The BMW 1 Series (F20) is the internal designation for the second generation of the BMW 1 Series range of compact executive cars. It was produced by the German automaker BMW from 2011 to 2019, serving as the successor to the E87 generation.
Initially launched as a 5-door hatchback (F20 chassis code), a 3-door hatchback version (F21 chassis code) was introduced in 2012. Unlike its predecessor, the coupé and convertible body styles were spun off into the new BMW 2 Series (F22/F23) range.
The F20/F21 1 Series retained BMW's signature rear-wheel-drive layout, distinguishing it from most competitors in its segment, though all-wheel-drive (xDrive) was also available on some models. It was offered with a diverse range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, including three-cylinder, four-cylinder, and six-cylinder configurations. Transmission options included 6-speed manual and 8-speed ZF automatic units.
In 2015, the F20/F21 received a significant "Life Cycle Impulse" (LCI) or facelift. This update introduced revised exterior styling, including new headlights, taillights, and bumpers, along with interior refinements and updated engine choices. The LCI models notably incorporated BMW's modular engine architecture. Performance variants, such as the M135i and later the M140i, were offered with powerful inline-six turbocharged engines, providing substantial performance within the compact segment.
The F20/F21 1 Series was succeeded by the F40 generation in 2019, which marked a significant departure by switching to a front-wheel-drive platform shared with other BMW and Mini models.