BMW 1 Series I LCI (E82/E88) — Wheel Fitment & Specs
Overview
The second generation of the BMW 1 Series (F20/F21) is a subcompact executive car produced by BMW from 2011 to 2019, succeeding the first generation E8x models. It was manufactured in Germany and offered as a hatchback with both three- and five-door variants. This generation marked a shift towards rear-wheel drive for most models, differentiating it from its competitors which typically used front-wheel drive. The F20/F21 series introduced inline-three engines alongside the existing inline-four and six-cylinder options in 2015, all of which were turbocharged. It was positioned as BMW's entry-level model but offered high-performance variants like the M135i.
Wheel fitment
| Bolt pattern (PCD) | 5x120 |
| Centre bore | 72.6 mm |
| Bolt / thread | M14 x 1.25 (bolts) |
| Wheel-bolt torque | 140 Nm |
| Seat type | tapered |
| Factory setup | staggered |
| TPMS | none |
Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:
| Position | Width | Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 6J–8J | ET22–ET45 |
| Rear (staggered) | 7J–8.5J | ET33–ET45 |
As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8–10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.
UK popularity & demand
Based on DfT VEH0124 vehicle-parc data (2025), there are approximately 397,465 BMW 1 Series on UK roads, placing it in the top 1% of car models by volume across our fitment database. That makes its wheel fitment a high-demand size to keep in stock — one reason we track its exact spec here.
Source: DfT/DVLA licensed-vehicle statistics (VEH0124), matched to the AIWheelTech fitment database.
Engines & drivetrain
| Variant | Engine | Fuel | Power | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Series M Coupé | 3.0L N54B30 turbo petrol | petrol | 340 hp | RWD |
| M135i xDrive | 3.0L N54B30 turbo petrol | petrol | 320 hp | xDrive |
| 123d | 3.0L N57B30 turbo diesel | diesel | 231 hp | RWD |
| M125i xDrive | 2.0L N54B20 turbo petrol | petrol | 231 hp | xDrive |
| 123i | 3.0L N52B30 turbo petrol | petrol | 230 hp | RWD |
| 120i | 2.0L N46B20A turbo petrol | petrol | 184 hp | RWD |
| 120d | 2.0L N47B20 turbo diesel | diesel | 163 hp | RWD |
| 118i | 1.6L N46B16A turbo petrol | petrol | 150 hp | RWD |
| 118d | 2.0L N47B20 turbo diesel | diesel | 143 hp | RWD |
| 116i | 1.6L N46B16A turbo petrol | petrol | 136 hp | RWD |
Performance
| Variant | Power | 0–62 mph | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 116i | 136 hp | 8.5 s | 129 mph |
| 118i | 150 hp | 7.9 s | 133 mph |
| 120i | 184 hp | 7.1 s | 145 mph |
| 123i | 230 hp | 6.1 s | 155 mph |
| 118d | 143 hp | 8.9 s | 135 mph |
| 120d | 163 hp | 8.1 s | 140 mph |
| 123d | 231 hp | 6.2 s | 154 mph |
| M125i xDrive | 231 hp | 5.7 s | 155 mph |
| M135i xDrive | 320 hp | 4.9 s | 155 mph |
| 1 Series M Coupé | 340 hp | 4.8 s | 155 mph |
Body styles & production
| Body styles | Hatchback |
| Produced | 2004–present |
Trim levels
Factory colours
History & notable variants
The second generation saw significant changes from its predecessor, notably switching to rear-wheel drive for most models while retaining an optional xDrive all-wheel-drive system introduced in 2012. Notable special/performance variants included the M135i and later the addition of inline-three engines which helped reduce costs. The coupé and convertible body styles were discontinued from this generation onwards, being marketed separately as part of the BMW 2 Series lineup.
Reliability & owner notes
- Pros: Rear-wheel drive layout for improved handling and driving dynamics compared to competitors; Optional xDrive all-wheel-drive system
- Cons: Higher production costs due to rear-wheel drive setup