sewn on by hand over the existing rim. Allow an evening for it. It is made for the M Sport wheel, so check which wheel you have.
- Scuffed door sills: the door sill scuff plate covers from around €38 stick on and protect the paint and trim.
Screens and CarPlay
The E84 predates smartphone mirroring, so the wireless CarPlay and Android Auto module from around €247 is the biggest single upgrade for daily use. It works with the factory iDrive screen systems named in the title, CIC or NBT. If your X1 has no iDrive controller and screen, this is not the part for you. Fitting means removing the screen or head unit to plug the module in behind it, which is a careful hour or two with trim tools. Check the product page for which systems it supports before ordering.
Which part to choose
| Part | From (at time of writing) | Fitting | Reversible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start button cover | €9 | Very easy | Yes |
| LED side markers | €15 | Easy, plug in | Yes |
| LED number plate lights | €15 | Easy, plug in | Yes |
| LED interior light kit | €39 | Easy | Yes |
| Mirror caps | €43 | Moderate, clips | Yes |
| Sequential mirror indicators | €40 | Moderate | Yes |
| Steering wheel cover | €34 | Slow, hand sewn | Partly |
| Wireless CarPlay module | €247 | Harder, behind the screen | Yes |
Where to start
On a budget, we would go in this order:
- Fix what is broken or worn first: start button cover, boot release switch, missing clips.
- LED interior lights and number plate lights, for a big change for little money.
- LED side markers, after checking where your indicators sit.
- Mirror caps, once you have decided on a finish.
- CarPlay last, as it costs the most and needs the right iDrive system.
Our parts ship from a warehouse outside the EU, so allow longer for delivery than for local orders. If a part does not fit a car it is listed for, our fit guarantee covers you. Many of these parts are shared with the 3 Series of the same era, so the E90 to E93 buying guide is also useful reading.
FAQ
Do F48 X1 parts fit the E84?
No. The F48 from 2015 onwards is a different car with different panels, lights and electronics. Only buy parts listed for the E84 and check the fitment table.
Will LED indicators cause a bulb warning on my X1?
Some LED parts can, because they draw less power than the original bulbs. Check the product page for CANBUS notes, and test the indicators before you refit any trim.
Is there a difference between sDrive and xDrive for these parts?
Not for the parts in this guide. Mirror caps, lights and interior parts are the same on both, but the LCI year and the iDrive system can matter.
Can I fit CarPlay to an X1 without navigation?
The module needs one of the iDrive systems named on the product page. If your car has no iDrive screen and controller, it will not work.