Find My Brake - BMW 1-Series

Ever since its introduction in 2004, the BMW 1-Series has served as an entry point into BMW’s illustrious lineup. In this time, the 1-Series has proved popular among the increasingly dense field of luxury subcompact cars available on the market. This is due, in no small part, to the sheer scope of 1-Series models available. Since its inception, it’s been available as a 5-door hatch, a 2-door coupe, and even a soft-top convertible. The variety doesn’t stop there either, with the 1-Series being available in performance-orientated variants to complement the more pedestrian offerings. This sheer dedication to cater to as many market segments as possible has ensured a lengthy, successful run for the BMW 1-Series with no end in sight.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the last two generations of the BMW 1-Series, ranging from the first-generation to the outgoing second-generation and the extensive range of quality brake pad materials and brake rotors that Bendix has developed to suit the 1-Series’ comprehensive model lineup.

First Generation 2004-2013

First unveiled in 2004, the first-generation BMW 1-Series shared a surprising amount of components to its E90 3-Series stablemate, even down to its drivetrain configuration. Aimed at those who love to drive, 1-Series’ rear-wheel-drive layout, longitudinally-mounted engine, and 50/50 weight balance were all rare things among the subcompact car market, but also helped the 1-Series become a favourite amongst enthusiasts the world over.

By way of body styles, the first-generation 1-Series was only available as a 5-door hatchback here in Australia until 2008 when the 2-door coupe and soft-top convertible were released. The rear-wheel-drive layout did hinder cabin and boot space in the hatchback variants along with front legroom thanks to the gearbox behind the longitudinally-mounted engine.

The first-generation 1-Series was also offered with a plethora of different engine options. On the petrol side of things, the range extended from 1.6L and 2.0L naturally-aspirated inline-4 engines to 3.0L naturally-aspirated and turbocharged inline-6 powerplants. The base model’s 1.6L produced 90kW and 160Nm whilst the range-topping 135is produced an incredible 239kW and 430Nm from its turbocharged 3.0L engine. The limited 1 Series M Coupe took things just that little bit further, powered by a twin-turbo version of the 3.0L inline-6 putting out 250kW and 450Nm.

To complement the petrol variants, the first-generation 1-Series was also available with turbo-diesel options. The range opened with a 2.0L turbo-diesel inline-4 producing 85kW and 260NM with the most powerful diesel variant putting out 150kW and 400Nm from the same engine.

Across the entire range, the 1-Series could be optioned with either a manual or automatic transmission – another rarity in the luxury car segment and further cementing the 1-Series as an enthusiast favourite.

Second Generation 2011-2019

2011 saw the release of the second-generation 1-Series and the introduction of the BMW 2-Series. This time around, the 1-Series nameplate was reserved for the hatchback variants. The 2-Series name was given to the coupe and convertible variants of the 1-Series. The second-generation retained the rear-wheel-drive layout and longitudinally-mounted engine, keeping fans original 1-Series’ more enthusiast-based characteristics happy. An all-wheel-drive system was also offered as an option with the second-generation in the form of the BMW xDrive system.

Addressing the previous-generations space deficits, the second-generation 1-Series hatchback came in at 85mm longer and 17mm wider than its predecessor, featuring 21mm more legroom and 30-litres more cargo space.

Continuing from the first-generation, the second-generation 1-Series’s engine selection was expanded upon, with petrol and diesel inline-3 powerplants added to the already extensive lineup as part of a model refresh in 2015. The entry-level 1.5L inline-3 petrol put out 80kW and 180Nm. The range-topping and critically-acclaimed M140i featured a turbocharged 3.0L petrol inline-6 pushing out an immense 250kW and 500Nm.

For those more inclined towards the diesel variants, the lineup started with the 1.5L inline-3 putting out 71kW and 240Nm. The diesel range-topping 125D came fitted with a turbo-diesel 2.0L inline-4 pushing out 165kW and 450Nm.

As with the first-generation, the second-generation 1-Series and 2-Series could be optioned with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission, keeping it a favourite amongst enthusiasts.

Braking Systems for the BMW 1-Series

Bendix offers an extensive range of brake pad materials to suit the 1-Series’ comprehensive model lineup, with the Euro+ pads being the best choice. In addition, Bendix also supplies a Euro+ Disc Rotor that perfectly complements the performance of the Bendix Euro+ Brake Pads.

Bendix Euro+ brake pads from Bendix are the superior brake pad to supply and fit European luxury vehicles. With performance matching that of the OE equivalent, Euro+ brake pads from Bendix are the only choice for European vehicles in your workshop. The Euro+ brake pads from Bendix come as a complete brake pad kit including all clips, pads, shims, sensors and more, as supplied in the OE equivalents, so you can be assured that all components are the exact fit every time.

To complement our brake pads, Bendix has a matched Euro+ Disc Rotor which features High Carbon Metallurgy and Swiftfit Coating.

Both the Bendix Euro+ Brake Pads and Disc Rotors meet strict ECE Regulation 90 standards. The ECE Regulation 90 specifies the design, construction, and performance requirements and test protocols for strict European regulations. ECE R90 calls for brake pads and disc rotors to be tested for braking capabilities, speed sensitivity, cold performance, and may only deviate from the frictional characteristics of their original equipment counterparts by no more than 15%. When you fit Euro+ brake pads and disc rotors they meet ECE Regulation 90, which means you are fitting quality pads and rotors specifically designed for European vehicles and engineered for optimum performance, braking synergy and driving comfort.

In keeping with the quality and performance of our brake pads and disc rotors we also supply Bendix Dot 4 high-performance brake fluid. Whether it’s the first stop on a cold winter’s morning, or negotiating a mountain pass Bendix Dot 4 brake fluid performs flawlessly. Not only does the Dot 4 fluid withstand high brake temperatures, but it also resists moisture that can cause vapour lock brake failure.

Find out more about the Bendix Euro+ Range, click HERE.

To find your nearest Bendix stockist, click HERE.

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