BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback (2012–2019): the last small rear-drive BMW worth chasing

I’ve always had a soft spot for the BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback. It’s the one that still feels like a “proper” BMW from the driver’s seat—rear-wheel drive, straight-six available, and a chassis that eggs you on during a backroad blast, even if you’re just nipping to the shops. The proportions are a touch quirky, the doors are long, and—honestly—I wasn’t sure about the big grille back in 2012. But the first time I threaded an F21 through a wet roundabout, it made sense. It’s a premium hatch that behaves like a shrunken 3 Series. And that, in this segment, is rare.

Quick history of the BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback

Launched in 2012 as the second-gen 1 Series two-box with three doors, the F21 gave BMW loyalists something the rivals didn’t: rear-drive balance in a compact, premium hatch. Early cars felt taut and a bit firm on run-flats; post-2015 facelift (LCI) models smoothed the ride and tidied the tech with sharper lights and updated iDrive. Engines ranged from thrifty diesels to the wonderfully daft M135i and later M140i—turbo straight-sixes with around 320–335 hp and 0–60 mph in the mid-4s if you launch the auto properly. In traffic, it’ll just mooch along quietly; on a Sunday, it wakes up.

Did you know? The F21 was the last small BMW hatch to send power to the rear. Its successor switched to a front/all-wheel-drive platform. That alone has made clean M135i/M140i examples future cult cars.

Living with the BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback

Driving feel: Light steering, eager front end, and that rear-drive push when you want it. On rough roads, I found the standard suspension can fidget; the adaptive setup is the sweet spot.
Performance: 116i and 118i are perfectly fine daily drivers; the M135i/M140i turn every slip road into a decision you’ll have to explain to your insurance.
Economy: Expect real-world mid-30s mpg from smaller petrols, 40s+ from diesels if you’re gentle. The six-cylinder? 30 mpg on a motorway cruise is doable; fun costs fuel.
Practicality: The hatch will swallow a weekend’s luggage or a set of golf clubs at an angle. The back seats are fine for grown-ups, but entry through those long doors in tight car parks can be... gymnastic.
Quirks: Early iDrive feels a generation old now, some Bluetooth niggles, and the climate control knobs are placed low. Also, the boot sill is higher than you expect.

Parts, servicing and upgrades for the BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback

After chatting with a few owners and wrenching on one of these myself, here’s what’s sensible:

Tyres first: Ditching run-flats for quality rubber transforms ride and grip (keep a repair kit in the boot).
Brakes: M Sport brakes are strong; upgraded pads/fluid are worthwhile if you’ve got a twisty commute.
Suspension: Fresh dampers and bushings at 60–80k miles bring back the crispness. Avoid slammed springs; the car likes its geometry.
Lighting: Post-LCI LED tails/headlights modernise the look. Worth it if you find a tidy set.
Interior touchpoints: A good wheel retrim, fresh shift knob, and quality floor mats make it feel new every time you get in.

Side tip: If you’re hunting used, check for damp boot floors (tailgate seals), worn driver bolster, and a full service record—especially on the six-cylinder cars that tempt enthusiastic owners.

Why floor mats matter on the BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback

Floor mats sound boring until you need them. In a compact BMW that begs for weekend road trips—and inevitably a bit of wet weather—they keep the interior looking factory-fresh.

Protection: They catch the gravel, coffee, snow, and occasional festival mud before it tattoos the carpet.
Easy maintenance: Shake, vacuum, rinse—done. Much easier than deep-cleaning OEM carpeting.
Custom fit: Good mats hug the F21’s footwells so they don’t bunch up under your pedals. That’s more than cosmetic; it’s safety.
Style: Pick materials and colours to suit your cabin—subtle black for stealth, or something punchier that nods to your M Performance stripe.
Longevity: Quality mats absorb the abuse, not your OEM carpet. Resale buyers notice.

Choosing the best floor mats for your BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback

Material: All-weather rubber for winter duty; premium carpet for a luxury feel; diamond-stitched designs if you like a bit of theatre.
Fitment: Ensure they’re shaped specifically for the F21 and lock into the factory mounts.
Coverage: Look for raised edges and a full driver’s heel pad—clutch-footers, you’ll thank me later.
Clean-up: Detachable rear sections make vacuuming less of a yoga session.

BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback vs rivals: where it lands

Model	Layout	Power (approx)	0–60 mph (approx)	Combined economy (approx)	Party trick
BMW 1 Series F21 (M140i)	RWD	335 hp	4.6–4.8 s	30–35 mpg	Turbo straight-six in a hatch. Enough said.
Audi A3 (8V)	FWD/Quattro	150–310 hp	4.6–8.0 s	35–55 mpg	Polished cabin and tech, effortless to live with.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176)	FWD/4MATIC	122–381 hp	4.5–8.5 s	35–55 mpg	Sporty look, hot AMG variants are wild.
VW Golf (Mk7/GTI/R)	FWD/4Motion	150–310 hp	4.5–7.5 s	35–55 mpg	Benchmark do-it-all ability.

Owner moments: where the F21 just works

Alpine ski weekend: four winter tyres, two adults, gear stacked neatly—heated seats and stable, predictable traction (especially on winters) get you there fresh.
City life: compact footprint, strong visibility, and that eight-speed auto creeping smoothly through traffic. Quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back.
Valet moment: park it next to an A3 and watch the valet smile when they thumb the start button and hear that straight-six bark (if you’ve got the big one).

Best interior accessories to freshen your BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback

Custom-fit floor mats (all-weather or premium carpet)
Boot liner with raised lip
Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit for early iDrive systems
Aluminium pedal covers and sill trims
Sunshade set to protect the dash if you park outside

Fun fact: The F21’s driving position is low and properly “BMW.” If you hop between this and a crossover, you’ll notice your hips sit where they belong—down in the car, not on top of it.

Conclusion: why the BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback still charms

The BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback blends premium hatchback practicality with old-school BMW dynamics—something its rivals rarely match. Keep one smart with a few choice upgrades, start with quality floor mats that actually fit, and you’ve got a compact luxury car that feels special every day. I noticed right away: even after a long week, it still makes you take the long way home.

BMW 1 Series F21 3-door Hatchback: FAQ

Is the F21 reliable?

Generally yes with regular maintenance. Look for full service history, smooth gearbox shifts, and no warning lights. On six-cylinder cars, ensure coolant, coils, and high-pressure fuel systems are in good order.

What’s the difference between pre-LCI and LCI models?

The 2015 facelift (LCI) brought revised lights, tidier bumpers, updated iDrive, and some cabin detail changes. Many prefer the LCI look and tech.

Does the F21 have rear-wheel drive?

Yes, and that’s a big part of its appeal. It feels playful and balanced in a way most front-driven rivals don’t.

Which engine should I get?

For economy, the 118d is a safe bet. For a quick, refined daily, the 120i/125i hit a sweet spot. For grin factor, the M135i or M140i—budget for tyres and brakes.

Which floor mats fit best?

Choose custom-fit mats designed for the F21 with factory retention points. Consider all-weather rubber for winter and premium carpet for year-round style. Quality mats are the easiest way to protect your interior and lift the cabin.