BMW 1-series I (E87) gallery (2004–2013)

The iconic rear-wheel-drive premium compact that brought six-cylinder inline power to the hatchback segment.

BMW 1-series I (E87), hatchback, brown, front three-quarter view — photo 98461 1280 x 960 3 2010
hatchback A brown five-door compact car driving along a paved countryside road against a green field background.
BMW 1-series I (E87), hatchback, brown, rear three-quarter view — photo 98460 1280 x 960 4 2010
hatchback A brown compact five-door hatchback drives along a rural road against a green field background, shown from a rear three-quarter angle.
BMW 1-series I (E87), brown, interior — photo 98459 1280 x 960 3 2010
View of the front seats through the open driver's door. The interior features two-tone upholstery with brown fabric center inserts and black leather side bolsters.

Launched in 2004 as a 5-door hatchback (E87), the original 1 Series stood completely unique in its class due to its traditional longitudinal engine placement and rear-wheel drive setup. The family soon expanded into a 3-door (E81), sleek Coupe (E82), and Convertible (E88).

Driving enthusiasts lauded its sharp hydraulic steering, 50:50 weight distribution, and available naturally aspirated inline-six engines. The crowning jewel was the legendary 1 Series M Coupe (1M), which cemented the E8x generation as an instant classic among modern driver's cars.