BMW 1 Series (E87)

BMW 1 Series
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Model codeE81 (3-door hatchback)
E82 (coupe)
E87 (5-door hatchback)
E88 (convertible)
Production2004–2013
Model years2005–2011 (up to 2013 for coupe and convertible)
AssemblyGermany: Leipzig; Regensburg
DesignerPeter Gabath, Marc Michael Markefka (E82)[1]
Chris Chapman (E87)[2]
Body and chassis
ClassSubcompact executive car (C)
Body style2-door coupe
2-door convertible
3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
PlatformBMW L2[3]
RelatedBMW Z4 (E89)
BMW 3 Series (E90)
Powertrain
EnginePetrol:
1.6-2.0 L N43/N45/N46 I4
3.0 L N52 I6
3.0 L N54/N55 I6 turbo
Diesel:
2.0 L M47/N47 I4 turbo-diesel
Transmission5-speed Manual
6-speed Manual
6-speed ZF 6HP Automatic
6-speed GM 6L45 automatic
7-speed Magna 7DCI600 M-DCT dual-clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,660 mm (104.7 in)
Length4,227–4,380 mm (166.4–172.4 in)
Width1,748–1,803 mm (68.8–71.0 in)
Height1,420–1,430 mm (55.9–56.3 in)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW 3 Series Compact
SuccessorE81/E87: 1 Series (F20/F21)
E82/E88: 2 Series (F22/F23)
Interior

The first generation of the BMW 1 Series consists of the BMW E81 (3-door hatchback), BMW E82 (coupe), BMW E87 (5-door hatchback) and BMW E88 (convertible) compact cars. 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, and a rear-wheel drive layout with a longitudinally-mounted engine giving 50:50 weight balance, which was a rare configuration for a hatchback as most cars in this market segment 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).[4]

The highest performance trim is the 1 Series M Coupé which was powered by the BMW N54 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.

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.

  1. ^ "Patent Images". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Patent Images". United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  3. ^ Supplying the BMW Group 2015 hsmarkit.com
  4. ^ Interone Worldwide GmbH (17 June 2008). "BMW 1 Series Coupé : 50:50 weight distribution". Bmw.com. Archived from the original on 7 August 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.