The BMW 1 Series was an atypical car from the get go due to its hatchback shape. The Coupe was a whole different story, since it had the proportions to match BMW’s history of making cars but the rest of the range was rather peculiar from the beginning as the Bavarians aren’t exactly known for their exception hatches. And yet, the 1 Series has always been the best driving car in any segment you would put it. Be it in 3-door or 5-door configuration, you simply couldn’t beat it in terms of driving enjoyment.
All of that success was possible thanks to its rear-wheel drive layout. Pushing power to the rear axle instead of the front meant that the 1 Series was unique in its segment and still is today. That will change in the future, but until then, let’s watch an original E87 1 Series take on a hill climb like a champ. The video description doesn’t say a whole lot about it, but it doesn’t have to as the sound of that inline 6-cylinder engine under the hood tells you all you need to know.
The uploader says this is Nicolas Jolidon’s car and that it makes 370 HP at 8,500 RPM along with the fact that it started life as a 130i. In stock guise that would mean it came with a 3-liter 6-cylinder N52 engine which was good for some 265 HP. By the sound and the specs listed above, I think it would be safe to assume this car has an S54 unit in the engine bay right now as that high redline figure is not that easy to reach with a non-M engine.
As you may also notice, the car was properly prepared for the challenge ahead. It received a wide body kit, canards up front and, of course, a huge wing at the back, which makes this hatch look like it could actually take off in a corner. Luckily, the purpose of that thing is to prevent that from happening.
