BMW 1 Series Owner's Manual

About The 1 Series

Despite its ‘premier’ sounding name, the BMW 1 Series was not the first model of the now iconic numbered series of BMW cars. The 1 Series first arrived back in 2004, and has since been through two further design generations, the latest having been released in 2019. For the most part, people know the 1 Series as a subcompact executive car with hatchback, coupe and convertible body types. Some also may be aware, however, that it also refers to a China-exclusive compact sedan model.

It was during the first two model generations, and specifically between 2004 and 2014 that the BMW 1 Series was available in all the above-mentioned forms: hatchback, coupe, and convertible. In 2014, with the launch of the 2 Series, the coupe models were spun off into that model line. The latest (third) generation of 1 Series models use a FWD drivetrain, and are now exclusively sold as 5-door hatchbacks.

The BMW 1 Series has therefore undergone great change, and continues to receive considerable investment from BMW for further enhancements. For example, in 2021, the car received improved springs and dampers, as well as a new trailing arm and mounts. Traction was also enhanced with the addition of a hydromount being added to the front wishbones in the suspension system.

In terms of powertrain and transmission, the current 1 Series models offer either a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo or a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine. The former is paired either with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch system. The 2-liter comes with that same 7-speed DCT, or an 8-speed automatic system. Diesel options are also available, but to date, there has been no hybrid option made available for the BMW 1 Series.

BMW did also create a high-spec version of the 1 Series, calling it the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, but why not just call it the M1? The company had previously produced a car called the M1 in the 1970s, so the name was changed to avoid confusion.