🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

1 Series Convertible / Coupe

Model Variant:

128i / 135i

Year:

2008

Body Style:

Convertible, Coupe

Market:

USDM (United States Domestic Market)

Product Type:

Owner's Manual

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Entry-level luxury compact sports car/convertible.

Key Competitors:

Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe/Convertible, Infiniti G35 Coupe, Lexus IS Convertible.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW driving dynamics, rear-wheel drive architecture, balanced chassis.

Powertrain Options:

Naturally aspirated inline-six engines offering smooth power delivery.

Infotainment:

Introduction of the iDrive infotainment system for integrated control.

Design:

Sporty and compact styling, distinctive BMW kidney grille.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Operation, maintenance, safety features, iDrive system, and basic troubleshooting for the 2008 BMW 128i and 135i Convertible and Coupe.

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 250-350 pages (typical for BMW owner's manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual (User's Manual / Operator's Manual)

Language:

English

Format:

Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system basics (user-level), exhaust system overview.

Chassis:

Braking system overview, steering system, suspension system basics, wheel and tire information.

Electrical:

Lighting system, instrument cluster, power windows/locks/mirrors, basic fuse identification, battery care.

Infotainment Idrive:

Detailed operation of the iDrive system, navigation, climate control, audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, vehicle settings.

Comfort Convenience:

Climate control operation, seating adjustments, convertible top operation, interior features.

Safety Security:

Airbag system explanation, seatbelt usage, child restraint systems (ISOFIX/LATCH), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm system.

Maintenance Checks:

Engine oil level check, coolant level check, brake fluid level check, windshield washer fluid refill, tire pressure adjustment, bulb replacement basics.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Warning lights interpretation, basic restart procedures, fault code display explanation (user-facing).

Fueling Operation:

Fuel type recommendations, fueling procedures, oil type and capacity recommendations.

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting, flat tire changing (spare tire location/use or RFT system explanation), towing information.

Depth:

Owner-centric information focused on understanding and operating vehicle features, performing basic checks, and understanding warning indicators. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic steps typical of a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Printed)

Print Quality:

High-quality, professional printing, clear text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

Staple-bound or Perfect-bound

Paper Type:

Durable, glossy or semi-gloss paper stock suitable for automotive environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

N52B30

Engine Type:

3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm

Fuel Induction:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Valvetronic and Double VANOS

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)

Engine Code:

N54B30

Engine Type:

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm

Fuel Induction:

Sequential Twin-Turbocharged Direct Injection (DI) with Double VANOS

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed manual (Getrag GS6-37BZ)

Type:

6-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 6HP19)

Type:

6-speed manual (Getrag GS6-53DZ)

Type:

6-speed automatic with Steptronic (ZF 6HP19TU)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic clutch actuation

Automatic Features:

Adaptive shift logic, manual shifting mode (Steptronic).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

168.1 inches

Width:

69.9 inches

Height:

56.0 inches

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches

Length:

168.1 inches

Width:

69.9 inches

Height:

55.7 inches (top up)

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches

Coupe Trunk Volume:

15.0 cu ft

Convertible Trunk Volume:

8.0 - 11.0 cu ft (top up/down)

Curb Weight 128I Coupe:

3329 lbs

Curb Weight 135I Coupe:

3439 lbs

Curb Weight 128I Convertible:

3825 lbs

Curb Weight 135I Convertible:

3968 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Coupe Front Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Coupe Front Passenger:

5-Star

NHTSA Coupe Side Front Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Coupe Side Front Passenger:

5-Star

NHTSA Coupe Side Rear:

4-Star

NHTSA Coupe Rollover:

4-Star

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS).

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Tire Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags, front knee airbags (optional/standard depending on configuration).

Convertible Roll Protection:

Pop-up rollover protection system (integrated behind rear seats).

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front seat-belt tensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on specific options/updates)

Display:

Central LCD display integrated into the dashboard.

Controls:

iDrive controller knob and buttons on the center console.

Features:

Navigation, climate control, audio system (radio, CD player, possibly auxiliary input), phone connectivity (Bluetooth).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors (PDC - Park Distance Control).

Phone Integration:

Bluetooth hands-free calling, potentially Bluetooth audio streaming depending on specific iDrive version and options.

Usb Aux:

Auxiliary audio input jack is standard. USB ports were optional or part of specific packages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition-Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, whichever comes first.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Change:

Initial change at 4 years or 60,000 miles, then every 2 years or 30,000 miles thereafter (BMW Blue coolant).

Spark Plugs:

Typically around 60,000 miles for N52, 45,000 miles for N54 (check CBS or manual for exact recommendation).

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE). Recommended viscosity: 0W-30 or 5W-30.

Engine Oil Capacity 128I:

6.9 US quarts (with filter change)

Engine Oil Capacity 135I:

6.5 US quarts (with filter change)

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48). Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

MTF LT-2 (BMW spec for manual transmissions)

Transmission Fluid Automatic 128I:

ATF LT-3 (ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 - 83 22 0 024 275)

Transmission Fluid Automatic 135I:

ATF LT-5 (ZF Lifeguardfluid 8 - 83 22 2 161 578 for newer ZF 6HP)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity).

N54 Twin Turbo:

Early N54 engines (pre-2009) were prone to fuel injector issues (check engine light, rough running), failing high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), and cracked charge pipe issues.

Valvetronic Actuator:

Failure of the eccentric shaft sensor or actuator in the Valvetronic system (N52) can lead to rough idle and starting issues.

Water Pump Thermostat:

Electric water pumps in later models can fail; thermostat failures are also not uncommon.

Oil Filter Housing Gasket:

Leaking oil filter housing gasket is a common source of oil leaks.

Convertible Top Motors:

Convertible top hydraulic systems and motors can require service or replacement over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW is known for producing premium vehicles with a strong emphasis on driving dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').

Introduction E82 E88:

The 1 Series was introduced as BMW's smallest platform, representing a more compact and accessible entry into the BMW brand, often seen as a spiritual successor to the BMW 2002.

Chassis Codes:

Coupe: E82 (though primarily referring to E87 hatch for this generation, the Coupe variant became E82 in later model years; for 2008, Coupe is E82). Convertible: E88.

Production Period:

First Generation (E81/E82/E87/E88) produced from 2004 to 2013.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (Leipzig).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Awards:

The N54 engine in the 135i Coupe was recognized by Popular Mechanics for its engineering.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for this era of BMW can vary; early 1 Series models received mixed reviews for reliability, particularly the N54 engine. Later models generally improved.