1 Series
The BMW 1 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars manufactured by BMW since 2004. Initially available in hatchback, coupé, and convertible versions, the 1 Series has evolved over the years to include variants such as the sedan and the high-performance M Coupé. This page brings together the versions referenced by ScanRacer, including years, variants, rarities, and available detailed pages. It links the model overview to version-by-year pages.
Variants by year
2024
2019
2017
2015
2012
2011
2007
2004
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The BMW 1 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars manufactured by BMW since 2004. Initially available in hatchback, coupé, and convertible versions, the 1 Series has evolved over the years to include variants such as the sedan and the high-performance M Coupé. This page brings together the versions referenced by ScanRacer, including years, variants, rarities, and available detailed pages. It links the model overview to version-by-year pages.
History
The BMW 1 Series was launched in 2004 as a successor to the BMW 3 Series Compact. The first generation (E81/E82/E87/E88) was produced from 2004 to 2013, offering hatchback, coupé, and convertible versions. In 2011, the second generation (F20/F21) was introduced, with 3 and 5-door hatchback versions. The coupé and convertible models were separated and marketed under the new BMW 2 Series nameplate. The third generation (F40) was launched in 2019, adopting a front-wheel-drive configuration and offering 5-door hatchback versions. In 2017, a sedan version (F52) was produced specifically for the Chinese market, using the front-wheel-drive platform. The fourth generation (F70) was unveiled in June 2024, retaining the front-wheel-drive platform and offering 5-door hatchback versions. (en.wikipedia.org)
Generations
The BMW 1 Series has undergone several generations since its launch in 2004. The first generation (E81/E82/E87/E88) was produced from 2004 to 2013, offering hatchback, coupé, and convertible versions. The second generation (F20/F21) was produced from 2011 to 2019, with 3 and 5-door hatchback versions. The third generation (F40) was launched in 2019, adopting a front-wheel-drive configuration and offering 5-door hatchback versions. In 2017, a sedan version (F52) was produced specifically for the Chinese market. The fourth generation (F70) was unveiled in June 2024, retaining the front-wheel-drive platform and offering 5-door hatchback versions. (en.wikipedia.org)
Key differences
The main differences between the generations of the BMW 1 Series include drivetrain configurations, platforms, and body types. The earlier generations (E81/E82/E87/E88) used a rear-wheel-drive configuration, while the third generation (F40) adopted a front-wheel-drive configuration. The second generation (F20/F21) introduced the option of all-wheel drive (xDrive). The coupé and convertible models were separated and marketed under the new BMW 2 Series nameplate starting in 2014. (en.wikipedia.org)
Photo recognition
To identify the different generations of the BMW 1 Series, consider the following: - **First generation (E81/E82/E87/E88, 2004-2013)** : - Design features specific to the era. - Presence of coupé and convertible versions. - **Second generation (F20/F21, 2011-2019)** : - More modern design with clean lines. - Coupé and convertible models separated and marketed under the BMW 2 Series. - **Third generation (F40, 2019-present)** : - Sportier and more dynamic design. - Front-wheel-drive configuration. These design and configuration elements can help distinguish the different generations of the BMW 1 Series.
Important versions
Notable versions of the BMW 1 Series include: - **BMW 1 Series M Coupé** : - High-performance version of the first generation, produced in 2011. - **BMW 1 Series Sedan (F52)** : - Sedan version produced specifically for the Chinese market in 2017. These versions have marked significant milestones in the evolution of the BMW 1 Series.
References
- https://cars-data.com/en/bmw/1-seriescars-data.com
- https://cars-data.com/en/bmw-125i-specs/66706/sizescars-data.com
- https://cars-data.com/en/bmw-118d-specs/4881/sizescars-data.com
- https://cars-data.com/en/bmw-123d-cabrio-specs/5226cars-data.com
- https://www.auto-data.net/en/bmw-1-series-model-948auto-data.net
- https://www.autoevolution.com/bmw/1-series/autoevolution.com




