In 2008, BMW introduced the first generation of the 1-Series in the North American market. Only two models from the lineup made it to our shores — the BMW 128i and the BMW 135i. While the latter was the more powerful car with a turbocharged inline-six engine, it’s the BMW 128i that went down in history as a firm favorite amongst enthusiasts.
Owing to its short wheelbase and compact dimensions, the BMW 1-Series was marketed as the spiritual successor to the iconic BMW 2002. It replaced the BMW 3-Series as the entry into the German manufacturer’s lineup and returned excellent value. At the time, the BMW 128i was the most affordable new BMW you could buy, but it also happened to be the one that fit the manufacturer’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” slogan most appropriately.
The 1-Series borrowed its powertrain and many of its underpinnings from the larger BMW 3-Series but compromised on rear legroom for a lighter, more nimble package. Today, you can buy a decently maintained pre-owned BMW 128i for a third of the price it debuted with. If you’re in the market for one, this article should answer any queries you might have — from the optional extras worth looking for to potential issues you’ll face.
What Engine Is in the BMW 128i?
The BMW 128i is powered by the silky smooth naturally aspirated 3.0L inline-six N52 engine. By the mid-2000s, BMW had built a reputation for making some of the best naturally aspirated inline-six engines out there. The N52 had some big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of the highly successful M54, and it did not disappoint.
The BMW N52 was the first water-cooled engine to use a magnesium and aluminum composite engine block. BMW did so in order to build a lighter engine that didn’t compromise durability. This new approach is a massive factor in the N52 being regarded as one of the most reliable modern BMW engines.
BMW also equipped the N52 with Double-VANOS (variable valve timing), Valvetronic (variable valve lift) system, a variable output oil pump, and an electric water pump.
What the N52 on the BMW 128i is capable of may not seem like a lot on paper. But out in the real world, this was an engine that offered more than enough performance to keep you engaged from the moment you stepped on the throttle.
In fact, the N52 garnered so much admiration that its prowess was compared to that of the revered 2JZ ‘GE’ from the far east. It also holds a special place in the German manufacturer’s history for being the last naturally-aspirated engine that BMW produced before the entire lineup transitioned to include turbochargers.
The Baby Bazooka
The N52 engine at the heart of the BMW 128i produced 228 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. By today’s standards, these are somewhat unglamorous figures. However, the BMW 128i was able to make do just fine as it was a compact machine, and these numbers were more than adequate for spirited driving.
BMW offered the car with two gearbox options — a 6-speed manual that came as standard fitment or an optional 6-speed automatic. The manual was a sheer joy to drive, and quickly became the more popular option. It was also the quicker of the two, with BMW claiming a 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds. On the other hand, the automatic version took 6.7 seconds to achieve the same feat.
What made the BMW 128i (and the first-generation of the 1-Series) really special was that every model in the lineup was equipped with rear-wheel drive. This, combined with the near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, resulted in an exhilarating machine around corners with almost no oversteer.
BMW 128i Chassis and Features
The BMW 128i borrowed many of its hardware and features from the BMW 3-Series. It featured the same aluminum front suspension — a twin-joint tension strut unit that offered excellent durability while reducing weight. It resulted in a car that was noticeably agile and responsive. Braking hardware was also impressive, working alongside BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control to improve the driver’s control. Other safety features included Dynamic Brake Control, Cornering Brake Control, and Traction Control.
Another nifty feature that enhanced safety was the Brake Stand-by system that pre-tensed the brake calipers if it sensed that your foot was suddenly taken off the throttle.
Despite its age, the BMW 128i also has some infotainment features that will make it simpler to live with even today. The MyInfo feature, for instance, lets you send addresses and locations to your car from Google Maps. It also allows you to access other phone and call features via Bluetooth.
Step inside the cabin of the BMW 128i, and you’ll find a simple yet nicely put-together interior. The front seats offer a lot of adjustability and will fit you like a tailor-made glove once you find the right setting. On the contrary, the rear seats are pretty cramped owing to the shortened wheelbase and aren’t ideal for the average-sized adult.
Optional Packages
The BMW 128i came with several features and technologies as standard, but as the manufacturer typically does with its cars, several others were offered as optional extras. Some could be equipped as individual add-ons, but most were available as part of a ‘package’ — a bundle of features or equipment. Here are some of the ones that were available with the BMW 128i:
Cold Weather Package
The Cold Weather Package added three-stage heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a ski bag, should you choose to store skis or poles in your car.
Convenience Package
As the name suggests, the Convenience Package brought additions that made the 128i easier to live with daily. It included Comfort Access keyless entry, the assistance of rear Park Distance Control, an anti-theft alarm, and Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
Premium Package
The Premium Package was among the more popular options with the BMW 128i. It added eight-way power-adjustable front seats that offered four-way lumbar support, a moonroof auto-dimming rear- and side-view mirrors, the BMW Assist system, and a universal garage-door opener.
Sport Package
The Sport Package came with eight-way adjustable sport seats, the sporty Shadowline trim around the windows and door sills, larger 17-inch wheels, a three-spoke steering wheel, and sport-tuned suspension.
M Sport Package
Of all the optional packages available for the BMW 128i, this was the one to have. With inspiration from the M Division, this package included the tri-color M logo on the door sills, bolstered sports seats at the front, an M Sport steering wheel, black Shadowline trim on the exterior, and more aerodynamic bodywork, high-performance suspension, and M Sport wheels.
Why Is the BMW 128i a Better Choice than the BMW 135i?
Of the two BMW 1-Series models sold in the United States market, the BMW 135i was the more capable and feature-packed option. However, the German manufacturer had just begun implementing turbochargers in its cars, and the technology was somewhat unreliable then. This is one of the main reasons buyers opt for the naturally-aspirated BMW 128i over the turbocharged BMW 135i.
The BMW 135i was also more expensive to purchase (and maintain), offered less fuel efficiency, and was heavier than the BMW 128i.
Is the BMW 128i Reliable?
The engine is the most expensive part of any car, and the BMW 128i performed almost flawlessly in that regard. The N52 remains one of the most reliable pieces of engineering the German manufacturer has ever built. It runs for several thousand miles before you have to spend serious money on it. It is a time-tested, award-winning illustration of German mechanical excellence.
Pre-Purchase Inspection and Common Problems
In addition to the engine, BMW also designed the rest of the BMW 128i to perfection. Apart from the usual signs of wear, it’s unlikely that you’ll run into any significant problems while owning a BMW 128i. However, even the last examples of the car are nearly a decade old now, and their conditions are primarily dependent on how they’ve been maintained by previous owners.
Here are some of the more common issues you may have to deal with when you purchase a BMW 128i:
Water Pump Failure
The N52 used an electric water pump in place of the mechanical one used on the M54 that came before it. While this had a lot of benefits, such as allowing the ECU to change flow rate based on how you were driving, it was still a relatively nascent technology for the company. As a result, there have been multiple reports of the water pump cracking as early as 40,000 miles due to their somewhat sub-standard construction.
If the water pump malfunctions, you should notice your engine overheating or steam coming out of the radiator. To avoid running into the issue again, replace the OEM water pump with an aftermarket unit that uses a metal impeller instead of a plastic one.
VANOS Failure
The manufacturer’s double VANOS system, or variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust cams, was featured on the BMW N52. If you’ve followed the previous articles on this website, you’ll know that VANOS has been a problematic area for the German marquee.
VANOS uses solenoids to regulate the oil flow to the actuators that move the cam gears, opening and closing the valves. In the past, these solenoids have been known to be unreliable.
If you notice a sudden, unexpected decrease in performance, rough idling, or a decrease in fuel efficiency, you could be dealing with VANOS failure. The only way to confirm this is to plug an OBD-II diagnostics device into your car and scan for VANOS-related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).
While the solenoids are inexpensive, replacing them will require taking a deep dive into the engine, and this can be costly. While there’s no way to avoid them altogether, you can reduce your chances of dealing with VANOS troubles by properly maintaining the engine.
Hydraulic Valve Lifters
The hydraulically adjustable valve lifters found on the N52 are prone to breaking down, especially on engines with high mileage. Long-term owners sometimes report hearing a “ticking” sound from the engine, and in many cases, the issue boils down to worn-out valve lifters. The sound is prevalent during cold starts and just as the engine is warming up.
While a broken valve lifter doesn’t significantly affect the engine’s performance, the ticking noise will turn into a violent rattle if left unfixed. At this point, other engine components have likely been damaged as well.
Luckily, this was more common on N52 engines built before 2008, just around when the BMW 128i came out. In the older cars, it was caused by improperly constructed cylinder heads and lifters. BMW altered the shape of these parts in 2009, and you probably won’t run into the issue if you buy a 128i that was produced after.
Valve Cover and Valve Cover Gasket Oil Leaks
Most newer BMW engines, including the BMW N52, use a plastic valve cover with a rubber valve cover gasket. Owing to the materials used in their construction, these parts are vulnerable to wear and cracking under the high temperatures in which they operate.
If you notice oil around the engine bay, it may indicate that the valve cover gasket has cracked or ruptured. In some cases, you may also be able to determine if there is an oil leak if you see thick white smoke from the engine bay. This is often caused by oil dripping onto the exhaust or another high-temperature component.
An oil leak from a failed valve cover or gasket shouldn’t be a serious concern. Changing the affected component should take care of the problem. However, if left unattended, it may starve the engine of oil, causing the internals to deteriorate prematurely.
Oil Filter Housing Leak
Like the valve cover and valve cover gasket, the oil filter housing will also degrade with time. If the gasket connecting the oil filter housing to the engine splits, there will be an oil leak. While all oil leaks must be addressed as soon as possible, an oil leak from the filter housing can have more severe implications. In more serious cases, it may cause the serpentine belt to come off, sending pieces of it into the front crank seal and the engine. This can ruin your engine and will cost thousands of dollars to fix.
Is the BMW 128i a Good Car?
The BMW 128i comes from an era where you didn’t have to buy an ‘M’ car to have proper fun with a Bimmer. It represents the last of the sublime naturally-aspirated machines that the German manufacturer was so proficient in developing. In fact, the BMW 128i was the final naturally-aspirated machine that BMW ever built, bringing a glorious end to an unforgettable chapter in the manufacturer’s history books.
Today, you can get your hands on a BMW 128i for around $10,000. There aren’t many other options that will deliver a similar experience at that price point.
While there are several BMWs out there, very few can make you feel the way a BMW 128i will.
