Segment:
Compact premium hatchback/coupe/convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking performance, luxury, and rear-wheel drive dynamics
Key Competitors:
Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G37 (later years)
Unique Selling Points:
Inline-6 engine, rear-wheel drive platform, BMW driving dynamics, premium interior
Model Availability:
Coupe (E82), Convertible (E88)
Engine:
N52B30AF (3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6)
Transmission:
6-speed Manual (GS6-37BZ), 6-speed Automatic (GA6HP19Z)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson struts, Aluminum control arms; Rear: Multi-link independent suspension
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated discs, Fixed aluminum calipers; Rear: Solid discs, Floating calipers; ABS, DSC, DTC
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, module diagnostics, battery management
Body:
Body shell repair, panel replacement, exterior trim, doors, windows, glass replacement
Interior:
Seating systems, dashboard, HVAC, trim components, airbags
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control module
Comfort Features:
Power seats, heated seats, keyless entry, power windows/mirrors
Infotainment:
iDrive system (CCC/CIC depending on build), Radio, CD player, Navigation (optional)
Safety Systems:
Airbags (front, side, curtain), Seatbelt pretensioners, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, inspection schedules
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics
Repair:
Engine component repair/replacement (pistons, rings, valves, bearings), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, ECU data stream analysis, sensor testing, actuator testing
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission rebuild procedures
Installation:
Component replacement and installation procedures
Calibration:
Wheel alignment, steering angle sensor calibration, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) relearning
Depth:
Factory-level technical information, including torque specifications, electrical schematics, diagnostic flowcharts, and detailed repair procedures.
Type:
6-speed Manual (Getrag GS6-37BZ)
Type:
6-speed Automatic with Steptronic (ZF GA6HP19Z)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch (Manual)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-5 (or equivalent like ZF Lifeguardfluid 6)
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Likely 5-star for front and side impact for E88 Convertible (refer to specific VIN and build)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (curtain airbags for coupe), rollover protection for convertible
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Convertible Safety:
Pop-up rollover protection system
System Name:
iDrive (CCC or CIC)
Features:
Central display, navigation (optional), radio, CD player, optional USB/Aux input
Features:
Cruise Control, Parking Sensors (optional rear), Rain-sensing wipers (optional), Xenon headlights (optional)
Features:
Bluetooth hands-free calling (optional), USB audio interface (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles (16,000 - 24,000 km) or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions (iDrive condition based service).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 4 years/50,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for N52 engines, refer to manual for specific recommendation.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) approved synthetic oil. SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11 S (Green fluid)
Common Issues Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, eccentric shaft sensor failures, coolant expansion tank leaks, water pump failure (electric pump),
Common Issues Electrical:
Idrive system glitches, power window regulator failures, LCM (Light Module Control) issues.
Common Issues Suspension:
Front control arm bushings wear, rear shock mount wear.
Common Issues Convertible Top:
Hydraulic cylinder leaks, sensor malfunctions for the convertible top mechanism.
Brand Focus:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
First Generation Introduction:
The first generation 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88) was introduced in 2004 as BMW's entry-level model.
128I Positioning:
The 128i served as the naturally aspirated variant of the 1 Series, offering a more accessible entry into BMW's inline-6 performance.
Model Lifecycle End:
The E82/E88 generation was succeeded by the F22/F23 generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Leipzig, Germany.