🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

128i Convertible

Year:

2011

Body Style:

Convertible

Generation Code:

E88

Generation Years:

2007-2013

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact luxury sports convertible.

Target Audience:

Individuals seeking a premium, driver-focused convertible experience with BMW's characteristic engineering and styling.

Key Competitors:

Audi A3 Cabriolet, Volkswagen Eos, Ford Mustang Convertible, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible (though often in a slightly different price/performance bracket).

Driving Dynamics:

Rear-wheel-drive platform, balanced chassis, responsive steering contributing to BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' reputation.

Convertible Operation:

Fully automatic soft top with a dedicated button for opening and closing, often with remote operation functionality.

Engine Philosophy:

Emphasis on smooth power delivery and refinement from the naturally aspirated inline-six engine.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive owner's information for the 2011 BMW 128i Convertible.

Specific Topics Covered:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driving and Parking, Vehicle Care, Vehicle Specifications, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Tire Information, Emergency Procedures.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for factory manuals of this era).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Details on the N52B30 naturally aspirated inline-6 engine, including operation and basic care.

Chassis:

Information on steering, suspension, brakes, and wheel/tire considerations.

Electrical:

Explanation of interior and exterior lighting, instrument cluster indicators, and basic electrical system operation.

Comfort Convenience:

Covers climate control system, infotainment (radio, CD, auxiliary inputs), power windows, mirrors, and convertible top operation.

Safety:

Details on airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, and basic safety features.

Driving Operation:

Instructions on starting the engine, gear selection (if automatic), parking, and basic driving techniques.

Maintenance Checks:

Guidance on checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), tire pressure, and lights.

Emergency:

Instructions for tire changes, jump-starting, and using emergency equipment.

Convertible Top:

Detailed steps for operating and caring for the power-operated soft top.

Depth:

Owner-level information for day-to-day operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Does not cover in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF for easy information retrieval.

Print Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of the original factory manual, suitable for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Product)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

N52B30

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder

Displacement:

2996 cc (3.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

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

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (ZF 6HP19TU)

Automatic Features:

Sequential shift mode, manual override via selector lever or paddle shifters (if equipped).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-3 (or equivalent API GL-4 75W-80 synthetic)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (or equivalent ATF Dexron-VI/Mercon LV)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

168.5 inches (4279 mm)

Width:

68.3 inches (1735 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4 Passengers

Trunk Volume Top Up:

11.1 cu ft (314 liters)

Trunk Volume Top Down:

7.0 cu ft (198 liters)

Curb Weight Manual:

3549 lbs (1610 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

3593 lbs (1630 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for related coupe/convertible models of the era, though specific convertible ratings can vary).

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for related coupe/convertible models of the era).

Stability Control:

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

Braking:

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

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, rollover protection system (automatic pop-up bars).

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with belt tensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

I Drive System:

Early generation iDrive system (CCC or CIC, depending on options) for controlling infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings.

Audio Options:

Standard BMW Professional Radio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary input jack, optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear sensors.

Lighting:

Standard Halogen headlights, optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.

Keyless Entry Start:

Optional Comfort Access System allowing keyless entry and push-button start.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Frequency:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or severe driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles for the N52 engine.

Engine Oil Type:

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

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S (or equivalent hydraulic system fluid).

Valve Cover Gasket:

Potential for oil leaks from the valve cover gasket due to age and material degradation.

Water Pump And Thermostat:

Failure of the electric water pump and thermostat assembly can lead to overheating; often replaced proactively around higher mileage.

Pcv System:

Clogged or failed Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can cause rough idling, oil leaks, and other issues.

Convertible Top Motors And Hydraulics:

Occasional issues with the hydraulic system or motors for the convertible top mechanism.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is renowned for producing premium automobiles with a strong emphasis on driving dynamics, performance, and engineering excellence.

1 Series Concept:

The 1 Series was introduced as BMW's entry-level compact executive vehicle, offering a more accessible gateway to the brand's premium experience. The E88 convertible variant provided a stylish, open-air option within this compact segment.

Platform:

E88 (Convertible version of the E81/E82/E87 platform).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Year Of Award:

N/A for specific 2011 model year award; however, BMW 1 Series generally well-regarded for driving dynamics.

Consumer Reports Rating:

Variable, but BMW vehicles typically score well in driving experience and performance categories.

Certification:

As a factory manual, it adheres to BMW's internal documentation standards and industry practices.