BMW 1 Series

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2004–2011 (E87) 2007– (E81) 2007– (E82) 2007– (E88)
Assembly	Leipzig, Germany Regensburg, Germany
Predecessor	BMW Compact
Class	Small family car
Body style	2-door coupe (E82) 2-door convertible (E88) 3-door hatchback (E81) 5-door hatchback (E87)
Layout	FR layout

The BMW 1 Series (E81/E87 and E82/E88 models) is a small family car produced by the German automaker BMW since 2004. The 1 Series is unusual in its class as it features rear-wheel drive, 50:50^[1] weight balance, a longitudinally-mounted engine and an advanced aluminum multilink suspension. It is currently BMW's second best-selling automobile worldwide, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the total sales in 2008.^[2]

History[link]

The 1 Series was launched globally in Autumn 2004 and shares many structural, chassis, powertrain, hardware and electronic elements with the larger 3 Series. The model was started to provide a lower point of entry into the BMW range as the 3 Series moved gradually up-market. Initially launched as a five-door hatchback, a three-door version was also launched in July 2007. The 1 Series is priced between the MINI and the current E90 3 Series. Because the coupe is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is often considered^[who?] the successor to the BMW 2002.

The 1 Series coupe (E82) and convertible (E88) went on sale in the United States and Canada in model year 2008 (30 June 2007)^[3] as the 128i and the 135i. Other countries received the 120i and 125i in both platforms. The convertible, unlike the 3 Series convertible, uses a soft-top instead of a folding hardtop. This is lighter, cheaper to manufacture and preserves more trunk space than the folding hardtop would allow.

Pre-facelift BMW 120i (E88) convertible, Australia

The North American introduction of the coupe and cabriolet was during the second quarter of 2008, which was credited for helping BMW overtake Lexus as the top luxury brand.^[4][5]

Unlike its predecessor, the new vehicle is built on its own platform (E87);^{[citation needed]} however, it shares many components with the E90 3 Series. Shared parts include MacPherson struts in the front of the car and a trapezoidal-link rear axle. BMW has stated that it shares over 60% of components with the current E90 BMW 3 Series.^[6]

The 135i comes with the world's first differential with double-helical ball bearings which have the advantage of running at an even lower operating temperature reached more quickly than before thanks to the reduction of fluid required in the differential.^[7] The 123d (150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp)) heads up the range of diesels.

Rumoured origins[link]

In 1996, BMW owned the Rover Group, and was preparing a new car that would replace their Rover 200 and 400 ranges, called Project R30, developed jointly with Project R50 and R40, that would become, respectively, the New Mini and the Rover 75.^[8] The new model, which would have been badged as the Rover 55, was planned to be built in the Longbridge plant alongside the New Mini, and BMW were granted a £152 million subsidy by the British government to refurbish the plant.^[8]

In 2000, development was close to completion, but after BMW sold the Rover Group, the project's rights were taken by BMW, which stopped the project and kept the only working prototype in their headquarters of Munich.^[8] Although BMW tried to sell the project's rights, first to MG Rover and later to a number of Chinese car manufacturers, the model never entered production.^[8]

It has been rumoured that the Rover R30 was finished by BMW and transformed into the BMW 1-Series.^[8] However, BMW have stated that the 1-Series is unrelated to the R30, and was developed alongside the E90 3-Series.^[9]

Body types[link]

3/5 door hatchback (E81/87)[link]

The 1 Series was originally sold as a five-door hatchback, with range of straight four- and six-cylinder engines mated with five- or six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmissions. It replaced the BMW 3 Series Compact range as the smallest and most affordable vehicle (depending on the engine model) in the BMW range.

Coupé/Convertible (E82/E88)[link]

Like the three- and five-door BMW 1 Series models, the E82 also features a combination of equipment, marketed by BMW as EfficientDynamics, to reduce fuel consumption (see below). The Coupé is 133 mm (5.2 in) longer than the hatch, creating 20 litres (0.71 cubic feet) of extra boot space, but 220 mm (8.7 in) shorter than the 3-series Coupé. The published unladen weights (EU) of the 120d, 123d and 135i Coupés' are 1,450 kg (3,200 lb), 1,495 kg (3,300 lb), and 1,560 kg (3,400 lb), respectively. This is similar to an E46 3-series or an E34 5-series. The 1 Series Coupé (E82) was unveiled in Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) 2007, which went on sale on November 24, 2007. The 1-Series Cabriolet uses a fabric top, to differentiate it further from the now steel-roofed 3-series convertible E93.

BMW 1 Series (E81) 3-door hatchback, Europe   Facelift BMW 120i (E87) 5-door hatchback, Australia   Pre-facelift BMW 123d (E82) coupe, Europe   Pre-facelift BMW 120i (E88) convertible, Australia

Updates[link]

2007[link]

In 2007 the 1 Series gained a facelift along with the introduction of a three-door hatchback, coupe and convertible body styles. Engines were upgraded and more fuel efficient, along with new bumpers and other exterior and interior updates.^[10]

2011[link]

In 2011, the coupé and cabriolet bodies gained a facelift. Exterior changes to the model were minor headlight and taillight revisions, new front/rear bumpers and minor revisions to the interior. The only new engine was the N55 which replaced the N54 twin-turbo, with power and torque output remaining the same. Even though many engines are 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.^[11]

1M Coupé[link]

BMW 1 Series M, US

BMW 1 Series M, Australia

The BMW 1 Series M is a purist and very high-performance version of the BMW 1 Series Coupe, developed by BMW's motorsport branch BMW M. It is currently the smallest and least expensive M model available. The name was chosen to avoid confusion with the original BMW M1.

BMW M boss, Dr. Kay Segler officially announced the making of the M variant of the BMW 1-Series Coupé on July 9, 2010, via an official YouTube video and press release.^[12] On December 9 2010, BMW officially announced all details of the car in the media.^[13] The variant was marketed as a spiritual follow-up to the famous E30 M3.

Unlike other M models (like the M3 and M5) which use M-derived engines named Sxx, the 1 Series M Coupé uses a M-tuned, twin turbocharged version of the N54 engine, as found in the 335is and Z4sDrive35is. Still a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with direct injection, it produces 335 hp (250 kW) at 5900 rpm and 332 lb·ft (450 N·m) torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm (with +369 lb·ft (500 N·m) overboost). The redline is 7,000 rpm. The 1 Series M Coupe blows past 60 in 4.5 seconds (4.3 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like at a drag strip) and powers through the quarter-mile in 12.9 seconds at 107.7 mph..^{[citation needed]} The car is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h) top speed. There is an M Drive button that activates a quicker throttle response program. The sole available transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox with an M gearshift knob, a 3.15:1 final drive ratio and a limited slip differential.

The body on the BMW 1 Series M Coupé has been modified as well, giving the car a significantly wider track and bigger body, as well as a body kit to distinguish it from the standard 1 Series. Despite the car's larger size, it is 77 lb (35 kg) lighter, giving it a weight of 3,296 lb (1,495 kg).^[14]

The 1 Series M Coupé, also known as the 1M Coupé, or the 1M, is available in Valencia Orange and Black Sapphire colors, both metallic. The only non-metallic color available is Alpine White. Alloy wheels are 19-inch in size, with Y-Spoke design, coded Style 359M.

BMW was originally going to release the 1M Coupé as a limited edition model of 2,700 units. Then due to positive response, the company lifted the cap and decided to produce as many 1M Coupés as the market requires until production ends in June of 2012. Nevertheless, production of the North American variant of the 1M Coupé stopped in December of 2011 bringing the total amount in the US to 740 units, and in the high 900's for all of North America..^[15]

The 1M was featured on Top Gear on 26 June 2011 and recorded a time of 1:25.0 round the Top Gear test track (the fastest M series BMW so far^[16]) and also beat the Porsche Cayman R and Lotus Evora S in a drag race. The 1M was met in the media with enthusiastic reviews, Jeremy Clarkson likening it, as a breakthrough model, to the original Volkswagen Golf GTI.^[17][18]

Market[link]

The 1 Series Coupé was marketed in the US as a spiritual successor to the BMW 2002, a two-door from the 1970s known for its light weight and high level of performance (relative to the era). It was visually distinctive with its long bonnet, slim cabin and short rear.^[19][20]

In the 1-series hatchback commercial, Kermit the Frog was shown driving a BMW 1 Series around in a desert making figure eights, showcasing the car's agile nature and playful handling.^[21]

BMW is showing a 3-episode web movie [1] promo (filmed in Hamburg with a New York cast) that looks almost like a film noir and feels more like a mini–TV movie or film, with the main focus on the actors and more subtle appearances of the car itself. These episodes were made for viewing in Japanese movie theaters.

BMW recently released a viral campaign to promote the BMW 1 Series. The campaign centered on an online video 'mockumentary' called Rampenfest that chronicles the adventures of a small Bavarian town attempting to use a giant ramp to literally launch the new BMW from Germany to the U.S.^[22]

Jeremy Clarkson, and other journalists raised a number of other complaints about the 1-series which were or are aesthetic, and have influenced sales demographics. At varying times, the 1-series has been described as having 'Bread-van' looks, or as a 'Shameless attempt by BMW to sell a badge rather than a car'.^{[citation needed]} Clarkson in particular had described the average BMW 1-series owner as receiving the following assessment from his next door neighbours: 'Hmm, that’s an expensive car. He must be off his rocker.'^[23] Clarkson went so far as to end his review for the Sunday Times with 'The 1-series is crap.'^[23]

Critical response has dramatically changed in recent years with the introduction of the Coupé, and convertible model - which have been described as 'returning BMW to its roots', and the 135i has been described as the spiritual successor of the original E30 M3 of the 1980s. Clarkson himself awarded the 2008 model five stars, and had the following to say: 'The 135 coupé is the best car BMW makes.'^[24] Generally, the 1 Series coupé is more popular with critics and fans than the hatchback model.^{[citation needed]}

The BMW 118d, which is not sold in North America, won the prestigious 'World Green Car Award' in 2008 being the only performance oriented car with CO2 emissions and fuel consumption comparable to Toyota Prius.^[25]

Motorsports[link]

The racing version of 120d is called BMW 120d Motorsport.^[26] The inline-four engine was rated 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp)@4200rpm and 450 N·m (330 lb·ft)@3000rpm with 5000rpm redline. It weighs only 1,135 kg (2,500 lb) with a driver. It includes a 100 litres (26 US gal; 22 imp gal) diesel tank.

In 2006, a BMW 120d modified with a BMW customer racing kit available for €95,000,^[27] entered by "Schubert Motors" repeated a similar if not better result. It scored 5th in a field of 220 cars, many of them (Porsche 911 GT3, BMW M3, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin, Maserati) were much more powerful than the 120d Motorsport, thus a significantly stronger field of competitors than in 1998.

Specifications[link]

Body styles[link]

Engines[link]

According to the BMW website^[28] the 135i Coupé accelerates from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds, however Car and Driver magazine recorded 4.7 seconds for 0-60 mph acceleration, and a quarter mile time of 13.3 seconds at 106 mph (171 km/h).^[29] Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph). Fuel efficiency is increased to 30.7 mpg_-US (7.66 L/100 km; 36.9 mpg_-imp), an improvement of 18% compared to its predecessor.^[30]

The engines below are preceded by their model year introduction.

In early 2006 the 5-speed manual transmission in the 116i and 118i was phased out in favor of the 6-speed gearbox available across the rest of the range. From 2011, 135i model is available with 7 speed DCT gearbox.

Production[link]

The 1 Series is built in Regensburg and Leipzig, Germany.

During its first full year on the market in 2005, it became one of BMW's most successful products with only the 3 and 5 Series selling better.

Sales statistics according to BMW's annual reports:

References[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: BMW 1 Series

For the current-generation M Coupe, see BMW 1 Series M Coupe

The BMW M Coupe is a Shooting-brake styled high-performance automobile produced by BMW. As of February 2009, two generations of the M Coupe have been manufactured, one based on the E36/8 Z3 Coupe and the second off of the E86 Z4 Coupe. Both generations have a "sister" Convertible/Roadster model available. Though a second generation E89 Z4 has been released for the 2009 model year, no official announcements have been made regarding the third iteration of the BMW M Coupe/Roadster.

First generation E36/8 (1998-2002)[link]

BMW M Coupe

BMW M Coupe

The car is based on the BMW M Roadster. The semi-trailing arm rear suspension was not modified from the M Roadster. The coupe is 2.7 times stiffer than its convertible counterpart, resulting in superior handling.

The M coupe was developed under the leadership of engineer Burkhard Göschel with the intention of adding increased torsional and structural rigidity to the Z3 roadster’s chassis. The development team had a hard time convincing the Board of Directors to approve the model for production, but it was eventually given the green light as long as it remained cost-effective to produce. To achieve this goal, as many body panels as possible had to be shared with the roadster, thus the doors and everything from the A-pillar forward are interchangeable between the coupe and roadster, as are most interior parts. The Z3 coupe, which mates the M coupe's body with the standard Z3 drivetrain, chassis and cosmetics was approved for production at the same time.

1998–2000[link]

M Coupes built between 1998 and 2000 are fitted with two different engines, depending on the destination market. These engines are the same ones used in the 1996 to 1999 BMW M3.

The US models were fitted with the S52, a 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 Nm (236 ft·lbf) 3.2-litre inline 6-cylinder engine.

European models were fitted with the S50B32, a 321 hp (236 kW) and 350 Nm (260 ft·lbf) 3.2-litre inline 6-cylinder engine.

2001–2002[link]

From October 2001, the M Coupe reappeared worldwide with the new 3.2-litre S54 engine from the E46 M3. This was the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW when it was fitted to the E46 M3: in M Coupe form it produced 325 hp (242 kW) in European form and 315 hp (235 kW) in North American form. (242 kW) and 354 Nm (261 lbf.ft) of torque.

Despite the well-documented tendency of the 2001–2002 S54 to suffer connecting rod bearing failure in the E46 M3, the M Coupe was not included in the recall to correct the issue in E46 M3s. BMW assert that the recall is not necessary due to the fact that the S54 M Coupe is limited to 7,600 rpm, 400 rpm lower than the M3's limit. BMW added a 100,000-mile (160,000 km), 6 year warranty in North America to all S54 Coupes affected by, but not included in the bearing recall on the M3. Although some S54 M Coupes have reached in excess of 170,000 miles (270,000 km) on their original engines, bearing shell failures are possible on all S54 M Coupes.

In South Africa only 40 right hand drive S54 models were imported and all were equipped by the local importer with AC Schnitzer suspension, exhaust, short shift kit, shift knob and 18-inch wheels.^[1]

Production figures[link]

Due to the unique styling of the M Coupe, dealer sales were slow, and dealerships sidestepped the M Coupe to sell the more practical and more profitable M3 models to performance enthusiasts. As a result of their relative rarity, M Coupes retain more of their value than any other BMW since the E30 M3.

• European left hand drive S50 engine: 2,178 built from 04/98 through 06/2000
• European right hand drive S50 engine: 821 built from 08/98 through 06/2000
• North America S52 engine: 2,180 built from 07/98 through 06/2000
• European left hand drive S54 engine: 281 built from 02/2001 through 05/2002
• European right hand drive S54 engine: 168 built from 02/2001 through 05/2002
• North America S54 engine: 690 built from 02/2001 through 05/2002

Second generation E86 (2006–2008)[link]

2006 Z4 M Coupe

2006 Z4 M Coupe

BMW released a limited production, new redesigned, M Coupe based on the Z4. The first cars were delivered right after the North American introduction on May 27, 2006. It has a 3.2-litre inline 6-cylinder engine and produces a SAE rated 330 hp (250 kW). It shares many components with the Z4 and with the E46 M3. Other components come directly from the M3 CSL like the cross-drilled 13.7-inch floating front rotors, even though it continues to use the same brake pads as the original Z3 M Coupes.

The second-generation E89 Z4 (a retractable hardtop) was announced on December 13, 2008.^[2] The E89 retractable hardtop is not available in an M version; nor is it known as the 'Z4 coupe', as the term 'Z4 coupe' refers to the fixed hardtop model (E86).

Production figures[link]

• 2006 North America Production beginning with Vin# 6LLxx000: 380 built from 05/2006 through 09/2006
• 2007 North America Production beginning with Vin# 7LLxx380: 1187 built from 10/2006 through 09/2007

• 2008 North America Production beginning with Vin# 8LMxx567: 248 built from 10/2007 through 09/2008

References[link]

External links[link]

• http://www.mcoupe.com BMW M Coupe / Z3 & Z4 Resource Network
• http://www.zpost.com Official Z3/Z4 Enthusiast website and forums.
• Official Z4 M coupe website
• 368S.com BMW Z3/M Coupe Enthusiast Site.
• mz3.net M and Z3 Roadster and Coupe site with many user contributed articles on maintenance and upgrades.

BMW 1 Series

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2004–present
Predecessor	BMW Compact
Class	Small family car
Layout	FR layout

The BMW 1 Series is a line of small family cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since 2004. Successor to the BMW Compact, it has been produced in four different body styles.

History[link]

There are two generations of the 1 Series and their respective chassis codes:

• BMW E87 - (2004–2011) 1 Series five-door hatchback
• BMW E81 - (2007–2011) 1 Series 3-door hatchback
• BMW E82 - (2007–2011) 1 Series coupe
• BMW E88 - (2007–2011) 1 Series convertible
• BMW F20 - (2011->) 1 Series five-door hatchback

E81, E82, E87, E88[link]

BMW 1 Series

Production	2004–2011
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.6 L I4 2.0 L diesel I4 Twin Turbo diesel I4 2.0 L I4 3.0 L I6 3.0 L I6 Twin Turbo 3.0 L I6 Single Turbo
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 7-speed dual clutch (2010)

The 1 Series was launched globally in Autumn 2004 and shares many structural, chassis, powertrain, hardware and electronic elements with the larger 3 Series. The model was started to provide a lower point of entry into the BMW range as the 3 Series moved gradually up-market. Initially launched as a 5-door hatchback, a 2-door coupe version was also launched in July 2007, followed by a convertible, 3-door hatchback and a facelifted 5-door hatchback. The 1 Series is priced between the MINI and the current E90 3 Series. The hatchback is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, so it is often considered the successor to the BMW 2002. The 1 Series line is produced in two BMW factories in Germany based in Leipzig and Regensburg.

The 1 Series coupe (E82) and convertible (E88) went on sale in the United States and Canada in model year 2008 (30 June 2007)^[1] as the 128i and the 135i. Other countries received the 120i, 125i and the 135i in both platforms. The convertible, unlike the 3 Series convertible, uses a soft-top instead of a folding hardtop. This is lighter and preserves more boot space than the folding hardtop would allow.

The North American introduction of the coupe and cabriolet was during the second quarter of 2008, which was credited for helping BMW overtake Lexus as the top luxury brand.^[2][3]

BMW M Boss Dr. Kay Segler officially announced the making of the M variant of the BMW 1-Series Coupe on July 9, 2010, via an official YouTube video and press release.^[4]

1 Series ActiveE[link]

F20[link]

BMW 1 Series

Production	2012–
Body style	5-door hatchback
Engine	1.6 L I4 2.0 L diesel I4
Transmission	6-speed manual 8-speed automatic

BMW 118i Urban Line (F20; Germany)

The latest 1 Series went on sale for the 2012 model year based on the platform F20.

The five-door was unveiled by BMW on 6 June 2011, powered by a new 1.6 petrol and a revamped version of the BMW N47 2.0 diesel engines, ^[5] Three-door, coupé and convertible versions will follow in due course.

There is also expected to be a special hatchback version with a coupé-like style similar to the 5 Series Gran Turismo, and this will slot above the regular 1 Series hatchbacks. The new F20 platform also has support for a front wheel drive layout and this will underpin the next Mini and as-yet undisclosed BMW model to slot in below the 1 series.

Notes[link]

External links[link]

• BMW 1 Series Reviews - Motorstop.asia
• BMW 1 Series Performance figures