Positioning:
The BMW 1 Series represents BMW's entry-level luxury compact vehicle, offering a premium driving experience and performance typically associated with the brand in a smaller, more agile package. It competes with vehicles like the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz B-Class (in some markets), and performance-oriented compacts.
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe/Sedan (entry trims), Infiniti G37 Coupe/Sedan, and Lexus IS series. The 1 Series differentiated itself with its rear-wheel-drive platform and BMW's signature driving dynamics.
Features:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engines (especially in the 135i), premium interior materials, advanced iDrive infotainment system, and sporty styling.
Areas:
Vehicle operation, maintenance, safety, features, basic troubleshooting
Count:
Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for this era/model)
Type:
Owner's Manual / User's Manual / Operator's Manual
Format:
Printed Booklet (as per product description)
Engine Systems:
Engine identification, break-in procedures, basic care, warning lights
Transmission Systems:
Automatic and manual transmission operation, gear selection, fluid considerations (general)
Chassis Systems:
Brakes (ABS, DSC), steering, suspension (general operation)
Electrical Systems:
Lighting operation, power windows, central locking, keyless entry, infotainment system basics, iDrive operation
Body And Interior:
Convertible top operation, seating adjustments, climate control, storage compartments, exterior lighting
Maintenance Procedures:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement (basic)
Safety Procedures:
Seatbelt usage, airbag system overview, child seat installation recommendations, emergency procedures
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Interpreting dashboard warning lights and messages, basic fault diagnosis (e.g., low tire pressure)
Depth:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or advanced diagnostics typically found in a Service Manual.
128I Engine:
3.0L Inline 6-cylinder (N52B30)
128I Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
128I Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
128I Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2750-4250 rpm
135I Engine:
3.0L Twin-turbocharged Inline 6-cylinder (N54B30 / N55B30)
135I Displacement:
2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
135I Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm (N54) / 300 hp @ 5800 rpm (N55)
135I Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1200-5000 rpm (N54) / 300 lb-ft @ 1200-5000 rpm (N55)
0 60 Mph 128I:
Approx. 5.4-5.9 seconds (depending on transmission and body style)
0 60 Mph 135I:
Approx. 4.7-5.2 seconds (depending on transmission and body style)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Injection:
Direct Injection (N54/N55), Port Injection (N52)
Transmission 128I:
6-speed manual transmission
Transmission 135I:
6-speed manual transmission
Transmission 128I Optional:
6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters
Transmission 135I Optional:
7-speed M-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission (specific to coupe for 2011, but may be applicable to later convertible models or depending on exact market spec)
Transmission Features:
Rear-wheel drive, sport shift modes, hill start assist (with automatic)
NHTSA Front Impact Coupe:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Coupe:
5-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick Coupe:
Yes (Good in front, side, rear, roof strength)
NHTSA Front Impact Convertible:
4-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Convertible:
5-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick Convertible:
Yes (Good in front, side, rear; convertible structure can differ in rating)
Active Safety:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC - on 135i), Brake Fade Compensation
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (front and rear), rollover protection system (convertible), 3-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, active head restraints
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive system with integrated display. Features can include navigation, radio (AM/FM/Satellite), CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth connectivity, and auxiliary input.
User Interface:
Controller knob with surrounding buttons for menu navigation.
Assistance Features:
Parking Assistant (optional PDC - Park Distance Control), Cruise Control.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth phone integration, USB audio interface (optional), SiriusXM Satellite Radio (optional).
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based service (CBS) system typically indicates oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific CBS interpretation.
Brake Fluid Change:
Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
For N52: ~100,000 miles. For N54/N55: ~60,000 miles (depending on driving conditions and specific plugs).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every ~30,000 miles, replace as needed or indicated by CBS.
Engine Oil 128I:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30. Capacity: Approx. 6.5 US quarts.
Engine Oil 135I:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (check manual for specific N54/N55 recommendation). Capacity: Approx. 6.5 US quarts.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification), mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.4 US quarts.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) approved by BMW for the ZF 6HP series transmission (e.g., Lifeguard 6). Consult manual for exact specification and change intervals, as it's often considered a 'lifetime' fluid by BMW but changes are recommended by many specialists.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification. Typically a GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil.
Common Issues N54:
Fuel injector failure, turbo wastegate rattle, high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) issues, PCV system issues, oil filter housing gasket leaks, coil pack failures.
Common Issues N55:
Less prone to HPFP issues than N54, but can still experience injector issues, turbocharger wastegate issues, and oil leaks from seals/gaskets.
Common Issues N52:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, eccentric shaft sensor issues, oil cooler gasket leaks.
Common Issues Convertible Top:
Hydraulic pump failure, hydraulic line leaks, microswitch issues, fabric wear/damage, motor issues.
Common Issues General:
Water pump failure (electric on later models), thermostat issues, cooling fan clutch (on earlier models), VANOS solenoid failures.
Heritage:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, sporty luxury vehicles, particularly known for its inline-six engines and rear-wheel-drive platforms.
1 Series Generation:
The first generation (E81/E82/E87/E88) was introduced in 2004 (hatchback) and later expanded to include the Coupe (E82) and Convertible (E88) body styles. The 2011 model year represents a facelifted version of this first generation.
Production Location:
Leipzig, Germany
Production Years:
E82 Coupe: 2007-2013; E88 Convertible: 2008-2013
