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. Certainly one of 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 actually need 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 right storm.” Extra wizened fanatics could merely seek advice from 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. Be aware 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 break up between entrance and rear stability. Then there’s the dimensions. The shortest of the technology measures round 166.4 inches in size – six inches shorter than right this moment’s 2 Sequence.
Whereas the E87 and E81 hatches by no means bought 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 incorrect and elements are straightforward to search out. If falls in need of what we might name unique, however the N52 provides clean energy supply and even first rate gasoline financial system.
Lastly – and the largest 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 turned well-known for remains 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 techniques, some acquired electrical techniques as a substitute.
There’s…One other
When discussing 1 Sequence fashions that may turn into 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 underneath the hood for this technology, which nonetheless makes use of rear-wheel drive to place the ability 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 may even get one with a – gasp – guide transmission.
The Holy Grail Of Hatches – BMW M140i
Because of this certainly 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 certainly one of BMW’s greatest fashionable creations. It made 340 HP and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque.
Past its spectacular velocity, 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 supplied a driving expertise that’s more and more uncommon in right this moment’s lineup.
It’s apparent to anybody that’s been paying consideration that these scorching – and we imply scorching, zero to 60 mph occurs in simply 4 and a half seconds – hatches will ascend to the throne presently occupied by the Z3 Coupe briefly order. Their funky three- or five- door styling, absurd efficiency, and uniqueness – go forward, attempt 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 favor the naturally aspirated and old-school steering charms of the E87 and E81, you’ll be able to’t actually go incorrect.
