BMW hatchbacks and wagons have all the time been a little bit of a forbidden fruit for the US market. Those that do make it right here – just like the Z3 M Coupe and odd imported E30 or E36 wagon – usually get pleasure from a wholesome value bump from extra pedestrian sedan, coupe, and convertible fashions. One among our favorites – and one thing that hasn’t but made it to US soil – is the 1 Sequence hatch. Significantly, the primary era E87 and E81 1 Sequence hatchbacks.
The Hottest Hatch
The E-Sequence hatchbacks got here as three-door (E81) or five-door (E87) fashions. Though the three-door weighed barely much less – round 9 kilos (20 kilos) – there’s nothing else totally different between the 2. And what you really want to know is that there’s a naturally-aspirated inline-six on the entrance that sends energy solely to the rear wheels through a guide transmission. Some might name it the “the proper storm.” Extra wizened fanatics might merely check with it as “the one configuration ever acceptable for a BMW.”
The little hatches actually do seize what’s particular a few BMW. The range-topping six-cylinder fashions supplied as much as 265 horsepower. Word that later fashions have been barely detuned to ship nearer to 252 horsepower. Weight is available in at 1,450 kilos (round 3200 kilos) and it’s a 50/50 cut up between entrance and rear steadiness. Then there’s the scale. The shortest of the era measures round 166.4 inches in size – six inches shorter than at this time’s 2 Sequence.
Whereas the E87 and E81 hatches by no means bought the N54 or N55 turbocharged items that the 135i coupe/convertible noticed, there’s nonetheless loads of enjoyable available. The less-complex N52 inline-six can also be a stout engine – not a lot to go incorrect and components are straightforward to search out. If falls wanting what we may name unique, however the N52 presents easy energy supply and even first rate gasoline economic system.
Lastly – and the most important promoting level over the automobile’s in any other case better-performing youthful sibling – the E81 and E87 boast old-school power-assisted hydraulic steering. Meaning the talky and comparatively exact really feel that BMW grew to become well-known for continues to be right here in spades. Nicely, in most of them. As this was proper within the midst of BMW’s changeover from hydraulic to electrical methods, some obtained electrical methods as an alternative.
There’s…One other
When discussing 1 Sequence fashions that may turn into future classics, it’s onerous to not point out the F20 and F21 era, too. BMW determined to cram the pleasant N55 inline-six engine beneath the hood for this era, which nonetheless makes use of rear-wheel drive to place the facility down. Later, the B58 engine changed it with a facelift in 2015. Not solely that, BMW allowed you to order with xDrive all-wheel drive. You can even get one with a – gasp – guide transmission.
The Holy Grail Of Hatches – BMW M140i
Because of this considered one of our favourite BMWs of the final decade is the M140i. The rear-wheel drive hatchback with a unusual face and the brand new and highly effective B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, stands out as considered one of BMW’s finest trendy creations. It made 340 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.
Past its spectacular pace, the M140i was thrilling to drive, boasting a energetic, tail-happy character distinctive amongst BMWs. With exact steering, a balanced chassis, and an genuine BMW really feel, it supplied a driving expertise that’s more and more uncommon in at this time’s lineup.
It’s apparent to anybody that’s been paying consideration that these sizzling – and we imply sizzling, zero to 60 mph occurs in simply 4 and a half seconds – hatches will ascend to the throne at the moment occupied by the Z3 Coupe in brief order. Their funky three- or five- door styling, absurd efficiency, and uniqueness – go forward, try to discover one other 6MT, turbocharged six-cylinder, rear-driven hatchback made within the final ten years – guarantee a deserved place in BMW collector’s hearts.
The 1 Sequence hatchback goes be appreciating very quickly. As these automobiles get nearer to the age required for authorized US import, I encourage these of you residing in markets with available specimens to purchase and maintain. Whether or not you need the turbocharged thrills of the later mannequin or favor the naturally aspirated and old-school steering charms of the E87 and E81, you’ll be able to’t actually go incorrect.
