The chassis has an aluminum multi-link suspension, and a rear-wheel drive layout with a longitudinally-mounted engine giving 50:50 weight balance, which was a rare configuration for a hatchback as most cars in this market segment use front-wheel drive.

[4] The highest performance trim is the 1 Series M Coupé which was powered by the BMW N54 turbocharged inline-six engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

[5] The E8x shares approximately 60% of components with the E90,[6] including front and rear suspension, structure, chassis, engines, drivetrain, hardware and electronic elements.

[11] The first 1 Series production models – in the E87 five-door hatchback body style – were launched at the Paris Motor Show in September 2004.

[13] In 2012, a number of 1 Series vehicles were stolen in the United Kingdom, due to thieves programming a blank key fob to start the car through the on-board diagnostics (OBD) connection.

[17] Changes included the N43 four-cylinder engine replacing the N45 and N46 engines, various changes to improve fuel economy (marketed as EfficientDynamics), electric power steering replacing the traditional hydraulic power steering, revised bumpers and interior changes.

[24] Reviews of the 1 Series' exterior styling were mixed, with the unusual proportions of the hatchback model often receiving criticism.

[33] The overall length is the same as the five-door models, and the kerb weight is 10 kg (22 lb) lighter.

[34][35] The 1 Series Coupé (E82) was unveiled in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show[36][37] and went on sale on 24 November 2007.

The factory specifications are as follows:[41][42][43][44][45][46][47] 195 kW (261 hp; 265 PS) || 315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft) In most countries, the 135i is the top model of the E82/E88 coupe/convertible range (excluding the limited production 1M Coupe).

[54] Another E82/E88 coupe/convertible trim sold only in the United States and Canada was the 128i, which was powered by a 170 kW (228 hp) version of the 3.0 litre BMW N52 inline-6 engine.

[55] It is powered by the N52 3.0-litre naturally aspirated engine[56][57] and transmission choices were a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

[64][65] However, the eventual 1M model appeared four years later and with significant differences, such as an engine with six-cylinders instead of four.

[76] The BMW ActiveE was an electric car based on the E82 coupe that was produced in small quantities for demonstration and testing purposes.

Beric Lynton won the 2014 Australian Production Car Championship driving a BMW 1M.

In 2019, the UK based 750 Motor Club introduced a one make mini endurance series using the 2004-2006 116i car.

Modified from factory production specifications with a coil over suspension kit, reworked motorsport exhaust and re-programmed ECU the cars race in a 90-minute multiple driver format.