🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

128i

Model Code:

E82 (Coupe), E88 (Convertible)

Year:

2011

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2011 BMW 128i is positioned as an entry-level premium compact sport coupe and convertible, appealing to buyers seeking a more accessible BMW driving experience with rear-wheel drive dynamics and a naturally aspirated inline-six engine.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Infiniti G37 Coupe, and Cadillac CTS Coupe. The 128i differentiated itself with its RWD platform and iconic BMW handling characteristics.

Key Features:

Rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated inline-six engine, balanced chassis, premium interior appointments, available M Sport package.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Specifications

Page Count:

Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive software)

Manual Type:

Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (Downloadable/Installable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

N52B30AF (3.0L Inline-6), including Maintanence, Diagnostics, Repair Procedures, Component Replacement, Engine Management System (DME)

Transmission:

ZF 6HP19TU (6-Speed Automatic) and Getrag GS6-37BZ (6-Speed Manual) including operation, diagnostics, fluid changes, clutch replacement (manual), valve body service (automatic)

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Differential, Axles, Driveshafts, CV Joints

Suspension:

Front: MacPherson Struts, Control Arms, Sway Bar. Rear: Multi-link, Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers, Sway Bar. Includes alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated Discs. Rear: Solid Discs. ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Brake Booster, Brake Lines, Calipers, Pads, Rotors. Includes bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Electric Power Steering (EPS), Steering Rack, Tie Rods, Steering Column. Includes troubleshooting for EPS faults.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, component location, fuse box layouts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), module descriptions (ECU, DME, TCU, DSC, CAS, FRM etc.), lighting systems, sensors, actuators.

Climate Control:

HVAC System, Blower Motor, Condenser, Evaporator, Compressor, Refrigerant, Automatic Climate Control Module.

Body:

Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, mirrors, interior trim, seat mechanisms, convertible top operation (E88).

Safety Systems:

Airbags, Seat Belt Pre-tensioners, SRS module, crash sensors, occupant detection.

Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, differential fluid change, transmission fluid change.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, DTC interpretation, live data analysis, component testing, pressure testing, circuit testing.

Repair:

Engine component replacement (e.g., valve cover gasket, water pump, thermostat, injectors), transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement (e.g., control arms, shock absorbers), starter replacement, alternator replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step guides for common and uncommon issues, fault finding trees, intermittent problem resolution.

Installation:

Component installation procedures, torque specifications for all fasteners.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid services to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic routines and wiring diagrams for advanced troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (searchable, printable)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6

Engine Code:

N52B30AF

Displacement:

2996 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic MED17.2

Valve Train:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 7.8 Liters (8.2 Quarts)

Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (BMW LL-01 Approved)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts)

Oil Filter Part Number:

BMW 11 42 7 541 827 (or equivalent OEM)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual (Getrag GS6-37BZ)

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP19TU)

Automatic Features:

Steptronic (manual shifting mode), Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF LifeguardFluid 6 (LF-6) or equivalent

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Coupe: 4239 mm (166.9 in), Convertible: 4222 mm (166.2 in)

Width:

Coupe: 1751 mm (68.9 in), Convertible: 1751 mm (68.9 in)

Height:

Coupe: 1415 mm (55.7 in), Convertible: 1395 mm (54.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2660 mm (104.7 in)

Curb Weight:

Coupe: Approx. 1505 kg (3318 lbs), Convertible: Approx. 1665 kg (3670 lbs)

Trunk Capacity:

Coupe: 370 L (13.1 cu ft), Convertible: 305 L (10.8 cu ft) with top up

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120

Standard Tire Size:

205/55R16 or 205/50R17 (depending on trim/options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

5-Star Frontal Crash, 5-Star Side Crash (as per typical for era and segment, specific rating may vary by test)

Active Safety:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Passive Safety:

Front Airbags, Side Airbags (front), Head Protection System (front and rear), Active Head Restraints, Seat Belt Pretensioners, Rollover Protection System (Convertible).

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

iDrive system with optional navigation, Radio Professional, CD player, optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming (optional), USB interface (optional).

Driver Assistance Features:

Parking Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear (optional), Adaptive Xenon Headlights (optional), Rain-sensing wipers, Automatic climate control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Service:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and vehicle condition monitoring system (CBS - Condition Based Service).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years

Coolant Flush:

Every 4-5 years or 50,000-60,000 miles (BMW Blue Antifreeze)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (using long-life spark plugs)

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually

Engine Air Filter:

Every 30,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW typically advises 'lifetime' fill, but independent recommendations suggest changing every 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Recommended at 60,000-100,000 miles

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S (or BMW P/N 83 29 0 429 576)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (BMW P/N 81 22 9 400 312)

Known Issues Engine:

Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket), coolant leaks (water pump, thermostat housing), VANOS solenoids, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system issues.

Known Issues Electrical:

FRM (Footwell Module) failure leading to lighting issues, CAS module (immobilizer) problems, power window regulators.

Known Issues Suspension:

Front control arm bushings wear, strut mounts.

Known Issues Transmission:

Automatic transmission shifting issues (may require fluid service or valve body inspection), manual clutch wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German luxury automobile, motorcycle, and engine manufacturer founded in 1916. Known for its performance-oriented vehicles and emphasis on driving dynamics.

Model Evolution:

The 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88) was introduced in 2004 as BMW's smallest model line. The E82 Coupe and E88 Convertible were introduced in 2007 and 2008 respectively, offering a more stylish and sportier alternative to the hatchback. The 128i was the entry-level model within this generation, featuring the naturally aspirated inline-six.

Production Years:

2007-2013 (for E82/E88 generation)

Production Locations:

Leipzig, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 2011 128i might be niche, the 1 Series platform as a whole has received acclaim for its driving dynamics and compact luxury packaging from various automotive publications over its lifecycle.