2012 BMW 128i Service & Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 128i Year: 2012 Codes Chassis Code: E82 (Coupe), E88 (Convertible) Engine Code: N52B30A 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact Executive Sport Coupe/Convertible...

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Sku: 465085

Tags: 128i 2012 BMW Car Cars Misc

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

Year:

Codes

Chassis Code:

E82 (Coupe), E88 (Convertible)

Engine Code:

N52B30A

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Executive Sport Coupe/Convertible

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a driver-focused BMW experience in a smaller package.

Competitive Analysis

Primary Competitors:

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

Key Features

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW handling, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, responsive steering.

Engine Powertrain:

Naturally aspirated inline-six engine known for smoothness and linear power delivery.

Body Styles:

Available as a 2-door Coupe (E82) and a 2-door Convertible (E88) with a retractable hardtop.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (Downloadable)

Official Licensing:

Officially Licensed

Manual Specifications

File Format Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear diagrams and text.

Print Quality:

Designed for clarity when printed, ensuring readable diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Software)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of N52B30A engine components, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system.

Engine Management:

Detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control (VANOS, Valvetronic, DISA), engine control unit (ECU).

Transmission Manual:

Repair and maintenance procedures for the Getrag GS6-37BZ 6-speed manual transmission.

Transmission Automatic:

Repair and maintenance procedures for the ZF 6HP19TU 6-speed automatic transmission, including mechatronics, torque converter, and clutch packs.

Drivetrain:

Diagnosis and repair of rear-wheel drive system, including driveshaft, differential, axles, and wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension components, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, subframes, springs, and anti-roll bars.

Steering:

Repair and diagnosis of the hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, and steering column.

Brakes:

Comprehensive coverage of hydraulic braking system, including master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and repair of all electrical components, including battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power windows, and mirrors.

Body And Frame:

Repair and alignment procedures for body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, and interior trim.

HVAC:

Diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including climate control, refrigerant system, blower motor, and actuators.

Infotainment And Audio:

Troubleshooting for iDrive system, audio components, navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and complex faults, including OBD-II code interpretation and resolution.

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed instructions for removing and installing virtually every mechanical and electrical component.

Engine Rebuild:

Complete procedures for engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, component replacement (bearings, rings, gaskets), and reassembly with torque specifications.

Transmission Overhaul:

Procedures for transmission removal, disassembly, inspection of internal components, seal and gasket replacement, and reassembly.

Brake System Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush and bleeding, caliper and master cylinder service.

Electrical Component Replacement:

Alternator, starter motor, battery, sensors, and control module replacement and programming procedures.

Suspension Component Replacement:

Strut/shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, wheel bearing replacement.

Bodywork And Trim Repair:

Door panel removal, bumper cover replacement, minor body panel repair guidance.

Technical Depth

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, including fault code interpretation, live data analysis, and component testing using BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., ISTA).

Repair Procedures:

Detailed, step-by-step repair instructions with torque specifications, special tool requirements, and critical clearances.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Comprehensive list of all technical specifications, tolerances, and clearances for engine, transmission, chassis, and electrical components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Full-color, system-specific wiring diagrams for all major vehicle systems.

Torque Specifications:

Essential torque values for all fasteners and critical components.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Engine Code:

N52B30A

Displacement:

2996 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85 mm x 88 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Performance

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded 91 Octane or higher

Engine Features

Valvetrain:

DOHC 4 valves per cylinder with Double VANOS and Valvetronic

Engine Management System:

Bosch Motronic MED17.2

Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ)

Optional

Type:

6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (ZF 6HP19TU) with paddle shifters

Features

Clutch Type Manual:

Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF LT-3 (or equivalent)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Shell M-1375.4 (or equivalent ATF)

Rear Axle Ratio:

3.73:1 (Manual), 3.15:1 (Automatic)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Coupe Length:

4472 mm (176.1 inches)

Coupe Width:

1751 mm (68.9 inches)

Coupe Height:

1389 mm (54.7 inches)

Convertible Length:

4437 mm (174.7 inches)

Convertible Width:

1751 mm (68.9 inches)

Convertible Height:

1413 mm (55.6 inches)

Wheelbase:

2660 mm (104.7 inches)

Front Track:

1508 mm (59.4 inches)

Rear Track:

1531 mm (60.3 inches)

Cargo

Coupe Trunk Volume:

370 Liters (13.1 cubic feet)

Convertible Trunk Volume Top Up:

300 Liters (10.6 cubic feet)

Convertible Trunk Volume Top Down:

200 Liters (7.1 cubic feet)

Weights

Coupe Curb Weight:

1530 kg (3373 lbs)

Convertible Curb Weight:

1775 kg (3913 lbs)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Active Features

Traction Control:

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Braking Assistance:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:

Passive Features

Airbags:

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

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters

Head Restraints:

Active front head restraints

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

System Name:

BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on options)

Display:

Central color display screen (e.g., 6.5-inch or 8.8-inch)

Control Interface:

iDrive controller knob with surrounding buttons

Audio System Options:

Standard BMW Professional Radio, optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.

Driver Assistance

Parking Assistance:

Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) and Front PDC.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Connectivity

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (may require option package).

Usb Aux Input:

Available USB/Audio Interface for music playback and charging.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval Conditional:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system monitors oil life, typically between 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months.

Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (NGK SILZKR8E8G or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Flush Replacement:

BMW Blue Longlife-01 Coolant, first change at approx. 100,000 miles, then every 50,000-60,000 miles.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4+.

Known Issues

Valve Cover Gasket Leaks:

Common for N52 engines due to aging rubber gaskets, leading to oil leaks and potential misfires if oil enters spark plug wells.

Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:

Another common leak point on the N52, especially the rear main seal and oil pan gasket.

Water Pump And Thermostat:

The electric water pump and thermostat can fail, leading to overheating issues. Early detection is crucial.

Pcv Valve And Hoses:

The crankcase ventilation (PCV) system can clog or crack, causing rough idling, oil consumption, and whistling noises.

Power Steering Pump:

Early models may experience power steering pump whine or failure, often related to fluid leaks or internal wear.

Automatic Transmission Mechatronics:

ZF 6HP19TU transmissions can develop issues with the mechatronic unit, leading to shifting problems. Regular fluid changes are recommended.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Bmw Philosophy:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, renowned for performance, luxury, and driving engagement since 1916.

Model Evolution

1 Series Introduction:

The 1 Series was introduced in 2004 as BMW's entry-level compact executive car.

E8X Generation:

The 2012 128i belongs to the first generation 1 Series (E81/E82/E87/E88), specifically the E82 Coupe and E88 Convertible variants.

128I Positioning:

Positioned below the more powerful 135i, the 128i offered a balance of performance and affordability within the BMW lineup.

Production

Production Period E8X:

2004-2013

Assembly Locations:

Germany (Leipzig, Munich), Austria (Graz via Magna Steyr)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 10Best:

While the 128i itself wasn't on the 10Best list, the 1 Series platform has historically been praised for its dynamics, often appearing on similar performance-oriented lists.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally receives good ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, though specific model year ratings can vary.