Segment:
Compact Premium Convertible / Sporty Compact Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking performance, luxury, and open-air driving in a compact package.
Key Competitors:
Audi A3 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet (though generally a class above), Infiniti G37 Convertible, Ford Mustang Convertible.
Powertrain:
Renowned N55 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine.
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive platform, balanced chassis, and sport-tuned suspension for engaging handling.
Convertible Experience:
Power-operated soft top providing a true open-air driving experience.
Premium Interior:
BMW's signature driver-focused interior with high-quality materials and iDrive infotainment.
Engine Operation:
Detailed explanation of the N55 TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine, including lubrication, cooling, and ignition systems.
Drivetrain:
Information on the rear-wheel-drive system, including differential operation and proper usage.
Suspension And Steering:
Overview of the suspension components and the Servotronic power steering system.
Brakes:
Explanation of the braking system, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).
Electrical System:
Details on the vehicle's electrical components, battery, lighting, and fuses.
Convertible Top Operation:
Comprehensive instructions for operating and maintaining the power-operated convertible soft top.
Infotainment And Controls:
Guidance on the iDrive infotainment system, climate control, audio system, and other interior features.
Safety Systems:
Explanation of airbags, seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and driver assistance features.
Instrument Cluster And Indicators:
Detailed description of all gauges, warning lights, and indicator symbols.
Lighting Systems:
Information on headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and adaptive headlight functions.
Comfort Features:
Coverage of heated seats, power adjustments, and climate control settings.
Starting And Driving:
Basic instructions for starting the engine, shifting gears, and operating the vehicle.
Fluid Checks:
Guidance on checking essential fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Explanation of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and how to check tire pressures.
Refueling:
Instructions on the correct type of fuel to use and the refueling process.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on what to do in case of breakdowns, flat tires, or other emergency situations.
Locking And Unlocking:
Details on using the remote key, central locking, and individual door locks.
Parking And Storage:
Guidance on proper parking techniques, including the parking brake, and recommendations for long-term storage.
Maintenance Checks:
Instructions for basic user-level checks like wiper blade inspection and light bulb replacement (where applicable).
Resetting Service Indicators:
Information on how to reset service reminders within the vehicle's iDrive system.
Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information covering all operational aspects, safety features, and basic maintenance guidance. Not a service or repair manual, but provides essential knowledge for ownership.
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated, single-plate dry clutch (Manual)
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 4.06, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.58, 4th: 1.19, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.87, Reverse: 3.54
Gear Ratios Automatic:
1st: 4.17, 2nd: 2.34, 3rd: 1.52, 4th: 1.14, 5th: 0.87, 6th: 0.69, Reverse: 3.40
Final Drive Ratio:
3.08:1
Length:
172.2 inches (4374 mm)
Width:
69.9 inches (1775 mm)
Height:
54.6 inches (1387 mm)
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches (2657 mm)
Front Track:
59.7 inches (1516 mm)
Rear Track:
60.3 inches (1532 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3770 lbs (1710 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3836 lbs (1740 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4795 lbs (2175 kg)
Cargo Volume Top Up:
Approx. 12.0 cubic feet (340 Liters)
Cargo Volume Top Down:
Approx. 8.0 cubic feet (225 Liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Rating (for Coupe model, Convertible ratings may vary)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Likely awarded Top Safety Pick for its structural integrity and safety features.
Dsc:
Dynamic Stability Control (includes ABS, ASC, DTC, Cornering Brake Control)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist (BA)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags (integrated into seats), head protection system (curtain airbags for front occupants).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Rollover Protection:
Automatic pop-up rollover protection bars integrated behind the rear headrests.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX anchors for securing child safety seats.
Display:
Central LCD display with controller knob on the center console.
Features:
Navigation system (optional), Radio (AM/FM/HD), CD/DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB integration.
Parking Assistance:
Park Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear parking sensors (optional).
Lighting Technology:
Adaptive Headlights (optional) that pivot with steering.
Bluetooth:
Standard or optional depending on package, for phone and audio.
Usb:
Included in Premium Sound or Multimedia packages for audio playback and device charging/connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system determines oil change intervals, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Coolant Change:
Typically recommended at around 50,000-60,000 miles or 4-5 years for the initial change, then more frequently.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended around 60,000 miles for the N55 engine.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) synthetic engine oil. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 0W-40 depending on climate and specific LL rating.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol-based).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Typically a high-quality gear oil, such as Pentosin MTF LT-2 or equivalent, with specific viscosity requirements.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF Dexron VI or approved equivalent.
Differential Fluid Spec:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAF-XJ 75W-140 is common for M models, check for specific 135i requirements).
N55 Engine Common Issues:
Potential for water pump failure, ignition coil issues, and occasional turbocharger wastegate rattle. Early N55 models had a different fuel pump than later ones.
Convertible Top Issues:
Hydraulic pump or cylinder leaks for the convertible top, sensor failures affecting operation.
Power Steering Issues:
Leaks from the electric power steering assist system's hydraulic components.
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks:
Common on many BMW engines, including the N55, leading to oil leaks.
Injectors:
High-pressure fuel injectors can be a wear item on direct-injection engines.
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
1 Series Introduction:
The BMW 1 Series was introduced globally in 2004 as a compact executive car, positioned as BMW's entry-level model. The E88 convertible variant was launched later.
135I Positioning:
The 135i represented the high-performance variant of the 1 Series convertible, offering a potent turbocharged engine and sport-tuned chassis.
Generation:
This 2010 model is part of the first generation 1 Series convertible (E88).
Production Years:
The E88 convertible was produced from 2008 to 2013.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Germany.