BMW 1 Series E87 Hatchback: Premium Design, Everyday Fun
I remember the first time I climbed into a BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback and pointed it down a rain-soaked B-road. Small hatch, big grin. Even now, it feels a bit rebellious: a compact executive car that stuck with rear-wheel drive when everyone else went front-drive. That decision defined the E87. It’s why, years later, enthusiasts still hunt for tidy examples—and why I still get asked, “Is it really that good to drive?” Short answer: yes. Long answer? Keep reading.
Why the BMW 1 Series E87 Still Matters
The E87, launched in 2004, brought a premium vibe to the compact class without forgetting BMW’s trademark feel. Clean, almost understated lines, short overhangs, the classic kidney grille—you’ve seen the formula. But what you notice when you actually live with the car is the stance and the way it moves. The steering has a reassuring weight (hydraulic on early cars), and when I tried it on rough roads, the chassis felt tight and eager rather than brittle. Even on the original run-flat tyres—often blamed for a firm ride—the E87 manages to be more composed than its reputation suggests. Swap to conventional rubber and it’s like slipping into your favourite trainers.
Engines, Performance, and Real-World Use
Under the bonnet, the BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback came with everything from sensible petrol fours to a genuinely spicy straight-six:
- Petrol: 1.6L, 2.0L, and the mighty 3.0L inline-six in the 130i (up to 265 hp)
- Diesel: 2.0L and 3.0L options, popular for long-haul efficiency
- 0–60 mph: as quick as 6.2 seconds in the 130i; the 118d cruises on torque and economy
- Transmissions: slick manuals or automatics that still feel crisp today
On the Road
I noticed right away how settled the E87 is at speed. Motorway miles are quiet enough to hear your kids negotiating who gets the window seat, yet it still eggs you on when the road gets interesting. The 130i’s straight-six is buttery and addictive, but don’t underestimate the diesels—especially the 120d—for cross-country pace and 40+ mpg cruising.
Daily Driver Details
Inside, the E87 feels properly screwed together. Switches click with purpose, and the driving position is spot-on—low, supportive, and perfectly judged for long trips. Rear space? Adequate for two adults, tight for three (short legs appreciate it). The boot is a usable 330 litres, enough for a weekly shop or a weekend away. And yes, early iDrive can be a bit of a head-scratcher until you’ve lived with it a week.
Protecting the Cabin: Floor Mats That Actually Fit
If you’ve ever tried to hoover out winter slush from cheap universal mats, you’ll appreciate a proper set. To keep the interior of your BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback looking fresh, I recommend custom-fit mats—specifically, the ones I’ve used from Autowin. They’re tailored to the footwells, made from sturdy materials, and they’re easy to clean. Less sliding around, more protection from muddy boots and coffee mishaps.
If you’re ready to kit out your BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback with Autowin floor mats, you can grab them here. They even come with a satisfaction guarantee—nice peace of mind.
BMW 1 Series E87 vs the Competition (Then and Now)
Back in the day, its rivals were tough. Today, a clean E87 still stacks up well if you care about driving feel.
| Model (Era) | Drivetrain | Top Engine (approx.) | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Boot Space | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 1 Series E87 | RWD | 130i, 3.0L I6, 265 hp | 6.1–6.2 s | ~330 L | Balanced, driver-focused |
| Audi A3 (8P) | FWD / Quattro | S3, 2.0T, 265 hp | ~5.7 s | ~350 L | Planted, tech-forward |
| VW Golf (Mk5) | FWD | GTI, 2.0T, 200 hp | ~6.8–6.9 s | ~350 L | All-rounder, practical |
Quirks, Foibles, and What to Watch For
Every used premium hatch has a list. The E87 is generally robust, but here’s what I (and a few owners who’ve emailed me) keep an eye on:
- Ride harshness on original run-flats; check for wheel rim wear.
- Diesel timing chain noise on some 2.0L units—listen on cold start.
- Coil packs and VANOS solenoids on certain petrol engines; rough idle is a tell.
- Electric water pump on six-cylinder cars tends to be a service item, not a surprise.
- Window regulators and door locks can get temperamental with age.
- Infotainment: early iDrive is functional but not exactly “tap-and-go.”
Feature Highlights That Still Shine
- Rear-wheel-drive balance in a compact, premium hatch
- Straight-six soundtrack in the 130i—rare and special
- Comfortable long-distance seat support and low driving position
- Strong safety kit for its era, plus ISOFIX mounts for child seats
- Solid cabin materials that wear better than most rivals
Verdict: The BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback Is A Keeper
For drivers who want a compact premium hatch with genuine feel, the BMW 1 Series E87 5-Door Hatchback still makes a compelling case. It’s practical enough for the school run, stylish enough for a city night out, and entertaining when the road gets interesting. Pair it with properly fitted floor mats—Autowin’s are a strong pick—and you’ve got a daily that still feels special each time you turn the key. Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first whether nostalgia was doing the heavy lifting. Then I drove another one. It wasn’t nostalgia.
FAQ: BMW 1 Series E87
Is the BMW 1 Series E87 reliable?
Generally yes, with routine maintenance. Watch for timing chain noise on certain diesels, coil packs on petrols, and water pump wear on six-cylinders.
Which engine is best?
For fun: the 130i 3.0L straight-six. For economy: the 120d. The 118i/120i petrols are a sweet middle ground for mixed driving.
Is the E87 practical for families?
For small families, yes. Two child seats fit fine with ISOFIX. Boot space is respectable, though rivals offer a touch more.
Does it ride harshly?
On factory run-flats, it can feel firm. Switching to conventional tyres (and carrying a spare) typically improves comfort.
Do custom floor mats make a difference?
Absolutely. Tailored mats like the Autowin sets protect the cabin, don’t slide around, and are easier to clean. You can find them here.
