BMW E81

The BMW 1 Series (E81/E87 and E82/E88 models) is an entry level sports car produced by the German automaker BMW since 2004. The 1 Series is unusual in its class as it features rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight balance, a longitudinally-mounted engine and an advanced aluminum multilink suspension. It is currently BMW's second best-selling automobile, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the total sales in 2008.
The 1 Series was launched globally in Autumn 2004 and shares many structural, chassis, powertrain, hardware and electronic elements with the larger 3 Series. The model was started to provide a lower point of entry into the BMW range as the 3 Series moved gradually up-market. Initially launched as a 5-door hatchback, a 3-door version was also launched in July 2007. The 1 Series is priced between the MINI and the current E90 3 Series. Because the coupe is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is often considered the successor to the BMW 2002.
In 1996, BMW owned the Rover Group, and was preparing a new car that would replace their Rover 200 and 400 ranges, called Project R30, developed jointly with Project R50 and R40, that would become, respectively, the New Mini and the Rover 75.The new model, which would have been badged as the Rover 55, was planned to be built in the Longbridge plant alongside the New Mini, and BMW were granted a £152 million subsidy by the British government to refurbish the plant.
In 2000, development was close to completion, but after BMW sold the Rover Group, the project's rights were taken by BMW, which stopped the project and kept the only working prototype in their headquarters of Munich.[6] Although BMW tried to sell the project's rights, first to MG Rover and later to a number of Chinese car manufacturers, the model never entered production. They come with HID headlamps[6]
The 1 Series was originally sold as a 5-door hatchback, with range of straight 4 and 6 cylinder engines matted with 5 or 6 speed manual or optional 6 speed automatic transmission. It replaced the BMW 3 Series Compact range as the smallest and most affordable vehicle (depending on the engine model) in the BMW range

BMW E81 Driving Interior

Elegant Silver BMW E81

BMW E81 116i Beschleunigung 1er