The BMW 1 Series is a series of small luxury cars produced since 2004. Successor to the BMW 3 Series compact, it has been produced in four different body styles.

It was introduced at the time to compete with other compact luxury models such as the Audi A3, Alfa Romeo 147. In contrast to these competitors the BMW 1 Series was fitted with rear wheel drive.

In 2004 it was introduced as 5 door hatchback (code name E87), to be followed by the 3 door hatchback (code name E81) in 2007. After that the series was expanded by a 2 door coupe also in 2007 (code name E82) and the convertible (code name E88).

The 2nd generation BMW 1 Series range followed in 2011. It is produced as 5 door hatchback (code name F20) and 3 door hatchback (code name F21). In 2016 a 4 door saloon 1 Series was introduced but only for the Chinese market.