Segment:
Premium Compact Sports Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a sporty, stylish convertible with a premium badge and advanced technology.
Key Competitors:
Audi A3 Convertible, Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible (predecessor), Audi TT Roadster, Volkswagen Eos, Ford Mustang Convertible.
Powertrain:
Rear-wheel drive dynamics, naturally aspirated inline-six engine.
Handling:
Renowned BMW driving dynamics, balanced chassis, responsive steering.
Design:
Classic BMW proportions, convertible body style, sporty and elegant appearance.
Technology:
iDrive infotainment system with navigation capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity.
General Operation:
Vehicle controls, dashboard layout, instrument cluster, warning indicators, door locks, windows, mirrors, seats, steering wheel, climate control, audio system, iDrive infotainment system.
Engine:
Engine identification, oil levels, coolant levels, starter system, fuel system overview, ignition system overview, emission control system overview.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, gear selection, parking brake.
Brakes:
Brake system operation, parking brake.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), tire changes, wheel care.
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lights, turn signals, fog lights.
Convertible Top:
Operation of the power-operated convertible top, top maintenance and care.
Infotainment Idrive:
iDrive controller and display operation, radio, CD player, navigation system (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity, telephone functions, audio settings, climate control integration.
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat installation (LATCH system), dynamic stability control (DSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Driver Assistance:
Cruise control, parking distance control (PDC) (if equipped).
Maintenance And Care:
Vehicle cleaning, fluid checks, tire care, wiper blade replacement, light bulb replacement, winter driving preparation, long-term storage.
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, changing a flat tire, using the vehicle's warning triangle and first-aid kit, towing the vehicle.
Basic Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, operating lights, wipers, and climate control.
Convertible Top Operation:
Detailed steps for opening and closing the power convertible top, including manual overrides if applicable.
Idrive System Navigation:
Navigating menus, adjusting settings, using the radio, CD player, and phone functions.
Fluid Level Checks:
Instructions on how to check and top off essential fluids like engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
Tire Pressure Maintenance:
Understanding the TPMS and checking tire pressures.
Bulb Replacement:
Guidance on replacing common exterior and interior light bulbs.
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Instructions for replacing the windshield wiper blades.
Jump Starting:
Safe procedures for jump starting the vehicle.
Tire Changing:
Steps for safely changing a flat tire, including locating the jack and spare tire/repair kit.
Child Seat Installation:
Guidance on proper installation of child restraint systems.
Diagnostic Level:
Owner-level diagnostics; troubleshooting basic issues and understanding warning lights. Does not cover in-depth mechanical or electrical diagnostics.
Maintenance Level:
Covers routine maintenance checks, fluid top-offs, and minor component replacements (e.g., bulbs, wipers) that an owner can perform. Does not detail complex mechanical procedures.
Repair Level:
Limited repair information; focuses on user-serviceable items. Does not provide detailed repair procedures or specifications for mechanics.
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for 2010 models in general, specific convertible ratings may vary)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 1 Series Coupe/Convertible, specific sub-model ratings may vary)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control
Tpms:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, head protection system (front and rear)
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with front seat-belt pretensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Integrated rollover protection system (pop-up bars)
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Display Type:
Central color LCD display integrated into the dashboard
Control Interface:
iDrive Controller knob with surrounding buttons, optional voice control.
Audio Features:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, Radio Data System (RDS), optional SiriusXM satellite radio, USB audio interface (with adapter for older iPods).
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System with map data on DVD, turn-by-turn directions.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Parking Distance Control (PDC) with front and rear sensors.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (with compatible devices).
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Refer to manual for exact CBS indicators.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended around 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs (check specific recommendations).
Coolant Replacement:
BMW long-life coolant, often recommended at 100,000 miles for the first change, then every 50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) compliant synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Long-Life Coolant (G48 or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Refer to manual; typically specific synthetic gear oil, e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
BMW ATF 7144E or ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (LF-6)
Common Issues General:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil filter housing, water pump failure (plastic impeller), electric water pump failure (on later N52 variants), VANOS solenoid issues, ignition coil failures, PCV valve issues (can lead to oil leaks and rough idle).
Common Issues Convertible Top:
Hydraulic system leaks, fabric wear, sensor malfunctions, motor issues. Regular cleaning and lubrication are crucial.
Common Issues Idrive:
Occasional software glitches, navigation system updates required. Button wear on the iDrive controller.
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
First Generation E82 E88:
The E82 (Coupe) and E88 (Convertible) generation of the 1 Series was introduced in 2007, serving as BMW's entry-level platform, designed to offer core BMW driving dynamics in a more compact and affordable package than the 3 Series.
128I Positioning:
The 128i represented the more accessible, naturally aspirated inline-six model within the 1 Series lineup, offering a balance of performance and efficiency, positioned below the more powerful 135i.
Production Period:
2007-2013 (E82/E88 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Leipzig, Germany