Reading time: approx. 6 minutes | Category: Vehicle Tuning & Inspiration
The first-generation BMW 1 Series – known by the designations E81, E82, E87, and E88 – is a compact sports car with rear-wheel drive and true BMW character. Built from 2004 to 2013, it is now a popular used car for tuning enthusiasts looking for authentic BMW driving pleasure at an affordable price.
With precisely tailored foil sets from Folientechnik Bayer, the BMW 1 Series E87 can be significantly enhanced visually – without paint damage and without expensive workshop costs. In this guide, we show you the best options.
Which BMW 1 Series models are the sets suitable for?
All foil sets from Folientechnik Bayer for the BMW 1 Series fit precisely for:
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BMW 1 Series E87 (5-door) – model years 2004–2011
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BMW 1 Series E81 (3-door) – model years 2006–2012
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BMW 1 Series E82 (Coupé) – model years 2007–2013
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BMW 1 Series E88 (Convertible) – model years 2008–2013
What is the "Evil Eye" on the BMW 1 Series?
The term "Evil Eye" is widely used in the BMW tuning community. It describes the look when the upper areas of the front headlights are covered with dark or tinted covers – the headlight then gets an aggressive, narrowed shape that resembles an evil gaze.
On the BMW 1 Series E87, this effect is particularly striking: the distinctive front end with its characteristic dual round headlights becomes significantly more aggressive and sporty with the headlight covers – without any modification to the bodywork.
1. LCI Headlight Covers – the Evil Eye for the BMW 1 Series
The highlight of our range for the BMW 1 Series E87: The LCI headlight covers – a 2-piece foil set that is applied precisely to the upper front headlights. The result is an instant visual difference that completely transforms the front end.
The headlight covers were specially developed for the BMW 1 Series models E81, E82, E87, and E88 (model years 2004–2010). Thanks to precisely matched geometry and pre-cut contours, they fit millimeter-perfectly on the headlights without any rework.
Available colors: Black, Silver, Silver semi-transparent
Price: from €36.99
👉 LCI Headlight Covers for BMW 1 Series E81/E82/E87/E88: folientechnik-bayer.com/products/lci-scheinwerferblenden-fur-bmw-1er-e81-e82-e87-e88-1
Which color for the headlight covers?
The headlight covers are available in three variants – depending on the desired effect:
Black: The classic Evil Eye. Maximum contrast, maximum impact. Particularly suitable for white, silver, and blue BMW paint finishes.
Silver: More elegant and subtle than black. Harmonizes particularly well with silver and gray vehicle colors for a coherent overall look.
Silver semi-transparent: The most subtle variant – the headlight remains partially visible, but still gets a sporty touch. Ideal for those who prefer a subtle effect.
2. Sun Visor Strip – sporty sun protection on the windshield
Perfect in combination with the headlight covers: The sun visor strip fits precisely at the upper edge of the BMW windshield. It protects against low sun and completes the sporty look of the 1 Series at the top – for a coherent, aggressive overall appearance of the front end.
The combination of headlight covers and sun visor strip results in one of the most effective tuning measures for the BMW 1 Series E87 – inexpensive, self-installable, and immediately visible.
👉 Sun Visor Strip for BMW 1 Series E81/E82/E87: folientechnik-bayer.com/products/blendstreifen-fur-bmw-1er-e81-e82-e87-premium-tuning-frontscheibenkeil-scheibentonung-sportliches-design-uv-bestandig-passgenau-selbstklebend-wetterfest
The perfect BMW 1 Series E87 Tuning Package
For the maximum visual effect, we recommend combining both products:
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LCI headlight covers in black – the aggressive Evil Eye on the front end
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Sun visor strip – sporty finish on the windshield
The result: a BMW 1 Series E87 that immediately attracts attention – with a front end reminiscent of current M models. Self-installed, without a workshop, in under an hour.
What is LCI on the BMW 1 Series?
LCI stands for "Life Cycle Impulse" – this is BMW's term for the facelift. The BMW 1 Series E87 received its LCI update in 2007, which included slight revisions to the headlights. Our LCI headlight covers are specially designed for the geometry of the LCI headlights (from model year 2007).
⚠️ Note: When buying, pay attention to whether your BMW 1 Series is pre-LCI (model years 2004–2006) or LCI (from 2007) – the headlight geometry differs slightly. If in doubt, check the vehicle registration document or send us a quick inquiry.
Color recommendations for the BMW 1 Series E87
White BMW 1 Series: Black headlight covers – maximum contrast, extremely effective.
Black BMW 1 Series: Black covers for a stealth look, or silver for an elegant contrast.
Silver/Gray BMW 1 Series: Silver covers for a harmonious look or black for more aggressiveness.
Blue BMW 1 Series: Black headlight covers – sporty and high-contrast.
Tips for installation on the BMW 1 Series E87
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Thoroughly degrease headlights and windshield with isopropyl alcohol
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Use wet application with mounting fluid (water + dish soap)
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Work at at least +15 °C
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Slowly and evenly peel the film from the backing
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Do not wash for 3 days after installation
💡 Tip: All sets come with detailed installation instructions. You can also find a detailed step-by-step guide in our advice section.
Conclusion – Evil Eye and sporty style for the BMW 1 Series E87
The BMW 1 Series E87, with its sporty character and rear-wheel drive, is a true driver's car – and with the right foil accents, it looks the part too. LCI headlight covers and sun visor strips are the most effective and striking upgrades with the best price-performance ratio.
👉 All BMW 1 Series E87 foil products can be found in our shop: folientechnik-bayer.com
*All information in this article is based on our current knowledge and experience as well as manufacturer specifications. They do not represent an agreed quality, a guaranteed property, or a durability guarantee. Actual results may vary depending on the substrate, weather conditions, and processing.
Tags: BMW 1 Series E87 Tuning, BMW E87 Foiling, Headlight Covers BMW 1 Series, Evil Eye BMW E87, Sun Visor Strip BMW 1 Series, BMW E81 E82 E88 Tuning, LCI Headlight Covers BMW