The 1 series weighs about 200 lb less than the 3 series. So we are not talking a huge amount of raw materials here and thus a somewhat similar price tag.

 

The 1 series is just UGLY.........Even mods dont help.

 

isnt the 1 a shortened E46 chassis

 

Holy crap, I had to go look that up! I think you are remembering the 318 which was based on the previous 3 series at the time.

Turns out the 1-series is based on its own platform but shares about 60% of the parts with the e90 (current gen) three series. At least Wikapedia says so