BMW 1 Series History

Subcompact executive car · 2004–present

Catalog record

Photography for this nameplate has not yet cleared the archive’s licensing and identity checks. The researched text below remains available while the page stays out of search and advertising inventory.

History

The 1 Series launched in 2004 as BMW's entry-level model, initially as a rear-drive hatchback (and later coupe and convertible) — a rarity in the small-car class.

The North American market received the rear-drive 1 Series coupe and convertible (the E82/E88), including the celebrated 1 Series M Coupe; later 1 Series hatchbacks moved to a front-drive platform and are not sold in the US.

Body styles

Notable special editions & performance variants

Related models

Collect the nameplate

Find a scale model of the BMW 1 Series

Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.