2007 BMW 1 Series 5-door (E87) LCI 116i 6AT RWD (115 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW gambled a lot when it launched the first generation of the 1 Series in 2004, but the sales results were satisfying, so in March 2007, it unveiled the refreshed version of the car at the Geneva Motor Show.

After two generations of the 3 Series Compact, the German automaker understood that customers couldn’t be tricked with a shortened version of an existing vehicle based on an older platform. As a result, it started from a blank sheet of paper and created the 1 Series, also known as the E87, the factory coding for the five-door version. Sales went straight through the roof, and in just three years, the new model had exceeded the overall sales of the 3 Series compact in its seven-year production run. Then, the automaker considered expanding the range and added a three-door version along with the facelift for the five-door 1 Series.

There were slight differences between the 2007 BMW 1 Series five-door and the non-facelifted version of the car. However, a keen eye for detail could notice them on the front grille, which sported rounded upper outer corners instead of sharper ones. Furthermore, the bumper had a different apron featuring a broad air intake extended from side to side, comprising the available rectangular fog lamps. In the 2004 model year, the lower air intake was shorter, had rounded shapes, and was flanked by round fog lamps. In addition, the new version was available with a more aggressive styling inspired by the BMW M3, featuring a broad and tall center low air intake and angular-shaped side scoops.

At first sight, there were no differences between the profiles of the 2004 1 Series and the 2007 model year. However, the creased line that visually connected the front fenders to the taillights was sharper and emphasized the car’s sporty character. Even though its five-door shape didn’t look that dynamic, it was a sweet compromise between a hot hatch and a car that could easily carry four people around. Out back, the tailgate with its tilted-forward windshield was adorned at the top by a roof spoiler. It was flanked by new taillights with the same shape as the previous ones, albeit they sported two smaller clear lenses instead of one thick one as before. Last but not least, the smoothed-out bumper made the car look wider.

Inside, the new interior received higher-quality materials for the dashboard and trims. Like its predecessor, the 2007 BMW 1 Series (E87) was available with leather-wrapped sports seats, while the lower grades had mild-bolstered bucket seats with cloth upholstery. Atop the dashboard, the automaker offered a swiveling screen option for the iDrive infotainment system that could be controlled via a rotary dial placed on the center console between the front occupants. In the back, legroom was still limited, and due to the tall transmission tunnel, it was very challenging to sit three occupants there, especially if they were adults. Thanks to the split-folding bench seat, customers could create a larger trunk space.

Under the hood, the 2007 BMW 1 Series five-door (E87) had improved engines over the 2004 model year. These were already Euro 5 compatible, an emission standard due to enter in 2009. Furthermore, the automaker also introduced more potent inline-six engines that transformed the otherwise mundane-looking 1 Series into a pocket rocket. Customers could get the car with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, with all the power sent to the rear wheels only.