BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback: The Small BMW With Big-Car Soul
I’ve always had a soft spot for compact cars that punch above their weight, and the BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback is exactly that. The first time I drove one—on a damp B-road outside Oxford, years ago—it felt like someone had shrunk a 3 Series, kept the rear-wheel-drive magic, and handed you the keys with a cheeky grin. It’s a proper driver’s hatch, with space for real life and just enough attitude to make Monday mornings tolerable.
If you’re looking at used premium hatchbacks, or just wondering why enthusiasts still whisper about the E87 in pub car parks, this deep dive is for you. And yes, I’ve also lived with one long enough to know where sand collects in the footwells—handy segue to interior upgrades from AutoWin that I’ll get to later.
Why the BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback Still Matters
Launched in 2004, the 1 Series E87 was BMW’s first crack at a premium compact hatch. Crucially, it kept a rear-wheel-drive layout—a unicorn move in a segment dominated by front-drivers like the Audi A3 and VW Golf. That one decision shaped everything: the way it steers, the way it sits on the road, and the way it makes you look for the long way home.
Mid-2007 brought a facelift with cleaner lights, refined engines, and cabin tweaks. Even today, the E87 feels contemporary enough: tight dimensions for city life, long-legged stability for motorway slogs, and that familiar BMW seating position that puts you low, centered, and ready to get on with it.
Engines and Handling: Where the BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback Comes Alive
Spec sheets tell part of the story; the first corner tells the rest. The E87’s balance is unmistakably BMW—light nose, eager tail, and steering that speaks up without shouting. When I tried it on rough roads, the suspension (especially on standard wheels) soaked up abuse with a grippy, grown-up feel. On run-flats the ride can get thuddy, but more on that in a moment.
- 118i/120i petrols: 129–170 hp. Smooth, happy to rev, decent economy if you’re gentle.
- 120d diesel: 161–177 hp, 0–62 mph around 7.5–8.0 sec, easy 45–55 mpg (UK) on the motorway.
- 123d diesel: 204 hp twin-turbo, 0–62 mph in about 6.9 sec. Proper sleeper.
- 130i petrol (my pick for pure fun): 3.0L straight-six, 261–265 hp, 0–62 mph in ~6.1 sec. One of the great modern BMW engines.
Gearboxes are a highlight: the 6-speed manual is crisp and mechanically honest; the 6-speed auto of the era is fine for commuting, less so for backroad playtime. Brakes are stout, and body control is tight without being punishing—unless you go big on wheel size without carefully chosen tires.
Everyday Life: Cabin, Space, and Quirks
Inside, the E87 keeps things driver-centric. Materials feel solid, the wheel and shifter fall to hand nicely, and visibility is better than you’d think for a small premium hatch. Rear space is okay for two adults on short trips, and kids fit fine—quiet enough to hear them argue about who touched whose headphone cable. Boot space sits around 330 liters; it’s not a wagon, but the hatch opening makes IKEA runs survivable.
Infotainment? Early iDrive setups can feel a touch laggy by modern standards, but the basics are intuitive once you learn the logic. Bluetooth streaming arrived later; earlier cars may need adapters. Small quirk: the cupholders aren’t exactly full-size American latte friendly. Pack a sensibly sized flask and you’re golden.
Make It Yours: Floor Mats and Accessories That Actually Help
One thing I noticed right away in daily use: the E87’s footwells collect a lot of grit, especially if you live near a coast or trek muddy paths on weekends. It’s why proper, fitted mats are a must. AutoWin offers tailored sets for the E87 with raised edges and durable materials that shrug off sand, salt, and spilled coffee.
- Tailored fit for the E87’s unique footwell shape
- Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces with anti-slip backing
- Color and material options to match M Sport or standard trims
These little upgrades carry big daily dividends—your carpets stay tidy, resale looks better, and your cabin feels that bit more premium every time you climb in.
Browse tailored sets for the BMW 1 Series E87 at the AutoWin e-shop. Two of my favorites:
BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback vs. Its Rivals
How does the E87 stack up against the segment’s heavy hitters? Here’s the quick take from the driver’s seat.
| Model | Drive Layout | Top Engine (period) | 0–62 mph | Boot (approx.) | What It Feels Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 1 Series E87 | RWD | 130i 3.0 I6 (265 hp) | ~6.1 s | ~330 L | Playful, precise, rear-driven balance |
| Audi A3 (8P) | FWD/Quattro | 2.0 TFSI (200 hp) | ~6.8–7.2 s | ~350–370 L | Polished, planted, slightly aloof |
| VW Golf Mk5 | FWD | GTI 2.0 TFSI (197 hp) | ~6.9 s | ~350 L | Friendly, agile, everyday brilliant |
| Mercedes A-Class (W169) | FWD | A200 (136 hp) | ~9.0 s | ~435 L | Comfort-first, clever packaging |
Buying Used: What I Look For on the BMW 1 Series E87
- Diesel specifics: Later 2.0 diesels (N47) can suffer timing chain wear; listen for rattles from the rear of the engine, especially on cold start. Earlier M47 diesels are sturdier but check intake swirl flaps on some models.
- Petrol six (130i): Stunning engine, but budget for coils, plugs, and the electric water pump as routine maintenance items around higher mileages.
- Suspension and tires: Worn bushes make the car feel nervous; mismatched tires can ruin the steering feel. Keep quality rubber on all four corners.
- Brakes and handbrake: Check for uneven wear and sticky calipers—common enough on city-driven cars.
- Electrics and iDrive: Ensure the controller works smoothly, and that Bluetooth/aux functions behave. Window regulators can get lazy with age.
- Interior wear: Bolster scuffs and sagging mats are common—easy refresh with quality fitted mats from AutoWin.
Verdict: The BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback Is Still a Sweet Spot
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first if nostalgia was clouding my judgment. Then I drove one again. The BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback still nails that rare mix of everyday usefulness and genuine driver appeal. It’s small enough for city life, comfy enough for long hauls, and entertaining even at sensible speeds. Keep on top of maintenance, sort the tires, and protect the cabin with proper mats, and you’ve got a premium hatch you’ll look back at in the car park—every time.
FAQ: BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback
- Is the E87 reliable? With regular servicing and quality parts, yes. Pay attention to diesel timing chains (N47), electric water pumps on six-cylinder petrols, and suspension bushes.
- Which engine should I pick? The 120d is the best all-rounder for economy and shove; the 130i is the enthusiast’s choice; the 123d is a rapid diesel sleeper.
- Real-world fuel economy? Expect roughly 30–38 mpg (UK) for petrols and 45–55 mpg (UK) for diesels depending on driving style.
- Is rear-wheel drive a hassle in winter? With proper winter tires, it’s fine. Traction control is smart, and the chassis is predictable.
- Best simple upgrade? Fresh, tailored floor mats and quality tires. They transform how the car feels and ages.
