As the 3-series bloated into mid-sized obscurity, BMW needed to introduce something fast, fun, light, and small. Enter the E82/87/88 generation BMW 1-series for the 2005 model year. It might share many of its suspension components with the 3-series, but it was lighter and arguably better at everything short of hauling a lot of stuff. […]
The BMW 1-series first appeared in 2004 built on the E87 chassis (E88 in convertible), which was a scaled down version of the E90 3-series chassis. The 1-series could best be described as similar to the previous generation 3-series because it kept the signature rear-wheel-drive fun of the 3-series without the ever increasing weight and bloat that seems inevitable in the auto industry. This particular car has not only the coveted single turbo N55 (it kept the same power as the twin-turbo N54 but its reportedly less troublesome) but also a 6-speed manual gearbox to boot. If you are looking for a late model open air car with a small set of back seats, you could do a lot worse. Find this 2011 BMW 135i Convertible offered for $15,988 in San Francisco, CA via craigslist.
The E81/E82/E87/E88 BMW 1-series was introduced for the 2005 model year as an entry level BMW to slot under the then current 3-series, but it was really a replacement for the outgoing E46 (1998-2006) generation 3-series, since the E90 (2005-2013) was such a big car (closer in size to an old 80s E28 5-series). Naturally BMW fudged with the model nomenclature and replaced it with the F22 2-series in 2014, but for a short few years, if you wanted that compact sport-executive experience that only a BMW 3-series can provide, you got a 1-series. Find this 2009 BMW 135i E82 offered for $15,000 in Chicago, IL via craiglsist. Tip from Michael.
The E82 generation BMW 1-series coupe was released in the 2007 model year a few years after the E46 3-series was plus sized to the E90 platform…so to some folks, the 135i is the spiritual successor to the E46 — with the 1M and 135i being very close in capability and the natural successor to […]
The BMW 1 series didn’t make it to the USA until 2008. The car made its European debut in 2004 in Europe and was available there in a three and five door (forbidden fruit) hatchback body style. The 1 series was billed as the spiritual successor of the modern classic E30. With three hundred horsepower […]