The BMW 1 Series is a range of compact automobiles from German manufacturer BMW. It is built in Regensburg and was first offered to the public in 2004. The hatchback variant will be available soon in the United States.

The 1 Series is based off of the BMW E87 platform.

Hatchback variant

In the Northern Hemisphere autumn of 2004, BMW will offer the hatchback variant of the 1-Series, schemed to compete in the market with the Volkswagen Golf. The hatchbacks will feature 4-cylinder engines, at least some of which will be built in the Hams Hall plant in Birmingham, England. Some of the car's components will be shared with the new E90 3-Series, including MacPherson struts in the front of the car, and a trapezoidal-link rear axle.

Initially, the hatchback will come in four models, distinguished by their different engines:

• Diesel-burning engines
  • 118d
  • 120d
• Gasoline-burning engines
  • 116i
  • 120i

Expected specifications

The following specifications were retrieved from "The latest 1-Series artists impressions" (2003) and Automotive Intelligence (2004).

• Weight: 1150 kg
• Overall length: 4150 mm
• Wheelbase: 2650 mm
• Interior cargo space: 330–1150 L

References

• Automotive Intelligence. (2004). The new BMW 1 Series. Retrieved March 31, 2004 from http://www.autointell-news.com/News-2004/March-2004/March-2004-4/Mar-24-04-p1.htm
• The Car Enthusiast. (2004). Baby BMW breaks loose. Retrieved April 1, 2004 from http://www.carenthusiast.com/news.html?article=336
• The latest 1-Series artists impressions. (2003, December 21). In BMW news. Retrieved December 27, 2003 from http://www.bmw2002.co.uk/news.htm