BMW hatchbacks and wagons have at all times 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 – sometimes take pleasure in a wholesome worth bump from extra pedestrian sedan, coupe, and convertible fashions. One in all our favorites – and one thing that hasn’t but made it to US soil – is the 1 Sequence hatch. Significantly, the primary technology 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 completely 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 could name it the “the proper storm.” Extra wizened fans could merely confer with it as “the one configuration ever acceptable for a BMW.”
The little hatches actually do seize what’s particular a couple of BMW. The range-topping six-cylinder fashions provided as much as 265 horsepower. Notice that later fashions had 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 break up between entrance and rear steadiness. Then there’s the scale. The shortest of the technology measures round 166.4 inches in size – six inches shorter than right now’s 2 Sequence.
Whereas the E87 and E81 hatches by no means received the N54 or N55 turbocharged models 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 unsuitable and elements are straightforward to seek out. If falls in need of what we might name unique, however the N52 affords easy energy supply and even first rate gas 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. Which means the talky and comparatively exact really feel that BMW grew to become well-known for continues to be right here in spades. Properly, in most of them. As this was proper within the midst of BMW’s changeover from hydraulic to electrical programs, some obtained electrical programs as a substitute.
There may be…One other
When discussing 1 Sequence fashions that may turn out to be future classics, it’s arduous to not point out the F20 and F21 technology, too. BMW determined to cram the pleasant N55 inline-six engine beneath the hood for this technology, 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 possibly can even get one with a – gasp – guide transmission.
The Holy Grail Of Hatches – BMW M140i
This is the reason 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 fashionable 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 vigorous, tail-happy character distinctive amongst BMWs. With exact steering, a balanced chassis, and an genuine BMW really feel, it provided a driving expertise that’s more and more uncommon in right now’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 briefly 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 vehicles 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 desire the naturally aspirated and old-school steering charms of the E87 and E81, you possibly can’t actually go unsuitable.
