2008 BMW 128i Convertible
The 2008 BMW 128i Convertible is a convertible. It has a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine producing 230 hp (172 kW), with a 6-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 6.5 seconds and top speed is 130 mph (209 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2008 BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE
The 2008 BMW 128i Convertible is the soft-top version of the 1 Series (E88), launched in North America for the 2008 model year. It uses BMW’s 3.0-litre N52 inline-six, rated at 230 hp and 200 lb-ft (270 Nm), driving the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the six-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was also offered.
A new entry point
2008 was the first year of the 1 Series in the US, where it was offered only as a coupe and convertible in 128i and turbocharged 135i forms. The 128i Convertible became the most affordable way into a six-cylinder BMW soft-top, sitting below the larger 3 Series Convertible, which had moved to a folding hardtop.
Roof and practicality
The 128i uses a traditional fabric roof with power operation, which keeps the boot more usable than a folding hardtop would. It seats four, although the rear seats are best for children or short trips. The compact size and rear-wheel drive give it agile handling, and the naturally aspirated engine is smooth and responsive.
Buying one today
Commonly reported N52 issues include oil-filter housing and valve-cover gasket leaks and failure of the electric water pump and thermostat. Check the roof mechanism, seals and drains for leaks, and look for worn front control-arm bushes. Run-flat tyres were standard, and many owners replace them with conventional tyres for a softer ride.
Rivals
The 128i Convertible competed with the Volkswagen Eos, the Volvo C70, the Audi A4 Cabriolet and the Mini Cooper S Convertible.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 128i Convertible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2008 | Version / Trim | BMW 2008 128i Convertible |
| Body Style | Convertible | Doors | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Sparkling Graphite Metallic, Montego Blue Metallic, Monaco Blue Metallic, Crimson Red, Chestnut Bronze Metallic, Le Mans Blue Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 230 hp / 172 kW | Torque | 270 Nm / 200 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 6.5 sec | Top Speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 18 mpg city / 27 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,375 kg (3,031 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2008 CONVERTIBLES
Compared with other 2008 convertibles in our database, its 230 hp is 27% less than the average 2008 convertible (317 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.4 seconds slower than average, and it is 14% lighter than the typical convertible.
| 2008 BMW 128i Convertible | Average 2008 convertibles | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 230 hp | 317 hp (18 cars) | -27% |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 396 Nm (18 cars) | -32% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.5 s | 6.1 s (16 cars) | +6% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 144 mph (16 cars) | -10% |
| Kerb weight | 1,375 kg | 1,596 kg (19 cars) | -14% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,634 cc (19 cars) | -17% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2008 convertibles with similar power to the 2008 BMW 128i Convertible.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW 128i Convertible | 230 hp | 6.5 s | 1,375 kg |
| 2008 Volvo C70 Convertible | 236 hp | 7.5 s | 1,560 kg |
| 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder | 210 hp | 7.5 s | 1,525 kg |
| 2008 Audi A4 Cabriolet | 200 hp | 7.2 s | 1,400 kg |