🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

135i Convertible

Year:

2011

Chassis Code:

E88

Engine Code:

N55B30

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Compact Convertible

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a sporty, premium convertible with strong performance.

Competitors:

Audi A3 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible (prior generation), Infiniti G37 Convertible, Lexus IS Convertible.

Usp:

Rear-wheel drive platform, potent turbocharged inline-six engine, engaging driving dynamics, premium interior, retractable hardtop (in some earlier generations, but this is a soft-top convertible).

Body Style:

2-door convertible

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Information, Seat Adjustments, Storage Compartments, Driving Experience Control, Doors and Windows, Convertible Top Operation, Mirrors, Steering Wheel Controls, Audio System, Navigation System, Communication System, Climate Control System, Interior Lighting, Exterior Lighting, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, On-Board Diagnostics, Maintenance Information, Vehicle Care, Troubleshooting, Emergency Procedures, Safety Features, Driving Assistance Systems, Vehicle Settings.

Estimated Pages:

300-400

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation and basic checks, transmission operation.

Chassis:

Brakes, steering, suspension (general operation and checks).

Electrical:

Lights, interior/exterior, instrument cluster, infotainment system, climate control, power windows, convertible top mechanism, mirrors.

Body:

Doors, locks, convertible top operation, storage, seating adjustments.

Maintenance:

Tire pressure checks, fluid level checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), basic cleaning and care.

Troubleshooting:

Understanding warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues, emergency procedures.

Operation:

Detailed operation of all vehicle systems, including infotainment, climate control, convertible top, lighting, and driver assistance features.

Depth:

Comprehensive user-level operation and maintenance, not intended for in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

Factory standard resolution (suitable for digital viewing and printing)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Twin-Scroll Turbocharged

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 @ 1300-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection (High-Precision Injection)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant

Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved)

Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Drivelogic

Clutch Type Manual:

Hydraulic, single dry plate

Fluid Type Manual:

BMW MTF LT-3 (or equivalent)

Fluid Type Dct:

DCTF-1 (or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

168.0 inches (4267 mm)

Width:

68.3 inches (1735 mm)

Height:

54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches (2657 mm)

Front Track:

59.0 inches (1500 mm)

Rear Track:

60.0 inches (1525 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3638 lbs (1650 kg)

Curb Weight Dct:

Approx. 3715 lbs (1685 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 7.1 cu ft (with top up)

Trunk Volume Top Down:

Approx. 4.1 cu ft (with top down)

Standard Wheel Size:

18 x 7.5 inch front, 18 x 8.0 inch rear

Standard Tire Size:

205/50R18 front, 225/45R18 rear

Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Center Bore:

72.5 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not explicitly rated as a convertible. Previous E88 generations often received 4-star front/5-star side ratings.

IIHS Ratings:

Typically performed well in frontal and side impact tests for its class.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Asc:

Automatic Stability Control

DTC:

Dynamic Traction Control

Dynamic Stability Control:

Standard DSC with Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Brake Drying

Driver Assistance:

Optional: Adaptive Headlights, Parking Distance Control (PDC)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags (integrated into seats), head protection system (curtain airbags in the A-pillars).

Rollover Protection:

Active rollover protection system (deployable roll bars behind rear headrests).

Seat Belts:

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

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Professional Radio or iDrive System

Display:

Central color display (7-inch or optional larger screen for iDrive)

Audio:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound.

Connectivity:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB/Auxiliary input.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on some models.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parking Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear sensors.

Idrive Integration:

Allows customization of vehicle settings, climate control, entertainment, navigation, and vehicle status information.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition-based service (CBS), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years (as per CBS)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (refer to CBS for exact timing).

Cabin Air Filter:

Recommended annually or every 15,000 miles (refer to CBS).

Engine Oil:

BMW LL-01 Approved Synthetic SAE 0W-40

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 High Performance

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW recommended equivalent

Common Wear Items:

Water pump and thermostat housing (prone to leaks), ignition coils and spark plugs, VANOS solenoids, clutch components (manual), fuel injectors (N55).

Convertible Top Issues:

Hydraulic fluid leaks, motor wear, sensor issues, fabric wear/discoloration. Regular cleaning and lubrication are crucial.

Tpms Reset Procedure:

Requires specific procedure via iDrive or dashboard button after tire pressure adjustments.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history of producing sporty and luxurious vehicles, known for their 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.

Generation:

Second generation (E82/E88) 1 Series.

Previous Generation:

E81/E82/E87/E88 (introduced 2004, E88 convertible launched 2008)

Next Generation:

F20/F23 (1 Series hatchback and convertible, introduced 2011 onwards for hatchback, convertible variant later for F23)

Production Years:

2008-2013 (for E88 chassis)

Manufacturing Location:

Leipzig, Germany (BMW Plant Leipzig)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Year Specific Awards:

While specific 2011 awards for the 135i Convertible are not always highlighted, the 1 Series platform as a whole has received numerous accolades for its driving dynamics and premium feel over its lifespan.