🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

1 Series

Model Variant:

128i, 135i Convertible, Coupe

Year:

2009

Market:

USDM (United States Domestic Market)

Chassis Code:

E82 (Coupe), E88 (Convertible)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact premium sports coupe/convertible

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a premium, engaging driving experience with compact dimensions and performance-oriented design.

Primary Competitors:

Audi A3, Infiniti G37 Coupe, Lexus IS-C, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe/Convertible

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW handling, rear-wheel drive platform (optional xDrive on some models), balanced chassis.

Infotainment:

Integration of the iDrive system for control of various vehicle functions.

Design:

Distinctive BMW styling, compact footprint with sporty proportions.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Bodystyles:

Convertible, Coupe

Covered Trim Levels:

128i, 135i

Covered Features:

iDrive Infotainment System

Estimated Page Count:

300-400 pages (typical for a comprehensive owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual / User's Manual / Operator's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet (Original Equipment)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system

Transmission:

Automatic and Manual transmission operation, basic care

Chassis:

Suspension, steering, braking system (basic operation)

Electrical:

Lighting, instrumentation, power outlets, basic electrical system operation

Infotainment:

iDrive system operation, radio, CD player, navigation (if equipped), Bluetooth

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control, power windows, mirrors, seats, convertible top operation

Safety:

Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, ABS, traction control, stability control

Instrumentation And Controls:

Dashboard layout, warning lights, indicator symbols, switches

Driver Assistance:

Cruise control, parking assist (if equipped)

Operation:

Starting and operating the vehicle, parking, fuel filling

Maintenance:

Fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement (basic)

Troubleshooting:

Interpreting warning lights, basic troubleshooting steps

Settings Adjustment:

Personalizing vehicle settings via iDrive, seat and mirror adjustments

Emergency:

Emergency equipment location, jump starting (basic guidance)

Depth:

Owner-level operation and basic maintenance, intended for end-users

Diagnostic Scope:

Covers interpretation of dashboard warnings, not detailed diagnostic procedures or fault code reading.

Repair Scope:

Focuses on user-maintainable items; complex repairs require a dedicated service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Physical Product)

Print Quality:

High quality, professional printing with clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or saddle-stitched booklet.

Paper Type:

Durable, glossy paper stock typical for automotive owner's manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

128I Engine:

3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (N52B30)

128I Engine Code:

N52B30

135I Engine:

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54B30)

135I Engine Code:

N54B30

128I Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

128I Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2750-4250 rpm

135I Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

135I Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Port Injection on N52, Direct Injection on N54)

Engine Control Unit:

Bosch Motronic (specific model varies by engine)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission 128I:

6-speed manual

Transmission 135I:

6-speed manual

Transmission 128I Optional:

6-speed Steptronic automatic

Transmission 135I Optional:

6-speed Steptronic automatic

Clutch:

Hydraulic clutch actuation

Automatic Features:

Adaptive shift logic, manual shift mode (Steptronic)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Length Coupe:

Approx. 171.8 inches (4364 mm)

Length Convertible:

Approx. 172.1 inches (4371 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.9 inches (1776 mm)

Height Coupe:

Approx. 55.8 inches (1417 mm)

Height Convertible:

Approx. 55.6 inches (1412 mm)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 59.7 inches (1516 mm)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 60.7 inches (1541 mm)

Curb Weight 128I Coupe:

Approx. 3340 lbs (1515 kg)

Curb Weight 135I Coupe:

Approx. 3445 lbs (1563 kg)

Curb Weight 128I Convertible:

Approx. 3649 lbs (1655 kg)

Curb Weight 135I Convertible:

Approx. 3790 lbs (1719 kg)

Trunk Volume Coupe:

Approx. 11.1 cu ft (314 L)

Trunk Volume Convertible:

Approx. 10.0 cu ft (280 L) with top up, reduced when down

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star (for Convertible)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for Coupe)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control

Braking:

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

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, rollover protection system (Convertible)

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with automatic tensioners

Child Restraint:

ISOFIX (LATCH) anchors

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on exact build date and options)

Display Type:

Central color LCD screen, typically 6.5 or 8.8 inches.

Audio Options:

AM/FM stereo, CD player, MP3 playback, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Navigation:

Optional Professional navigation system with map updates.

Cruise Control:

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

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking sensors (PDC - Park Distance Control), front sensors on some models.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming available.

Usb Aux:

USB/AUX input for audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically indicates oil changes every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. However, driving conditions may necessitate more frequent changes.

Brake Fluid Change:

Typically every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Change:

First change typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km) thereafter, depending on BMW coolant specifications.

Spark Plug Replacement N52:

Around 60,000 miles (96,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement N54:

Around 45,000 miles (72,000 km) due to higher operating stresses

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity.

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 BMW Super DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (specific viscosity required, check manual for exact spec)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW ETL-7045 E or equivalent (for 6HP series transmissions)

N54 Common Issues:

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, injector issues, turbocharger wastegate rattle, vacuum line leaks.

N52 Common Issues:

Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, eccentric shaft sensor failure, crankcase vent valve (CCV) issues.

Convertible Top Issues:

Hydraulic leaks for the convertible top system, sensor malfunctions preventing operation.

Water Pump:

Electric water pump and thermostat on N54 can be failure points.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles with a premium image.

First Generation:

The first generation 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88) debuted in 2004 (Europe) and arrived in the US for the 2008 model year.

2009 Updates:

The 2009 model year represented an early phase of this generation, offering the newly introduced Coupe (E82) and Convertible (E88) bodystyles alongside the existing Hatchback (E87/E81).

Manufacturing Plant:

Leipzig, Germany (primary production facility)

Production Years E82 E88:

2007-2013 (global), 2008-2013 (US market)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Auto:

The N54 engine powering the 135i was recognized on Ward's 10 Best Engines list multiple times.

Car And Driver 10Best:

The 1 Series Coupe and Convertible often featured on '10Best' lists for their performance and handling.