Segment:
Compact premium sports coupe
Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos applied to a compact, RWD platform.
Key Competitors:
Infiniti G37 Coupe, Audi A3/A5 (depending on market and configuration), Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Powertrain Emphasis:
Powerful turbocharged inline-six engine, rear-wheel drive bias
Handling:
Sport-tuned suspension, balanced chassis, often praised for driving dynamics
Idrive Integration:
Centralized control system for infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual/automatic), differential, drive shafts
Brakes:
Brake system operation, parking brake, ABS, DSC
Suspension Steering:
Suspension components, steering system operation
Electrical:
Battery, lighting, fuses, electrical accessories, iDrive system
Body Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, interior features, body panels
Safety Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, alarm system, central locking
Infotainment:
iDrive system operation, audio system, navigation (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, fuel filling, using controls and indicators
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and messages, basic problem diagnosis
Emergency:
Tire changing, jump starting, breakdown procedures
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
Configuration:
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm
Redline:
Approximately 7000 rpm
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (High-Pressure)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters
Rear Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (often standard or optional on 135i)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific BMW part numbers and viscosity grades (e.g., ATF Dexron III or equivalent for some models, specialized MTF for others).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ETL-7045E or equivalent for Steptronic (requires specialized BMW fluid, not generic ATF).
Length:
Approx. 168.6 inches (4283 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.9 inches (1776 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.4 inches (1408 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.7 inches (2659 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3600 lbs (1588-1633 kg), depending on transmission and options
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for the 1-Series Coupe platform)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for the 1-Series Coupe platform)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags)
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats
System Name:
iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on specific build date/options)
Display Type:
Central LCD display controlled via iDrive controller and buttons.
Audio System:
Standard BMW Professional Radio with CD player, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Lighting Features:
Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
Bluetooth:
Standard or optional Bluetooth hands-free interface with USB audio integration.
Navigation:
Optional Professional Navigation System (CCC or CIC).
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles for N54 engine (verify with CBS).
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-40.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change (verify in manual).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 quarts (7.5 liters).
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (CHF 11 S or equivalent - check specific system)
Common Problems:
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) issues, turbocharger wastegate rattle, ignition coil failures, injector problems, oil filter housing gasket leaks, water pump failures (electric on later models, but mechanical on early E82).
Maintenance Considerations:
The N54 engine requires diligent maintenance due to its twin-turbocharged nature; regular oil changes with the correct specification oil are critical. Monitor for early signs of the common issues.
Philosophy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for performance, luxury, and driver engagement, dating back to its origins in aviation and automotive engineering.
Generation:
First Generation E82 Coupe (introduced for the 2008 model year in the US).
Positioning:
The 1-Series was conceived as BMW's entry-level, RWD-biased model, offering a more compact and agile alternative to the 3-Series.
Manufacturing Location:
Leipzig, Germany
Production Years E82:
2007-2013
