BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a range of Superminis (B-segment) manufactured by BMW since 2004. It is the successor to the BMW 3 Series Compact and is currently in its third generation.

BMW 1 Series
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production2004–present
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact car (B)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 3 Series Compact

The first generation was produced in hatchback, coupe and convertible body styles. Since the second generation (introduced in 2011), the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately as the BMW 2 Series, therefore the 1 Series range no longer includes these body styles. A sedan model became available for the Chinese market in 2017, using the front-wheel drive platform that would later form the basis for the third generation 1 Series.

The 1 Series is BMW's entry level of model range. Unusually for a small hatchback, the 1 Series used a rear-wheel drive layout for the first two generations. All-wheel drive was introduced as an option in 2012. For the third generation introduced in 2019, the 1 Series switched to front-wheel drive.[1]

A BMW M version was produced for the first generation: the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, which became the predecessor to the BMW M2.

First generation (E81/E82/E87/E88; 2004–2013)
E87- front view
E82- rear view
Main article: BMW 1 Series (E87)

The first generation of the 1 Series consists of the following body styles:

  • 3-door hatchback (E81 model code)
  • 5-door hatchback (E87)
  • coupe (E82)
  • convertible (E88)

This generation was produced from 2004 to 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.

All models were rear-wheel drive, which was a rare configuration in the hatchback market segment, where most cars use front-wheel drive. The engines available were four-cylinder turbo-diesel, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol, six-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol (the latter only available on coupe and convertible models).

The 1 Series M Coupé is powered by the BMW N54 turbocharged inline-six engine and uses a six-speed manual transmission. It was produced in only the coupe body style and is considered the predecessor to the BMW M2.

Second generation (F20/F21; 2011–2019)
F20- front view
F21- rear view
Main article: BMW 1 Series (F20)

The second generation of the 1 Series consists of the following body styles:

  • 5-door hatchback (F20 model code)
  • 3-door hatchback (F21)

From this generation onwards, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed separately using the BMW 2 Series nameplate.

This generation was produced from 2011 to 2019 and is often collectively referred to as the F20.

The F20/F21 was initially powered by inline-four petrol, inline-four diesel and inline-six petrol engines. In 2015, inline-three petrol and diesel engines were added to the model range. All engines are turbocharged.

Unlike most hatchback competitors, the F20/F21 uses a rear-wheel drive (rather than front-wheel drive) for most models. The F20/F21 is the first 1 Series to offer an optional all-wheel drive (called "xDrive" by BMW).

Third generation (F40; 2019–present)
F40- front view
Main article: BMW 1 Series (F40)

The third generation of the 1 Series consists of the following body styles:

  • 5-door hatchback (F40 model code)

Unlike the previous generations, the F40 uses a front-wheel drive configuration.[2]

It went on sale on 26 November 2019 in Mexico,[3] although the M135iA xDrive for the Mexican market will not arrive until 2020.[4]

China-market sedan (F52)
F52- rear view
Main article: BMW 1 Series (F52)

The 1 Series (F52) is a four-door sedan that began production in 2017 in China, unlike the other variations of the BMW 1 Series, which are manufactured in BMW's Plant Leipzig. The F52 has been built specifically for the Chinese and Mexican markets by BMW Brilliance, a joint venture between BMW and Brilliance Auto.[5] Unlike other BMW 1 Series cars of the time, it uses the front-wheel drive UKL platform.[6] It was first shown at Auto Guangzhou in 2016, and sales started in China in February 2017.[7] Due to its success in the Chinese market the BMW F52 was later sold in Mexico in 2018.[8]

However, despite local success of the car, BMW does not have any plans to produce the 1 Series for any other markets, besides what was originally intended.

References
  1. "The all-new BMW 1 Series - The perfect synthesis of agility and space". www.press.bmwgroup.com. Retrieved 2020-10-06.
  2. "All-New F40 BMW 1 Series Announced – FWD Or AWD, 5-Door Only - Auto News - Carlist.my". Carlist.my - Malaysia's No.1 Car Site. Retrieved 2019-10-09.
  3. https://www.motorpasion.com.mx/industria/bmw-serie-1-2020-precios-versiones-equipamiento-mexico
  4. https://www.motorpasion.com.mx/industria/estos-modelos-bmw-que-llegaran-a-mexico-2020
  5. Horatiu Boeriu (21 November 2016). "BMW 1 Series Sedan makes world debut at Auto Guangzhou 2016". BMWBLOG. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  6. Stefan Ogbac (18 July 2016). "2017 BMW 1 Series Sedan Revealed for Chinese Market". Motor Trend. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  7. Boeriu, Horatiu (23 January 2017). "Up-Close and Personal with the BMW 125i Sedan". BMWBLOG. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  8. Panait, Mircea (2018-06-27). "F52 1 Series Sedan Launched By BMW In Mexico". autoevolution. Retrieved 2019-09-17.
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