Segment:
        
        
            Compact premium sport coupe and convertible.
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Enthusiast drivers seeking a balance of performance, luxury, and compact size.
        
     
    
    
        
            Primary Competitors:
        
        
            Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe/Convertible, Infiniti G37 Coupe/Convertible, Lexus IS Convertible.
        
     
    
    
        
            Platform:
        
        
            Rear-wheel drive biased platform, known for driving dynamics.
        
     
    
        
            Powertrain Options:
        
        
            Inline-6 engines (naturally aspirated and turbocharged) offering strong performance.
        
     
    
        
            Convertible Top:
        
        
            Fully automatic fabric soft top with impressive insulation and quick deployment/retraction.
        
     
    
        
            Idrive Integration:
        
        
            Centralized control for most vehicle functions, including infotainment and climate.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            General Operation:
        
        
            Controls, indicators, dashboard layout, lighting, climate control, windows, mirrors, seats, steering wheel adjustments.
        
     
    
        
            Infotainment Idrive:
        
        
            iDrive controller operation, radio, CD player, navigation system (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity, audio settings.
        
     
    
        
            Safety Features:
        
        
            Airbag system, seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH/ISOFIX), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), stability control (DSC).
        
     
    
        
            Driving Assistance:
        
        
            Cruise control, parking assist (if equipped), convertible top operation and safety.
        
     
    
        
            Maintenance Indicators:
        
        
            Service interval indicators (oil, brakes, inspection), warning lights and their meanings.
        
     
    
        
            Emergency Procedures:
        
        
            Jump starting, flat tire changes, towing information, emergency assistance contact.
        
     
    
        
            Vehicle Care:
        
        
            Cleaning interior and exterior, fuel recommendations, fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid).
        
     
    
    
        
            Basic Maintenance:
        
        
            Checking fluid levels, tire pressure adjustment, wiper blade replacement guidance.
        
     
    
        
            Infotainment Setup:
        
        
            Pairing Bluetooth devices, setting up navigation destinations, customizing iDrive settings.
        
     
    
        
            Convertible Top Operation:
        
        
            Manual and remote operation of the soft top, storage compartment usage.
        
     
    
        
            Key Fob Usage:
        
        
            Locking/unlocking doors, trunk release, alarm system operation.
        
     
    
        
            Dashboard Indicators:
        
        
            Interpretation of all dashboard warning and indicator lights.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Owner-level information, focused on operation, basic checks, and feature understanding. Not a repair or service manual.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Print Quality:
        
        
            High-quality printing suitable for long-term use.
        
     
    
        
            Binding Type:
        
        
            Perfect bound or saddle-stitched, typical for owner's manuals.
        
     
    
        
            Paper Type:
        
        
            Durable, glossy or semi-gloss paper for longevity.
        
     
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            N/A (for printed format); If digital version, would be searchable PDF.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            3.0 Liters (2996 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            12.0:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            230 hp @ 6600 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code Example:
        
        
            N52B30
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Twin-Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            3.0 Liters (2979 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            10.2:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            300 hp @ 5800 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            300 lb-ft @ 1200-5000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Engine Code Example:
        
        
            N55B30
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Requirement:
        
        
            Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
        
     
    
    
        
            Injection Type:
        
        
            Direct Injection (135i - N55), Fuel Injection (128i - N52)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Type 128I:
        
        
            6-Speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
        
            Type 135I:
        
        
            6-Speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
    
        
            Type:
        
        
            6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Steptronic
        
     
    
    
        
            Rear Differential:
        
        
            Standard: Open differential. Optional/Performance: Limited-slip differential (often part of sport packages).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Coupe Front Driver:
        
        
            5 Stars
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Coupe Front Passenger:
        
        
            5 Stars
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Coupe Side Driver:
        
        
            5 Stars
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Coupe Side Passenger:
        
        
            5 Stars
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Coupe Rollover:
        
        
            4 Stars
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Coupe Top Safety Pick:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
        
            Dynamic Stability Control:
        
        
            Standard (DSC)
        
     
    
        
            Anti Lock Braking System:
        
        
            Standard (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Tire Pressure Monitoring:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Airbags Front:
        
        
            Driver and front passenger frontal airbags
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Side:
        
        
            Front side-impact airbags, front knee airbags
        
     
    
        
            Airbags Convertible Rollover:
        
        
            Pop-up rollover protection system (concealed behind rear headrests)
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            System Name:
        
        
            iDrive Controller System
        
     
    
        
            Display Type:
        
        
            Central dashboard display (e.g., 7-inch or 8.8-inch screen depending on options)
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Optional Professional Navigation System
        
     
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Standard BMW Professional Radio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
        
     
    
        
            Connectivity Bluetooth:
        
        
            Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
        
     
    
        
            Connectivity Usb Aux:
        
        
            USB and AUX inputs for audio playback
        
     
    
    
        
            Parking Sensors:
        
        
            Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear
        
     
    
        
            Backup Camera:
        
        
            Optional Rear-view camera
        
     
    
        
            Adaptive Headlights:
        
        
            Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights with angel eyes
        
     
    
    
        
            Bmw Connecteddrive:
        
        
            Services potentially available, though more advanced features were introduced in later generations.
        
     
 
    
    
        
        Service Intervals General
    
 
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Variable; typically indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, often between 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter:
        
        
            Replace every 30,000-45,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Microfilter:
        
        
            Replace every 20,000-30,000 miles or annually.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plugs 128I N52:
        
        
            Typically every 60,000 miles.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plugs 135I N55:
        
        
            Typically every 45,000-60,000 miles (check for specific OE recommendations).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil 128I N52:
        
        
            SAE 0W-30 Synthetic engine oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) specification. Capacity approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil 135I N55:
        
        
            SAE 0W-30 Synthetic engine oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) specification. Capacity approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters).
        
     
    
        
            Coolant:
        
        
            BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol-based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 7.9 quarts (7.5 liters).
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Auto:
        
        
            BMW ATF JWS 3309 (for 6-speed auto prior to certain updates, check specific VIN/transmission type for exact fluid specification, e.g., LT-3).
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Manual:
        
        
            GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil with appropriate viscosity, e.g., SAE 75W-90. Check specific manual for exact BMW specification.
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
        
        
            Common on N52/N55 engines due to aging seals.
        
     
    
        
            Water Pump Failure:
        
        
            Electric water pump on N55 engines can fail prematurely.
        
     
    
        
            Turbocharger Issues 135I:
        
        
            Early N54/N55 turbos could experience wastegate rattle or premature failure.
        
     
    
        
            High Pressure Fuel Pump 135I:
        
        
            N55 engines can suffer from HPFP failures, leading to drivability issues.
        
     
    
        
            Ccv System Failure:
        
        
            Crankcase Ventilation system can clog, leading to oil leaks or pressure issues.
        
     
    
        
            Convertible Top Mechanics:
        
        
            Hydraulic hoses, pumps, and actuators for the convertible top can leak or fail over time.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Bmw Philosophy:
        
        
            BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing sporty handling and performance.
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation 1 Series:
        
        
            The 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88) debuted in 2004 globally, as BMW's entry-level model, replacing the Compact series.
        
     
    
        
            E8X Generation Facelift:
        
        
            The E8x generation received a facelift (LCI) in 2010, introducing updated styling and technology.
        
     
    
        
            2012 Model Year Positioning:
        
        
            The 2012 model year represents the final year for the E82 Coupe and E88 Convertible in the US before being succeeded by the 2 Series.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Leipzig, Germany
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Ward 10 Best Engines:
        
        
            The BMW 3.0L inline-6 (N52 and N54/N55 variants) received multiple Wards 10 Best Engines awards in the preceding years, highlighting its performance and refinement.
        
     
    
        
            Road Test Magazine Accolades:
        
        
            The 1 Series, particularly the 135i, was consistently praised by automotive journalists for its engaging driving dynamics and potent engine in a compact package.