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Photo of a BMW 1 Series

BMW 1 Series

Two rear-drive generations, then a front-drive revolution in 2019.1

Researched October 23, 2026 from 41 sources

Also called

  • 1MShorthand for the 1 Series M Coupe; BMW avoided M1 to prevent confusion with its earlier supercar.2

At a glance

0200400
94–340 hpPower
07.515
4.6–12.4 s0–100 km/h
0125250
185–250 km/hTop speed
0250500
150–500 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,245–1,590 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.210111617

Engine
1.5–3.0 L petrol I3/I4/I6; 1.5–2.0 L diesel I3/I4; F70 120 mild hybrid11013
Layout
Rear-drive first two generations; then front-drive or AWD1
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 6/8-speed automatics; 7-speed DCT, by version21014
Built at
E8x: Leipzig/Regensburg, Germany; sedan: Tiexi, Shenyang, China215

The story

BMW created an entry-level family with rear-wheel drive, a rarity among hatchbacks. Its first two generations kept that layout; in 2019 front-drive packaging added 33 mm of rear kneeroom.13

2004: A rear-drive hatchback debuts20042007: Three doors meet EfficientDynamics20072008: North America gets 230 and 300 hp20082011: F20 debuts; 1M borrows M3 running gear20112014: Almost 1.9 million in 10 years20142016: B58 replaces N55 in the M140i20162019: Front drive buys 33 mm of kneeroom20192024: F70 makes dual-clutch standard2024 BMW 3 Series Compact (E36): 1994–2000E36BMW 3 Series Compact (E46/5): 2001–2004E46/5BMW 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88): 2004–2013E81/E82/E87/E88BMW 1 Series (F20/F21): 2011–2019F20/F21BMW 2 Series (F22/F23): 2013–F22/F23BMW 1 Series Sedan (F52): 2017–2023F52BMW 1 Series (F40): 2019–2024F40 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1231011152329
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1994–2000BMW 3 Series Compact (E36)
2001–2004BMW 3 Series Compact (E46/5)
2004–2013BMW 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88)
2011–2019BMW 1 Series (F20/F21)
2013–BMW 2 Series (F22/F23)
2017–2023BMW 1 Series Sedan (F52)
2019–2024BMW 1 Series (F40)
2004A rear-drive hatchback debuts
2007Three doors meet EfficientDynamics
2008North America gets 230 and 300 hp
2011F20 debuts; 1M borrows M3 running gear
2014Almost 1.9 million in 10 years
2016B58 replaces N55 in the M140i
2019Front drive buys 33 mm of kneeroom
2024F70 makes dual-clutch standard
  1. 2004

    A rear-drive hatchback debuts

    BMW launches the E87 five-door at the Paris Motor Show, putting rear-wheel drive into a segment dominated by front-drive hatchbacks.2

  2. 2007

    Three doors meet EfficientDynamics

    A three-door with frameless doors joins after over 200,000 sales; stop-start, brake-energy regeneration and electric steering spearhead EfficientDynamics.45

  3. 2008

    North America gets 230 and 300 hp

    The 128i and 135i coupes arrive with 230 and 300 hp, plus six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. A 135i road test clocks 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds.67

  4. 2011

    F20 debuts; 1M borrows M3 running gear

    The F20 hatch debuts; the 335-hp 1M Coupe pairs a six-speed manual with M3 suspension, steering and brakes.8910

  5. 2014

    Almost 1.9 million in 10 years

    Worldwide sales approach 1.9 million as the coupe and convertible branches move to the separate 2 Series name.15

  6. 2016

    B58 replaces N55 in the M140i

    July brings the M140i's B58, replacing the N55; torque rises to 500 Nm and the automatic reaches 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.11

  7. 2019

    Front drive buys 33 mm of kneeroom

    Some lament the loss of rear-wheel drive; front-drive packaging adds 33 mm of rear kneeroom and 20 liters of trunk space.1312

  8. 2024

    F70 makes dual-clutch standard

    Fourth-generation power includes the 170-hp mild-hybrid 120 and 218-hp 123 xDrive; all engines use a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.11314

Every generation

  • BMW 3 Series Compact
    E361994–2000
  • BMW 3 Series Compact
    E46/52001–2004
  • BMW 1 Series
    E81/E82/E87/E882004–2013
  • BMW 1 Series
    F20/F212011–2019
  • BMW 2 Series
    F22/F23
  • BMW 1 Series Sedan
    F522017–2023
  • BMW 1 Series
    F402019–2024

Power over the years

From 141 hp to 340 hp in 10 years.

0100200300400 2010201520202025 hp 2007 · 141 hp · 118d update: up from 121 hp2007 · 168 hp · 120i update: up from 148 hp2008 · 230 hp · 128i, North American launch2008 · 300 hp · 135i, North American launch (N54)2012 · 316 hp · M135i 3.0-liter straight-six2015 · 322 hp · M135i facelift2017 · 184 hp · 120i, 2017 model year2017 · 224 hp · 125i, 2017 model year2017 · 340 hp · M140i B58, 2017 model year2019 · 306 hp · M135i xDrive, four-cylinder2024 · 300 hp · M135 xDrive: four cylinders, 7DCT 340 hp M140i B58, 2017 model year 141 hp 118d update: up from 121 hp
236101113161819
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2007141118d update: up from 121 hp
2007168120i update: up from 148 hp
2008230128i, North American launch
2008300135i, North American launch (N54)
2012316M135i 3.0-liter straight-six
2015322M135i facelift
2017184120i, 2017 model year
2017224125i, 2017 model year
2017340M140i B58, 2017 model year
2019306M135i xDrive, four-cylinder
2024300M135 xDrive: four cylinders, 7DCT

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • E8x hatchback, coupe and convertible

    Standard

    E8x hatchback, coupe and convertible

    2004–2013

  • Standard

    F20/F21 Urban Line, Sport Line and M Sport

    2011–2019

  • 130i

    Performance

    130i

    2005–2011

  • 123d

    Performance

    123d

    2007–2013

    201 hp
  • M135i

    Performance

    M135i

    2012–2016

  • M140i

    Performance

    M140i

    2016–2019

    335 hp
  • 128ti

    Performance

    128ti

    2020–2024

    261 hp

  • Performance

    135is Coupe and Convertible

    2013

    320 hp
  • F20 Shadow editions

    Special

    F20 Shadow editions

    2017

  • Special

    M140i Finale Edition

    2019

  • 1M Coupe

    Limited

    1M Coupe

    2011–2012

    335 hp

    6,309 built

  • Limited

    M140i Performance Edition

    2017

How to spot one

Look for

  • First two generations: long hood, short overhangs and a cabin set well back.5
  • E82 coupe: short tail, tall roofline and ring-shaped daytime running lights.27
  • F52 sedan: four doors and L-shaped rear lights wrapping into the sides.115
  • F40: shorter hood, wedge-shaped profile and kidney grilles joined in the middle.3
  • F70: vertical daytime-light elements and a number 1 graphic at the C-pillar window kink.114

Year by year

  1. 2007 hatchback facelift

    Larger kidney grilles, a bigger lower intake and darker headlamp covers; new rear bumper and rearranged rear lamps.24

  2. 2011 coupe/convertible

    The coupe and convertible facelift revised both bumpers plus the headlights and taillights.2

  3. 2015 hatchback facelift

    Calvin Luk's facelift slimmed the headlights and widened the grilles; L-shaped rear lights now reach into the tailgate, with a sculpted front bumper.1928

  4. 2017 model-year 120i

    New-engine 120i models gain two exhaust tailpipes.16

  5. 2019 F40

    Hood becomes shorter and grilles join at the center; M135i xDrive swaps bars for mesh and adds Cerium Grey mirror caps.323

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a BMW 1 Series
    1 Series
    Photo of a BMW 3 Series coupe
    BMW 3 Series coupe

    BMW 3 Series coupe

    The 1 Series coupe has a shorter body, a bobbed tail and a taller roofline.7

  • Photo of a BMW 1 Series
    1 Series
    Photo of a BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
    BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé

    BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé

    Check the body behind the shared hood and front fenders: the F40 1 Series is a five-door hatchback.23

  • BMW 3 Series Compact (E46)

    The E46 Compact has framed door glass; the E81 three-door 1 Series has frameless windows.2429

Against its rivals

  • BMW M3 (E46)

    1 Series vs BMW M3 (E46)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    1 Series4.7 s
    BMW M3 (E46)4.8 s
    7

  • 1 Series vs Subaru WRX STi 320R

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    1 Series4.8 s
    Subaru WRX STi 320R5.6 s
    18

Prices

Value today $6.0K–$55.5K3839

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 2010201520202025 Value today: $6,010–$55,500 2008 · $29,375 · US base, 128i coupe2008 · $35,675 · US base, 135i coupe2008 · $42,895 · US 135i coupe, as tested2011 · $47,010 · US base, 1M Coupe2013 · $44,145 · US 135is Coupe, incl. destination2013 · $48,845 · US 135is Convertible, incl. dest.2017 · $46,219 · UK M140i base; approx $1.45/£2020 · $31,026 · UK 118i base; approx $1.27/£2020 · $44,915 · UK 128ti base; approx $1.30/£2024 · $39,763 · UK 120 base; approx $1.28/£ 2008 · $29,375 · US 128i coupe base, 2008 model year 2019 · $77,000 · 2011 1M, 1,200 miles, Bring a Trailer2023 · $27,000 · 2013 135is coupe, 6-speed, BaT2024 · $62,100 · 2011 1M, 31,478 km; €57,500 at approx $1.08/€, Monaco2025 · $77,970 · 2012 1M, 16,534 km; €69,000 at approx $1.13/€, Munich2025 · $16,500 · 2011 128i M Sport coupe, 6-speed, 126k miles, BaT2026 · $12,500 · 2010 128i Sport 6-speed, 107k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $28,350 · 2013 135is coupe, 6-speed, 60k miles, BaT2026 · $6,010 · 2009 128i convertible, 95k miles, BaT2026 · $55,500 · 2011 1M, 69k miles, BaT $78.0K Munich, 2025
2367813161723242532353738394041
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2008Launch price$29,375US 128i coupe base, 2008 model year
2008Price when new$29,375US base, 128i coupe
2008Price when new$35,675US base, 135i coupe
2008Price when new$42,895US 135i coupe, as tested
2011Price when new$47,010US base, 1M Coupe
2013Price when new$44,145US 135is Coupe, incl. destination
2013Price when new$48,845US 135is Convertible, incl. dest.
2017Price when new$46,219UK M140i base; approx $1.45/£
2020Price when new$31,026UK 118i base; approx $1.27/£
2020Price when new$44,915UK 128ti base; approx $1.30/£
2024Price when new$39,763UK 120 base; approx $1.28/£
2019Auction sale$77,0002011 1M, 1,200 miles, Bring a Trailer
2023Auction sale$27,0002013 135is coupe, 6-speed, BaT
2024Auction sale$62,1002011 1M, 31,478 km; €57,500 at approx $1.08/€, Monaco
2025Auction sale$77,9702012 1M, 16,534 km; €69,000 at approx $1.13/€, Munich
2025Auction sale$16,5002011 128i M Sport coupe, 6-speed, 126k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,5002010 128i Sport 6-speed, 107k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$28,3502013 135is coupe, 6-speed, 60k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,0102009 128i convertible, 95k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$55,5002011 1M, 69k miles, BaT
2026Value today$6,010–$55,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “245 hp and a Dubai class win”
    • “BTCC crowns and BMW's 100th win”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 41 sources
  1. BMW 1 Series - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. BMW 1 Series (E87) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. The all-new BMW 1 Series press.bmwgroup.com
  4. 2007 BMW 1 Series Facelift: Official Press Release & Photos | Carscoops carscoops.com
  5. 10 years BMW 1 Series: Pioneer of driving pleasure, trailblazer of BMW EfficientDynamics. press.bmwgroup.com
  6. 2008-13 BMW 1-Series | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  7. 2008 BMW 135i — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  8. 2011 BMW 1-series M Coupe Tested caranddriver.com
  9. 2011 BMW 1-series M coupe - First Test - Automobile Magazine motortrend.com
  10. BMW 1 Series (F20) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  11. F20 BMW 1 Series (2011-2019) Buyer's Guide cars.co.za
  12. Used BMW 1 Series (Mk3, 2019-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  13. The all-new BMW 1 Series. press.bmwgroup.com
  14. The all-new BMW 1 Series. press.bmwgroup.com
  15. BMW 1 Series Sedan: sporty, highly emotional model exclusively for the Chinese market. press.bmwgroup.com
  16. BMW model debuts and upgrades for summer 2016 press.bmwgroup.com
  17. 2011 BMW 1M Coupe | Monaco 2024 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  18. BMW M135i vs Subaru WRX STi 320R: 2012 twin test | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  19. BMW M135i (2012-2016) review – price, video, specifications and 0-60 time | evo evo.co.uk
  20. Used BMW 1 Series (Mk2, 2011-2019) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. Used BMW 1 Series (Mk1, 2004-2011) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  22. F20 BMW 1 Series gets updated interior, revised kit - paultan.org paultan.org
  23. BMW 1 Series (F40) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. The new BMW 128ti. press.bmwgroup.com
  25. New BMW 135is Continues BMW’s “s” Model Tradition. press.bmwgroup.com
  26. BMW M140i Finale Edition announced, last 6-cylinder RWD bmwblog.com
  27. 2017 BMW M140i Performance Edition revealed whichcar.com.au
  28. BMWBLOG Interview with Calvin Luk, BMW 1 Series Facelift Designer bmwblog.com
  29. BMW 3 Series Compact - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  30. BMW Motorsport 120d: diesel power returns to the track eight years after BMW rocked the establishment. press.bmwgroup.com
  31. Exclusive Interview: Dr. Kay Segler, BMW M boss, on the future of M brand bmwblog.com
  32. A low miles BMW 1M just sold for $77,000 bmwblog.com
  33. Virtual driving pleasure with BMW models. press.bmwgroup.com
  34. BMW 125i M Sport – Inside BTCC insidebtcc.com
  35. 2012 BMW 1M Coupé | Munich 2025 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  36. BMW E82 135i Buyer's Guide: Best Used BMW Under $13,000 bmwblog.com
  37. No Reserve: 2010 BMW 128i Coupe Sport 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,500 on October 19, 2026 (Lot #269,218) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2009 BMW 128i Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,010 on September 4, 2026 (Lot #261,557) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. 2011 BMW 1M for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $55,500 on August 14, 2026 (Lot #257,688) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. 2013 BMW 135is Coupe 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $28,350 on October 20, 2026 (Lot #269,551) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  41. No Reserve: 2011 BMW 128i Coupe M Sport 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,500 on October 6, 2025 (Lot #213,428) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • press.bmwgroup.com
  • carscoops.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • cars.co.za
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • rmsothebys.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • paultan.org
  • bmwblog.com
  • whichcar.com.au
  • insidebtcc.com

Photo credits

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