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Wiper Blades
| Wiper Spec | BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Front — longer blade | 650 mm / 26 in | 650 mm / 26 in |
| Front — shorter blade | 400 mm / 16 in | 475 mm / 19 in |
| Rear | 330 mm / 13 in | No data available |
| Fitting Type | Top Lock / push-button | Not resolved — see notes |
Full BMW X1 wiper guide · Full Mercedes-Benz GLA wiper guide
Headlight Bulbs
| Bulb Position | BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Low Beam | N/A | N/A |
| High Beam | N/A | N/A |
| Front Indicator | N/A | N/A |
| Sidelights | W5W | W5W |
Engine Oil
| Oil Spec | BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | 0W-30 | 0W-30 |
| Manufacturer Spec | BMW LL-04 | MB 229.52 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5.0L | 5.5L |
| DPF-Safe | No | No |
Cabin Filter
| Filter Spec | BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Part Ref | MANN CUK 24 021 | MANN CUK 28 013 |
| Type | Activated carbon only | Particle or activated carbon |
| Change Interval | See the handbook — no figure published | See the handbook — no figure published |
Full BMW X1 filter guide · Full Mercedes-Benz GLA filter guide
Car Battery
| Battery Spec | BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Group | 027 or 096 | 027 (petrol) or 115 (diesel, AMG) |
| Type | AGM | AGM |
| Ah | N/A | N/A |
| Start-Stop | Yes | Yes |
Full BMW X1 battery guide · Full Mercedes-Benz GLA battery guide
Spark Plugs
| Spark Plug Spec | BMW X1 | Mercedes-Benz GLA |
|---|---|---|
| Plug | BMW 12125A523E0 | 4 plugs by engine |
| Type | See the full guide | See the full guide |
| Gap | 0.64 mm | 0.7 mm |
| Quantity | 3 (B38) / 4 (B48) | 4 |
Full BMW X1 spark plug guide · Full Mercedes-Benz GLA spark plug guide
Estimated Annual Consumable Costs
Both the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA have similar consumable costs, but here’s roughly what to budget for DIY maintenance:
| Item | Typical Cost | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper Blades (set) | £15–30 | Annual |
| Headlight Bulbs (pair) | £8–30 | As needed |
| Engine Oil + Filter | £30–50 | Annual / 10K miles |
| Cabin Filter | £8–15 | 12–15K miles |
| Battery | £60–150 | Every 4–6 years |
| Spark Plugs | £15–40 | Every 30–80K miles |
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain?
For routine consumables like wipers, bulbs, and filters, the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are very similar in cost. The key differences come down to:
- Oil spec — the BMW X1 uses 0W-30 while the Mercedes-Benz GLA uses 0W-30. Some specs require pricier oil.
- Battery type — start-stop cars need EFB or AGM batteries which cost more than standard ones.
- Spark plugs — iridium plugs cost more but last much longer than standard copper.
In practice, both cars cost roughly £80–150 per year in consumables when you do the work yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are BMW X1 parts more expensive than Mercedes-Benz GLA?
For routine consumables (wipers, bulbs, oil, filters), costs are very similar between the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Both use widely available, competitively priced parts.
Can I use the same wiper blades on a BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Not necessarily. The BMW X1 uses 26″ driver / 16″ passenger blades while the Mercedes-Benz GLA uses 26″ / 19″. Always check the exact sizes for your model.
Which car is easier to maintain at home?
Both the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA are straightforward for DIY maintenance. Changing wipers, bulbs, and cabin filters requires no special tools. Oil changes and spark plugs are also manageable with basic equipment.
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How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →