The BMW 1 Series hatchback has been around in 5-door guise since 2004, while the 3-door hatchback was introduced in 2005. It replaced the BMW 3 Series Compact range as BMW’s smallest and most affordable vehicle in the range (depending on the engine model) and boasts a number of unique attributes for its class.

For instance, the 1 Series is the only vehicle in its class featuring rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight balance, a longitudinally-mounted engine and an advanced aluminum multi-link suspension. It is currently one of BMW’s best-selling cars and in 2008, accounted for nearly one-fifth of the manufacturers total sales.

With credentials like these, it was with great interest that we took delivery of our first BMW test car here at SACarFan, the 3-door BMW 120i M Sport, to discover what the 1 Series, and indeed the M Sport version, is all about.

By now a familiar face on our roads, the BMW 1 series hatchback certainly raised some eyebrows when it was launched back in 2004, ours included. Things improved with the arrival of the 3-door version, which we can’t help but think was the way the baby of the range was always supposed to look. Add the ‘M’ aerodynamic kit, however, and the look of the car is transformed from a curious looking hatchback to a compelling hot-hatch. (more…)

It’s going to be hard to anticipate who is going to be happier in 2011, BMW aficionados or BMW stockholders. With the announcement of better than expected profits for the first half of 2010, shares in the German auto maker have soared making 2011 look very promising for investors. However, the second major announcement from BMW of this year is one sure to make owners and enthusiasts giddy.

Good News
Following the announcement of the first and second quarter profits, BMW announced the debut of some new features for the 2011 year models. From the subtle to the class re-defining, according to the engineers in Germany every model in BMW’s lineup is slated to benefit from some interesting new technologies. (more…)