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BMW 1 Series (E87)

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BMW 1 Series
BMW 1 Series
Overview
ManufacturerBMW
Production2004-present
Body and chassis
ClassNear-luxury compact / small family car
Body style5-door hatchback
PlatformFR E87
Powertrain
Engine1.6 L I4
2.0 L I4
2.0 L diesel I4
3.0 L I6
Transmission5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed semi-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2660 mm
Length4227 mm
Width1751 mm
Height1430 mm
Curb weight1320-1450 kg
Chronology
PredecessorBMW Compact
Rear view of a 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series (code name E87) is a compact car / small family car produced by the German automaker BMW. Designed to compete against the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf, the 1 Series is the only vehicle in its class featuring rear-wheel drive and a longitudinally-mounted engine.

Overview

The 1 Series was first offered to the market in 2004 as a 5-door hatchback. It replaced the BMW Compact range and is currently the smallest and most affordable vehicle in the BMW range. Unlike its predecessor, the new vehicle is built on its own platform (E87), however, it shares many components with the E90 3 Series. These include MacPherson struts in the front of the car, and a trapezoidal-link rear axle.

The 1 Series is built in Regensburg, Germany, with some of the engines coming from the Hams Hall plant in Birmingham, England.

During its first full year on the market in 2005, it became one of BMW's most successful products. 149,493 units were sold, coming in third place: only the 3- and 5 Series sold better.[1]

Engines

The engines available for E87 are basically the same as found in the E90/E91, with exception for the 3.0 L inline-6, which is slightly modified to produce more power. The engines below are preceded by their model year introduction.

In early 2006 the 5-speed manual transmission in the 116i and 118i, were phased out. Consequently, all models are equipped with the 6-speed by default.

Petrol engines:

  • 2004- 116i: N45B16 1596 cc I4, 16 valves, 115 hp/85 kW, 150 Nm
  • 2005- 118i: N46B20 1995 cc I4, 16 valves, 129 hp/95 kW, 180 Nm
  • 2004- 120i: N46B20 1995 cc I4, 16 valves, 150 hp/110 kW, 200 Nm
  • 2006- 130i: N52B30 2996 cc I6, 24 valves, 265 hp/195 kW, 315 Nm

Diesel engines:

  • 2004- 118d: M47TU2D20 1995 cc I4, 16 valves, 122 hp/90 kW, 280 Nm
  • 2004- 120d: M47TU2D20 1995 cc I4, 16 valves, 163 hp/120 kW, 340 Nm

Production

Sales statistics according to BMW.

  • 2004: 39,247 (Launched in September)
  • 2005: 149,493

Future versions

Template:Future automobile

Aside from the 5-door hatchback, BMW is likely to develop more versions on the platform. Possible variants would include a 3-door hatchback and a 2-door coupé convertible. A future M version has been denied by BMW (also to avoid confusion with the legendary M1). However, a 135i using the new biturbo 3.0 L straight-6 with +300 hp seems quite possible. A 2-door coupe cabriolet version has been spotted testing on the Nürburgring track.

Promotion

The vehicle is currently promoted by Kermit from the Muppet Show. There is a commercial in which Kermit drives a BMW 1 Series around in a desert making figure eights, showcasing the cars agile nature and playful handling. The commercial has become a viewer favourite.

Racing

In 1998, a BMW E36 320d had won the 24 Hours Nürburgring, being able to drive very long turns. In 2006, a BMW 120d modified with a BMW customer racing kit available for 95.000 Euro [1], entered by "Schubert Motors" [2] repeated a similar if not better result. It scored 5th [3] in a field of 220 cars, many of them (Porsche 911 GT3, BMW M3, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin, Maserati) much more powerful than the 245 PS of the 120d, thus a significantly stronger field of competitors than in 1998.

Notes

  1. ^ http://www.bmwgroup.com/, Corporate News

Trivia

  • In the United Kingdom, customers who purchased a 1 Series before it's release were invited by BMW to an all-day hospitality event at their Rockingham test track. On departure, each guest was given a copy of a special BMW 1 Series edition of the popular Gran Turismo 4 PlayStation 2 videogame.
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