2008 BMW 128i
The 2008 BMW 128i is a coupe. 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
The 2008 BMW 128i is the launch-year model of the 1 Series in North America, sold here as a two-door, four-seat coupe (E82). It uses the 3.0-litre N52 inline-six rated at 230 hp and 200 lb-ft, 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
The 1 Series arrived in the US for 2008 as BMW’s smallest car, slotting below the 3 Series. American buyers did not get the hatchback sold elsewhere, only the coupe and a soft-top convertible. The 128i was the naturally aspirated model, with the twin-turbocharged 135i above it. Its compact size and six-cylinder engine prompted many comparisons with the much-loved BMW 2002 of the 1970s.
What it is like
The 128i is short and upright, with a usable boot and rear seats suited to occasional adult use. The naturally aspirated six is smooth and responsive, and the car uses hydraulic power steering, which many enthusiasts prefer to the electric systems of later BMWs. Run-flat tyres were standard and give a firm ride on poor roads.
Buying one today
The N52 is generally regarded as robust, but commonly reported faults include electric water pump and thermostat failure, valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks, and noisy hydraulic valve lifters on cold starts. Check that the cooling system has been maintained.
Rivals
The 128i’s rivals in 2008 included the Audi A3, the Volkswagen GTI and Eos, the Infiniti G37 Coupe at a slightly higher level and the Mazda RX-8.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 128i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2008 | Version / Trim | BMW 2008 128i |
| Body Style | Coupe | 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 | 19 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,375 kg (3,031 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2008 COUPES
Compared with other 2008 coupes in our database, its 230 hp is 36% less than the average 2008 coupe (357 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.2 seconds slower than average, and it is 11% lighter than the typical coupe.
| 2008 BMW 128i | Average 2008 coupes | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 230 hp | 357 hp (23 cars) | -36% |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 412 Nm (23 cars) | -34% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.5 s | 5.3 s (23 cars) | +22% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 158 mph (23 cars) | -17% |
| Kerb weight | 1,375 kg | 1,538 kg (25 cars) | -11% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,838 cc (25 cars) | -22% |
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 coupes with similar power to the 2008 BMW 128i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 BMW 128i | 230 hp | 6.5 s | 1,375 kg |
| 2008 Audi TT Coupe | 211 hp | 6.4 s | 1,260 kg |
| 2008 Honda Accord Coupe | 177 hp | 7.4 s | 1,450 kg |
| 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe | 175 hp | 8.3 s | 1,390 kg |