First Series of BMW: The Iconic Beginning of a Legacy

Launched in 1968, the first BMW series—known as the BMW E1—marked a pivotal moment in automotive history, introducing a blend of precision engineering and dynamic driving experience that still defines the brand today.

The first BMW series emerged from a desire to combine German craftsmanship with sporting performance. Born from BMW’s commitment to innovation, this initial lineup emphasized rear-engine design, agile handling, and a powerful inline-six engine, setting a new benchmark for compact executive cars in the late 1960s.

The first BMW series showcased a bold design ethos and mechanical precision. With a lightweight chassis, low center of gravity, and meticulous focus on driver engagement, it reflected BMW’s ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ philosophy—prioritizing responsiveness and balance long before it became a rallying cry.

Though the first series was short-lived, its influence endured. It laid the foundation for BMW’s iconic 3 and 5 Series lineages, inspiring generations of drivers and cementing the brand’s reputation for performance, innovation, and enduring style. This pioneering series remains a cornerstone in BMW’s storied history.

The first BMW series was more than a car—it was the beginning of a legacy. From its engineering roots to its lasting impact, it continues to inspire automotive enthusiasts. Discover the full story of how this groundbreaking series shaped BMW’s journey and redefined driving excellence.

The BMW 1 Series is a range of subcompact executive cars (C-segment) manufactured by BMW since 2004. It is the successor to the BMW 3 Series Compact and is currently in its fourth generation. Positioned as the entry-level model in BMW range of products, the first generation was produced in hatchback, coupé and convertible body styles.

Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been. Complete timeline of BMW 1 Series models and generations, with photos, specs reference and production years. Explore the evolution of BMW's compact cars, from the iconic E36 to the front.

BMW 1 Series Model Years and History BMW 1 Series Model Years 2013 1 Series The latest addition to the 1-Series line up is the 2013 135is. The 135is is available as both a coupe and a convertible and is the sportiest 1-Series available from BMW. It features sport tuned suspension, unique 18.

The complete BMW model list. Painstakingly researched & updated for each model year. Find the current model list, vintage BMW, & model lists by year.

Tech specs and performance data for all BMW 1 Series Generations. There's just one type of BMW 1 Series now - a five-door hatchback. Second-generation 1 Series models were available with a choice of three or five doors, while first.

20 years ago, BMW launched the first 1 Series on the market, known internally as the E87. Thanks to its rear-wheel drive and six-cylinder engine, it became a success. BMW has stated that it shares over 60% of components with the current E90 BMW 3 Series.

The 1 Series was first offered to the market in 2004 as a five-door hatchback. The 1 Series is built in Regensburg and Leipzig, Germany, with the 4 cylinder petrol/ gas engines coming from the Hams Hall plant in Coleshill north east of Birmingham, England. The first hybrid BMW was the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7, and BMW's first electric car was the BMW i3 city car, which was released in 2013.

After many years of establishing a reputation for sporting rear-wheel drive cars, BMW's first front-wheel drive car was the 2014 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).