![BMW E81 dashboard 20080719](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/BMW_E81_dashboard_20080719.jpg)
The first generation of the
BMW 1 Series
The BMW 1 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars (C-segment) manufactured by BMW since 2004. It is the successor to the BMW 3 Series Compact and is currently in its third generation. Positioned as the entry level model in BMW range of pr ...
consists of the BMW E81 (3-door hatchback), BMW E82 (coupe), BMW E87 (5-door hatchback) and BMW E88 (convertible)
compact car
Compact car is a vehicle size class — predominantly used in North America — that sits between subcompact cars and mid-size cars. "Small family car" is a British term and a part of the C-segment in the European car classification. However, p ...
s. The E81/E82/E87/E88 generation was produced from 2004 until 2013 and is sometimes collectively referred to as the E8x. The E8x replaced the
3 Series Compact as the entry level models of the BMW range.
The chassis has an aluminum
multi-link suspension
A multi-link suspension is a type of vehicle suspension with one or more longitudinal arms. A wider definition can consider any independent suspensions having three control links or more multi-link suspensions. These arms do not have to be of eq ...
, and a
rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a form of engine and transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the rear wheels only. Until the late 20th century, rear-wheel drive was the most common configuration for cars.
Most rear-wheel ...
layout with a
longitudinally-mounted engine giving 50:50 weight balance, which was a rare configuration in the hatchback market segment as cars use front-wheel drive. The engines available were four-cylinder turbo-diesel, four-cylinder
naturally aspirated
Naturally may refer to:
;Albums
* ''Naturally!'', an album by Nat Adderley
* ''Naturally'' (Houston Person album)
* ''Naturally'' (J. J. Cale album)
* ''Naturally'' (John Pizzarelli album)
* ''Naturally'' (Sharon Jones album)
* ''Naturally'' ...
petrol, six-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol (the latter only available on coupe and convertible models).
The highest performance trim is the
1 Series M Coupé which was powered by the
BMW N54
The BMW N54 is a twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine that was produced from 2006 to 2016. It is BMW's first mass-produced turbocharged petrol engine and BMW's first turbocharged petrol engine since the limited-production BMW M106 was disc ...
turbocharged inline-six engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It was produced in only the coupe body style and is considered the predecessor to the
BMW M2
The BMW M2 is a high-performance version of the BMW 2 Series automobile developed by BMW's motorsport division, BMW M GmbH.
As the 2 Series replaced the 1 Series coupé and convertible models, the first generation M2 was marketed as the most ...
.
Following the introduction of the
F20/F21 1 Series in 2011, the E81/E87 hatchback models began to be phased out, while the E82/E88 coupes and convertibles remained in production until 2013, when they were replaced by the
F22/F23 2 Series models.
Development and launch
Initially, BMW considered adopting the Rover R30 design program into the upcoming 1 Series; however, it was eventually decided to develop the E8x alongside the
E90 3 Series.
The E8x shares approximately 60% of components with the E90,
including front and rear suspension, structure, chassis, engines, drivetrain, hardware and electronic elements.
The 1 Series was developed under design director
Chris Bangle
Christopher Edward Bangle (born October 14, 1956) is an American automobile designer. Bangle is known best for his work as Chief of Design for BMW Group, where he was responsible for the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce motor cars.
Early life
Bangl ...
, At the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, the ''CS1 Concept'' previewed the 1 Series design. with Christopher Chapman leading the exterior design for the hatchback models.
The first 1 Series production models – in the E87 five-door hatchback body style – were launched at the
Paris Motor Show
The Paris Motor Show (french: Mondial de l'Automobile) is a biennial auto show in Paris. Held during October, it is one of the most important auto shows, often with many new production automobile and concept car debuts. The show presently take ...
in September 2004.
In May 2005, in a commercial for the 1 Series Hatchback,
Kermit the Frog
Kermit the Frog is a Muppet character created and originally performed by Jim Henson. Introduced in 1955, Kermit serves as the everyman protagonist of numerous Muppet productions, most notably ''Sesame Street'' and ''The Muppet Show'', as well ...
was shown driving a BMW 1 Series around in a desert making figure-eights, showcasing the car's agility.
In 2012, a number of 1 Series vehicles were stolen in the United Kingdom, due to thieves programming a blank key fob to start the car through the
on-board diagnostics
On-board diagnostics (OBD) is a term referring to a vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability. OBD systems give the vehicle owner or repair technician access to the status of the various vehicle sub-systems. The amount of diagnostic inf ...
(OBD) connection. This security flaw was later patched, for both existing vehicles and new cars produced since.
Model year changes
2007
In March 2007, the E87 five-door hatchback received a
facelift
A facelift, technically known as a rhytidectomy (from the Ancient Greek () "wrinkle", and () "excision", the surgical removal of wrinkles), is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure used to give a more youthful facial appearance. There are mult ...
(also called LCI). Changes included the
N43 four-cylinder engine replacing the
N45 and
N46 engines, various changes to improve fuel economy (marketed as ''EfficientDynamics''),
electric power steering
A power steering is a mechanical device equipped on a motor vehicle that helps drivers steer the vehicle by reducing steering effort needed to turn the steering wheel, making it easier for the vehicle to turn or maneuver at lower speeds.
Hydraul ...
replacing the traditional hydraulic power steering, revised bumpers and interior changes.
In May 2007, the E81 three-door hatchback models were released.
In November 2007, the E82 coupe models were released, followed by the E88 convertible models soon after.
2011
In 2011, the E82 coupé and E88 convertible models received a facelift. Changes included headlights and taillight revisions, new front/rear bumpers and minor revisions to the interior. For the 135i model, the
N55 engine replaced the
N54. Even though many engines are the same, the facelifted 1 Series fuel consumption is slightly higher in some models such as the 123d, and slightly lower in some models such as the 120i.
Body styles
2007 BMW 118d SE 2.0 Rear.jpg , E81 3-door hatchback
2010 BMW 120i (E87) 5-door hatchback 01.jpg , E87 5-door hatchback
BMW 123d Coupé Sportpaket BMW Performance (E82) rear-2 20100914.jpg , E82 coupe
BMW 118i Cabriolet (E88) – Heckansicht, 15. April 2012, Mettmann.jpg , E88 convertible
Reviews of the 1 Series' exterior styling were mixed, with the unusual proportions of the hatchback model often receiving criticism.
5-door hatchback (E87)
The 1 Series was launched globally in September 2004 as the E87 five-door hatchback.
The E87 was produced from 2004 until 2011, with the model range consisting of the 116i, 116d, 118i, 118d, 120i, 120d, 123d and 130i. Kerb Weight: 1340 kg (2954 lbs.).
3-door hatchback (E81)
The E81 three-door hatchback models were produced from July 2007 until 2012.
As per the five-door body style, the model range consisted of the 116i, 116d, 118i, 118d, 120i, 120d, 123d and 130i. The overall length is the same as the five-door models, and the kerb weight is lighter.
2-door coupe (E82)
The 1 Series Coupé (E82) was unveiled in 2007 at the
Frankfurt Motor Show
The International Motor Show Germany or International Mobility Show Germany, in German known as the ''Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung'' (''IAA'' – International Automobile Exhibition), is one of the world's largest mobility shows. It cons ...
and went on sale on 24 November 2007.
The model range consisted of the 118d, 118i, 120i, 120d, 123d, 125i, 125se, 128i, 135i, 135is, and the M Coupé. In North America, the E82 went on sale in October 2007 with the 128i and the 135i models. The E82 was produced until August 2013.
2-door convertible (E88)
The E88 convertible models were produced from 2007 until June 2013. The model range consisted of the 118d, 118i, 120i, 120d, 123d, 125i, 128i, 135i, and 135is.
The E88 uses a fabric roof (unlike the
E93 3 Series convertible, which uses a folding metal roof).
Engines
The factory specifications are as follows:
[All data according to: ''Automobil Revue'', catalogue editions 2006/2008.]
Petrol
In most countries, the 135i is the top model of the E82/E88 coupe/convertible range (excluding the limited production 1M Coupe).
From 2007 to 2010, the 135i was powered by the
N54 twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
From 2010, the 135i engine was upgraded to the
N55 single-turbo 3.0-litre engine with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The
differential fitted to the 135i uses double-helical ball bearings, which operate at a lower temperature and reach operating temperature quicker, due to a reduction of fluid required in the differential. The 135i brakes are 6-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers, with disk sizes of 338 mm and 324 mm respectively.
Another E82/E88 coupe/convertible trim sold only in the United States and Canada was the 128i, which was powered by a version of the 3.0 litre
BMW N52
The BMW N52 is a naturally aspirated straight-six petrol engine which was produced from 2004 to 2015. The N52 replaced the BMW M54 and debuted on the E90 3 Series and E63 6 Series.
The N52 was the first water-cooled engine to use magnesium/al ...
inline-6 engine.
The 130i is the top model of the E81/E87 hatchback range and was released in September 2004. It is powered by the
N52 3.0-litre naturally aspirated engine
and transmission choices were a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
Diesel
Transmissions
In early 2006, the 5-speed
manual transmission
A manual transmission (MT), also known as manual gearbox, standard transmission (in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States), or stick shift (in the United States), is a multi-speed motor vehicle transmission (mechanics), transmission ...
was phased out in favour of the 6-speed Getrag GS6 gearbox.
Several 6-speed automatic transmissions were used- the
ZF 6HP for the 135i,
GM 6L50 for the 128i, and
GM 6L45 for 116i. A 7-speed Getrag
dual-clutch transmission
A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) (sometimes referred to as a twin-clutch transmission) is a type of multi-speed motor vehicle, vehicle Transmission (mechanics), transmission system, that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gear train, g ...
("DCT") was available for the 135i model from 2010.
Special editions
1 Series M Coupé
The ''BMW 1 Series M Coupe'' (often referred to as the "1M") is the high-performance model of the E82 coupe range, sold under the
BMW M
BMW M GmbH, formerly known as BMW Motorsport GmbH, is a subsidiary of BMW, BMW AG that manufactures high-performance cars.
BMW M ("M" for "motorsport") was initially created to facilitate BMW's racing program, which was very successful in the ...
performance sub-brand. While BMW naming convention would have called the car the "M1", an alternate name was chosen to avoid confusion with the 1970s
BMW M1
The BMW M1 (model code E26) is a mid-engined sports car produced by German automotive manufacturer BMW from 1978 until 1981.
In the late 1970s, Italian automobile manufacturer Lamborghini entered into an agreement with BMW to build a production ...
supercar.
At the
2007 Tokyo Auto Show, BMW unveiled the ''1 Series tii Concept'', which was thought to be a preview of the M version of the 1 Series. However, the eventual 1M model appeared four years later and with significant differences, such as an engine with six-cylinders instead of four.
The 1M was BMW M's second turbocharged engine (after the
S63 V8 which debuted in the X6M). The
BMW N54
The BMW N54 is a twin-turbocharged straight-six petrol engine that was produced from 2006 to 2016. It is BMW's first mass-produced turbocharged petrol engine and BMW's first turbocharged petrol engine since the limited-production BMW M106 was disc ...
fitted to the 1M was originally being used in the ''
E89 Z4 sDrive35is'' and has rated outputs of at 5,900 rpm and from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. An additional is produced during overboost taking overall peak torque to .
The sole transmission available was a six-speed manual.
The front and rear
track widths were widened by and respectively and a limited-slip differential was used. As a result, the overall width is .
The curb weight is .
Initial plans were to limit production of the 1M Coupe to 2,700 units, but the final production total was 6,309.
The 1M Coupe placed third in the ''
Evo Magazine
''Evo'' is a British automobile magazine dedicated to performance cars, from hot hatches to supercars.
History
In 1995, then Harpenden-based farmer and property developer Harry Metcalfe had become involved in car tests for magazine publisher ...
'' 2011 Car of the Year awards. It also featured on ''
Top Gear
Top Gear may refer to:
* "Top gear", the highest gear available in a vehicle's manual transmission
Television
* ''Top Gear'' (1977 TV series), a British motoring magazine programme
* ''Top Gear'' (2002 TV series), a relaunched version of the or ...
'' on 26 June 2011 and recorded a time of 1:25.0 around the
Top Gear test track under damp conditions
and received "
Richard Hammond
Richard Mark Hammond (born 19 December 1969) is an English journalist, television presenter, mechanic, and writer. He is best known for co-hosting the BBC Two motoring programme ''Top Gear'' from 2002 until 2015 with Jeremy Clarkson and Jame ...
's Car of the Year 2011" award in the
''Top Gear'' magazine.
ActiveE electric car trial
The ''BMW ActiveE'' was an
electric car
An electric car, battery electric car, or all-electric car is an automobile that is propelled by one or more electric motors, using only energy stored in batteries. Compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, electric cars are quie ...
based on the E82 coupe that was produced in small quantities for demonstration and testing purposes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rated the range as and the energy consumption as 33 kW·h per .
The cars were leased to customers for two years, following which they were taken off the road. A total of 1,100 vehicles were produced, with 700 of these being delivered to U.S. customers beginning in January 2012.
Motorsports
![Beric Lynton 2014 AMC Wakefield](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Beric_Lynton_2014_AMC_Wakefield.JPG)
In 2006, a BMW 120d modified with a BMW customer racing kit
entered by "Schubert Motors" placed 5th at the Nurburgring 24 Hours in a field of 220 cars.
Beric Lynton won the
2014 Australian Production Car Championship driving a BMW 1M.
In 2019, the UK based 750 Motor Club introduced a one make mini endurance series using the 2004-2006 116i car. Modified from factory production specifications with a coil over suspension kit, reworked motorsport exhaust and re-programmed ECU the cars race in a 90-minute multiple driver format. For 2020, the series attracted regular grids of over 25 cars with more than 50 cars having been built by both privateers and professional teams.
BMW 135is (United States and Canada)
The 135is coupe and convertible model was sold only for the 2013 model year in the United States and Canada. In other markets, the next generation
F20 1 Series had replaced the E82/E88 by this stage, with the top-of-the-line M135i sharing the same engine as the 135is.
The 135is is powered by an upgraded version of the
N55 engine which produces and , an additional 20 hp and 17 lb-ft of torque over the 135i. Other upgrades include sports suspension, an M Sport body kit, and 18-inch wheels.
Production and sales
The 1 Series was built in
Regensburg
Regensburg or is a city in eastern Bavaria, at the confluence of the Danube, Naab and Regen rivers. It is capital of the Upper Palatinate subregion of the state in the south of Germany. With more than 150,000 inhabitants, Regensburg is the f ...
and
Leipzig
Leipzig ( , ; Upper Saxon: ) is the most populous city in the German state of Saxony. Leipzig's population of 605,407 inhabitants (1.1 million in the larger urban zone) as of 2021 places the city as Germany's eighth most populous, as wel ...
, Germany.
The E8x accounted for nearly one-fifth of the total BMW sales in 2008.
Sales statistics according to BMW's annual reports:
References
{{BMW cars: 2000s–2010s
1 Series
Cars introduced in 2004
2010s cars