BMW 1 Series Facelift Years: Key Updates and Models from 2012 to 2020

The BMW 1 Series has consistently evolved through design innovation and performance refinement, with key facelift years marking distinct shifts in style and technology that define its legacy.

The 2012 facelift redefined the 1 Series with a sharper stance, refined interior materials, and a more dynamic driving experience, introducing the B48 engine and Bluetooth integration. The 2016 update emphasized sportiness with sportier suspension tuning, subtle exterior updates, and enhanced infotainment. By 2019, the final major facelift introduced digital instrument clusters, improved aerodynamics, and updated safety features—bridging classic charm with modern tech before the 2020 redesign signaled a bold new chapter.

Launched in 2012, this facelift marked BMW’s strategy to elevate the 1 Series as a premium compact car. The exterior gained sharper lines and a sloping roofline, while interiors featured premium upholstery and intuitive controls. Under the hood, a new B48 inline-6 engine boosted performance, offering both efficiency and power. The interior introduced iDrive 6.0, setting a new standard for connectivity in the segment.

The 2016 facelift focused on refining the driving experience. Suspension tuning delivered sharper handling, while exterior tweaks like updated grilles and LED lighting gave a more aggressive silhouette. Interior upgrades included wood trim and Alcantara accents, enhancing luxury. Tech features expanded with larger touchscreens and improved navigation, positioning the 1 Series as a leader in driver engagement.

Explore the legacy of the BMW 1 Series facelift years to appreciate how each generation shaped a benchmark in premium compact driving—where heritage meets forward-thinking design.

Complete timeline of BMW 1 Series models and generations, with photos, specs reference and production years. 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. 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. The BMW 1 Series is such a regular sight on our roads these days it's hard to believe that, not too long ago, it didn't even exist. BMW knew many years ago that it had to crack the family hatchback market, and needed to attract younger buyers by providing them with a cheaper, more youthful entry-level model.

The company's first attempt, in 1993, was the BMW 3 Series Compact. The theory. 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 BMW 1 Series received a facelift in 2019 for the 2020 model year.

The updates included a revised front bumper with a larger kidney grille, updated headlights with optional LED matrix technology, and new taillights. In the market for a slightly used BMW 1 Series, but wondering if it offers the latest design enhancements? iSeeCars' team of automotive experts and data scientists compiled the most accurate and comprehensive history of the BMW 1 Series's redesign schedule, showing which model year an all-new "vehicle generation" debuted. When a vehicle is redesigned it benefits from the latest design and.

The 1 Series takes inspiration from the BMW 3 Series Compact, which was a small family car produced from 1993 to 2004 and had the dynamic abilities of the 3 Series in a more compact body. Coming in as BMW's smallest and cheapest vehicle, the first 1 Series still had plenty of space and accessories to make it a tantalizing option from the get. New BMW 1-series hatchback revealed Facelift tidies up interior and exterior design Available to order now from just under £30k BMW's family hatchback, the 1-series, has been given a thorough.

Peak sales for the E8x model occurred in the following year of 2008 with 225,095 units sold; the E87 accounting for just over half of this number. In 2011 the E82 coupé and E88 convertible models received their LCI facelift with the usual changes to lights, bumpers and interior.