🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

128i Convertible

Year:

2010

Product Type:

Owners Manual

Market Segment:

Entry-level Luxury Compact Convertible

Chassis Code:

E88

Engine Code Designation:

N52

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 1 Series Convertible (E88) positioned itself as a premium, compact, rear-wheel-drive convertible, offering a more engaging driving experience and premium amenities than mainstream competitors. It aimed at younger, affluent buyers and those seeking a stylish, sporty convertible.

Competitors:

Key competitors included the Audi A3 Cabriolet, Volkswagen Eos, and to some extent, the entry-level models from Mercedes-Benz (like the CLK Cabriolet) and other premium brands. The 128i offered a more focused driving dynamic compared to some rivals.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW driving dynamics, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, and responsive steering.

Convertible Top:

Fully automatic soft-top convertible roof with a glass rear window, offering a classic convertible experience.

Interior Quality:

Premium interior materials, driver-focused dashboard, and typical BMW build quality.

Powertrain Options:

Offered a smooth and powerful inline-six engine (128i model).

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

BMW 128i Convertible (E88 chassis)

Secondary Coverage:

Specific model year 2010 variants, including all trim levels and optional equipment for the 128i Convertible.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for this model and year).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Download Type:

Instant Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, and engine management.

Transmission:

Automatic and manual transmission operation, fluid checks, and basic care.

Chassis:

Suspension, steering, brakes (including ABS and DSC), and wheel/tire information.

Electrical:

Lighting systems, power windows, mirrors, seats, climate control, infotainment system, and basic fuse locations.

Bodywork:

Convertible top operation and care, door locks, mirrors, windows, and interior trim.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, child seat installation (LATCH), traction control (DTC), stability control (DSC), and ABS.

Operation:

Detailed explanation of all vehicle features, controls, and functions.

Maintenance:

Recommended maintenance schedules, fluid checks, tire pressure checks, and basic upkeep.

Troubleshooting:

Basic troubleshooting tips for common warning lights and minor issues.

Emergency:

Information on emergency equipment, roadside assistance, and basic emergency procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information for understanding vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable due to being a digital compilation of the original factory manual.

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of the original factory document, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Engine Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2996 cc)

Engine Code:

N52B30

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Valvetrain:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, VALVETRONIC variable valve lift control, VANOS variable camshaft timing.

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with port injection.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

13.2 gallons (50 liters)

Emission Standard:

Meets Tier 2 Bin 5 emission standards.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Gear Ratios:

Manual: 4.06 / 2.40 / 1.58 / 1.19 / 1.00 / 0.84 (Reverse: 3.15). Automatic ratios vary by specific transmission code, but are designed for performance and efficiency.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW recommends specific ATF fluids (e.g., Shell M-1375.4 or equivalent). Refer to manual for exact specification.

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW recommended manual transmission fluid (e.g., MTF LT-2 or equivalent). Refer to manual for exact specification.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

167.1 inches (4244 mm)

Width:

69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Height:

55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Front Track:

59.3 inches (1506 mm)

Rear Track:

60.2 inches (1529 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4 Passengers

Trunk Volume Convertible Up:

11.1 cubic feet (314 liters)

Trunk Volume Convertible Down:

8.5 cubic feet (241 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3693 lbs (1675 kg) for automatic, 3627 lbs (1645 kg) for manual.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle's VIN plate for specific GVWR.

Towing Capacity:

Not recommended or specified by BMW for this model.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

5-Star (for comparable Coupe/Convertible models of the era, specific Convertible ratings may vary slightly).

IIHS Crash Ratings:

Good in front and side impact tests (for comparable Coupe models).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution.

Dsc:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control and cornering brake control.

Runflat Tires:

Often equipped with Run-Flat Tires (RFT), eliminating the need for a spare tire.

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags integrated into seats, and rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, active front head restraints.

Child Restraint:

ISOFIX/LATCH system for child seat installation in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive infotainment system (with optional Professional Navigation)

Display:

Central LCD display integrated into the dashboard.

Control Interface:

Controller knob on the center console with surrounding buttons, and voice control.

Audio Options:

Standard audio system, optional upgraded HiFi sound system, and optional Harman Kardon surround sound system. Features include AM/FM radio, CD player, and potentially SiriusXM satellite radio.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) with front and rear sensors.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Headlights:

Standard Halogen or optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.

Aux Input:

Standard AUX input for external audio devices.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (often requiring an additional adapter or package).

Usb Input:

Optional USB/iPod interface, typically part of the 'Enhanced Bluetooth' or 'Premium Sound' packages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Consult manual for specific guidance.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Indicated by CBS system.

Coolant Change:

Long-life coolant, typically replaced around 60,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs, but check manual for specific recommendations.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions and inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or annually, depending on conditions.

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 certified synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30. Check oil cap or manual for exact specification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent HOAT coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Brake Fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid. Refer to manual for exact specification.

Common Wear Items:

Water pump (especially plastic impeller models), valve cover gasket leaks, VANOS solenoids, ignition coils, and spark plugs.

Convertible Top Mechanism:

Occasional issues with the hydraulic system, sensors, or motors for the convertible top, particularly with age and mileage.

Suspension Components:

Worn control arm bushings and shock absorbers can affect ride quality and alignment.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, high-performance vehicles with a strong emphasis on engineering and luxury.

1 Series Genesis:

The first-generation 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88) was introduced in 2004, representing BMW's entry into the premium compact segment. The E88 convertible variant was launched in 2008, based on the E82 coupe platform.

E88 Platform:

The E88 convertible utilized a reinforced chassis to maintain structural rigidity without a fixed roof, a hallmark of BMW's convertible engineering. It shared many components with the 1 Series Coupe and 3 Series models of the era.

Production Years E88:

2008-2013

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured at BMW's Leipzig plant in Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Accolades:

The BMW 1 Series, including the convertible variant, generally received praise for its handling and performance within the compact luxury segment, often being lauded as a driver's car.

Specific Awards:

While specific awards for the 2010 128i Convertible are not prominently documented as a single entity, the E88 platform as a whole was recognized for its dynamic capabilities and received positive reviews from automotive journalists.