2007 BMW 1 Series 3 doors (E81) Photos, engines & full specs

BMW introduced the facelifted version of the 1 Series in March 2007, and, in addition, it soon added a new 3-door version.

Considered by many as a successor to the 3 Series Compact (E46), the E81 Series 1 was introduced as a more affordable alternative to other BMW vehicles. The German automaker started with the five-door model in 2004, and customers enjoyed it. So, after the facelift, in May 2007, the three-door version was a welcomed addition.

With a front fascia that still resembled some cues and lines introduced by Chris Bangle, the three-door 1 Series was far from looking aggressive. The car's target was to lure people into BMW's showrooms, not to scare them away. In addition, the lower grille featured raised outer corners, like a smiley face. But it wasn't the prettiest car in the carmaker's lineup. The car's profile revealed the door panels crossed by a sculptured line extended from the front to rear wheel wells. The arched-down upper window line ended in the already-known Hofmeister kink design element. Finally, at the back, the corner-mounted taillights sported slim reversing lights with clear lenses at the same height as the car's shoulder line.

Unlike the five-door version, the three-door 1 Series featured frameless door windows, which added more flavor to the car. Inside, the automaker installed a cabin fitted with bolstered seats at the front and a 60/40 split-folding bench in the rear. Even though the legroom was not that great for the rear passengers, it was good enough for short trips.

Along with the facelifted version, the E81 model received the new N43 gasoline engine with a 1.6- or 2.0-liter displacement. BMW offered the car with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.