🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

135i

Year:

2012

Generation Code:

E82 (coupe), E88 (convertible)

Chassis Code:

E82 (coupe), E88 (convertible)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Entry-level performance coupe/convertible within the BMW lineup, targeting enthusiasts seeking a balance of sportiness and practicality.

Competitors:

Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe/Convertible, Infiniti G37 Coupe/Convertible, Ford Mustang

Performance Focus:

Powerful N55 engine, RWD chassis, sport-tuned suspension, available M Sport package.

Styling:

Classic BMW proportions, aggressive front fascia, distinctive Hofmeister kink.

Premium Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, advanced technology features for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Regions:

Global (North America, Europe, Asia, etc.)

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Primary Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software/PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

N55 Twin-scroll Turbocharged Inline-6 (3.0L)

Engine Management:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics), ignition, fuel injection, emissions control

Transmission Manual:

Getrag GS6-37BZ 6-speed manual

Transmission Automatic:

ZF 6HP19TU 6-speed automatic (optional)

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD), differential, driveshafts

Suspension:

Front: MacPherson strut with aluminum wishbones. Rear: Multi-link independent suspension.

Brakes:

Front: Vented discs with dual-piston calipers. Rear: Vented discs with single-piston calipers. ABS, DSC, DTC, CBC.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering

Electrical System:

12V battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis structure

HVAC:

Climate control system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core

Infotainment And Navigation:

iDrive system, radio, CD player, navigation (CCC/CIC), audio components

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, SRS module, pre-tensioners

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (DTC), diagnostic connector (OBD-II)

Repair Engine:

Engine assembly/disassembly, component replacement (turbocharger, injectors, ignition coils), timing chain service

Repair Transmission:

Clutch replacement, transmission fluid/filter change, automatic transmission servicing

Repair Brakes:

Brake caliper rebuild/replacement, brake line replacement, ABS module diagnostics

Repair Suspension:

Shock absorber/strut replacement, control arm replacement, wheel bearing replacement, alignment specifications

Repair Electrical:

Starter/alternator replacement, battery testing, wiring harness repair, sensor replacement

Body Repair:

Panel removal/installation, door mechanism adjustment, bumper repair

HVAC Repair:

A/C system evacuation/recharge, blower motor replacement, cabin filter replacement

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component identification

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced electrical diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF/Proprietary Software

Quality:

High-resolution diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Software)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Software)

Text Search:

Fully searchable text content

Features:

Hyperlinked table of contents, clickable diagrams, potential video integration (depending on specific software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

N55B30

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Twin-scroll Turbocharged, Double VANOS, Valvetronic

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

High-pressure direct injection (Bosch HPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded 91+ Octane

Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts)

Recommended Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., Castrol SYNTEC 5W-30)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag GS6-37BZ 6-speed manual

Type:

ZF 6HP19TU 6-speed automatic with Steptronic

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulic single-plate clutch

Automatic Modes:

Sport, Manual (Steptronic), Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC)

Fluid Type:

MTF-LT-3 (Manual Transmission Fluid LT-3)

Fluid Type:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (or equivalent BMW ATF LT-5)

📐 Dimensions

Coupe Length:

172.2 inches (4374 mm)

Coupe Width:

69.9 inches (1775 mm)

Coupe Height:

55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Convertible Wheelbase:

104.7 inches (2659 mm)

Coupe Trunk Volume:

11.0 cubic feet (310 liters)

Coupe Curb Weight:

3450-3571 lbs (1565-1620 kg)

Convertible Curb Weight:

3858-3957 lbs (1750-1795 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (2012 model year)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for Coupe models)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC)

Braking Assistance:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags, head protection airbags (front and rear)

Seatbelts:

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

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC Professional Navigation system)

Display:

Central Information Display (CID), typically 7-inch or 8.8-inch screen.

Connectivity:

Bluetooth, USB audio interface, AUX input.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Parking Distance Control (PDC) with front and rear sensors.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional adaptive cruise control (ACC) on some models.

Telematics:

Optional BMW ConnectedDrive services.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition-based servicing (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 miles for N55 engines, but check CBS.

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 12,000-15,000 miles or annually.

Engine Air Filter:

Every 30,000 miles or as per CBS.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (check specific vehicle build)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)

Common Problems Engine:

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures, PCV valve issues, oil leaks from valve cover gasket, turbocharger wastegate rattle.

Common Problems Transmission:

Automatic transmission torque converter issues, manual clutch wear.

Common Problems Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, strut mount failure.

Common Problems Electrical:

Water pump failure (electric), alternator issues, iDrive system glitches.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, a German luxury vehicle and motorcycle manufacturer, known for performance and driving dynamics.

1 Series Lineage:

The 1 Series represents BMW's compact executive segment, introduced as a more accessible entry into BMW ownership. The E82/E88 generation (2007-2013) offered a more driver-focused experience, especially with the 135i variant.

Production Period:

2007-2013 (for E82/E88 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Mainly Germany (Leipzig, Regensburg)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Auto World 10 Best Engines:

The N54 (predecessor) and N55 engines have received multiple 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' awards for their performance and technology.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Variable; generally average to above average for the brand, with specific known issues addressed in the manual.