Despite being the runt of the BMW family, the 1 Series has actually had a good run ever since it debuted back in 2004. It’s actually in the sixth year of its second generation and yet, the 1 Series remains an integral part of BMW’s overall lineup. Ahead of the refreshed 2018 1 Series' release, BMW is giving fans of the model an opportunity to get more than just a standard-issue 1 Series with three special edition models that provide aesthetic and aerodynamic upgrades to the compact sedan. All three special edition models share the “Shadow” nomenclature, but each version is different in its own unique way. Friends and folks, these are the BMW 1 Series Shadow Special Editions.

These three special edition models are identified by their names and features. The first of these three is the Edition Sport line Shadow, while the other two are called the Edition M Sport Shadow and the M140i Edition Shadow. All three models do share some notable features other than sporting the “Shadow” name. All three feature blacked-out grilles and black inserts on the LED headlights as nods to the shared designation. That said, the shared features only go so far since BMW still wants these three special edition 1 Series models to stand out opposite the other two, hence the reason why they’re packaged as three separate offerings. All in all, the three models are nice bows to the continued and well-deserved success of the BMW 1 Series.

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A brief run-down of the three BMW 1 Series special edition models

The first one is called the Edition Sport Line Shadow. It features the blacked-out grille, black inserts on the LED headlights, and the darkened taillights that both the Edition M Sport Shadow and the M140i Edition Shadow also have. What’s exclusive to the Edition Sport Line Shadow is a new set of 17-inch light alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the Edition M Sport Shadow gets the same blacked-out kidney grille, the LED headlights with the black inserts, and the dark taillights to along with a set of black 18-inch wheels and black exhaust pipes. Last but certainly not least is the M140i Edition Shadow, which gets everything that the Edition M Sport Shadow gets to go with a set of 18-inch gray alloy wheels. All three special edition “Shadow” models can also be dressed in two new colors – Seaside Blue and Sunset Orange – that are making their respective debuts on the 1 Series and up to five new wheel options of varying sizes depending on the special edition version.

Buyers getting any of the three special edition Shadow models for the 1 Series also stand to receive plenty of upgrades on the interior of their cars. There’s a new instrument display with a unique black panel design. The air vents and the center console also get new designs while new leather and trim options are now available across the entire range, including seven different cloth variants that buyers can choose from.

BMW wasn’t specific on which 1 Series variant is eligible to get which Shadow package, but it is obvious that the M140i Edition Shadow is for the BMW M140i variant and its 3.0-liter straight-six engine that produces an impressive 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The numbers are good enough to make the M140i a potent car on the road, much more if it looks as sharp as it does wearing the M140i Edition Shadow package. As for the Edition Sport Line Shadow and Edition M Sport Shadow SEs, they’re likely to be made available across the entire range of 1 Series models, beginning with the 109-horsepower BMW 1 Series 116i all the way up to the 224-horsepower 125d.

Overall, the three Shadow SE models that BMW is offering for the 1 Series don’t add significant value the way most traditional special edition models. But they do accomplish what they’re supposed to when the end result is a 1 Series that boasts a darker and more aggressive look to it.

Details on the respective price tags for any of the three special edition models are still being kept under wraps. Expect the lid to be lifted soon though when the refreshed 1 Series goes on sale in the coming months.

Read our full review on the BMW 1 Series here.