BMW , 1 Series , E81/E82/E87/E88 Little Known Facts

Design and Development

1. The E87/E88 Mini-derived platform was designed to be more compact than the E90/E91/92 3 Series.
2. The 1 Series was initially planned as a compact 5-door hatchback, but BMW decided to offer it as a coupe (E82) and convertible (E88) first.
3. The 1 Series was developed in parallel with the new 7 Series and X3.

Production

4. The E87/E88 was produced from 2004 to 2013.
5. The E81/E82 were produced from 2007 to 2013, with a facelift in 2008.
6. Total production of the E87/E88 reached over 1 million units.
7. BMW produced an N55-powered M135i (F20) variant in 2012.

Engines and Performance

8. The E87/E88 was available with inline-3, inline-4, and straight-6 engines from BMW's N series.
9. The top-of-the-line 135i used a 3.0L straight-6 N54 engine producing up to 306 HP.
10. The M Coupe (E82) had a special ECU tune increasing power output to 305 HP.
11. The N47 inline-4 turbocharged diesel engine was available in some markets.

Transmission and Drivetrain

12. The 1 Series came with both manual and automatic transmissions, including the Getrag 260 (6-speed) and ZF 6HP19 (automatic).
13. Some markets received a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
14. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system was available on some trim levels.

Interior and Features

15. The E87/E88 had a unique Mini-derived interior with sporty design elements.
16. The dashboard, door panels, and seats were designed to be more compact than the 3 Series.
17. Some models featured BMW's iDrive infotainment system.
18. Options included a heads-up display (HUD) and rearview camera.

Safety Features

19. The E87/E88 was available with various safety features, including electronic stability control and seven airbags as standard equipment in some markets.
20. Some trim levels came equipped with adaptive brake lights.

Racing and Motorsports

21. BMW's M Coupe (E82) won the 2008 British Touring Car Championship.
22. The E87/E88 was also used by privateers and club racing teams worldwide.

Recalls and Issues

23. A voluntary recall in 2011 addressed faulty fuel pump pressure regulators.
24. Some owners reported issues with faulty iDrive systems, faulty airbag sensors, and oil leaks.

Market and Sales

25. The E87/E88 was marketed as a sporty, premium compact car.
26. In some markets, it sold alongside the Mini Cooper and Cooper S.
27. Sales reached 1 million units worldwide by 2012.

Facelifts and Discontinuation

28. A mid-life facelift introduced new bumpers, LED taillights, and a revised engine lineup in 2008 (E81/E82).
29. The E87/E88 was discontinued in 2013 due to declining sales, replaced by the F20/F21 generation.
30. BMW did not offer a direct replacement for the M Coupe (E82).

Other

31. A special "Nürburgring" edition of the M Coupe (E82) was produced with unique styling cues and performance upgrades.
32. The E87/E88 was used as the basis for various aftermarket modifications and tuning projects worldwide.