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.