2009 BMW 128i Convertible
The 2009 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 2009 BMW 128I CONVERTIBLE
The 2009 BMW 128i Convertible is the naturally aspirated soft-top in the first-generation 1 Series range (E88), seating four. It is powered by a 3.0-litre N52 inline-six rated at 230 hp and 200 lb-ft and drives the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the six-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was also offered.
Second year on sale
For 2009, its second model year in North America, the 1 Series continued largely unchanged after its 2008 launch. The 128i Convertible was the more relaxed alternative to the turbocharged 135i, trading outright pace for a smoother, more linear power delivery and lower running costs. Its six-cylinder engine is unusual in a car this size, as many rivals relied on four-cylinder engines.
Living with it
The power-operated fabric roof folds without needing to be unlatched by hand, and the cabin is snug but well finished. The two rear seats suit children better than adults, while the boot is small and loses space with the roof down. Hydraulic power steering gives good feedback, and the car’s compact footprint makes it easy to place on narrow roads.
Buying one today
Points to check include the electric water pump and thermostat, which are known to fail on N52 engines, oil leaks around the valve cover and oil filter housing, and any ticking from the hydraulic valve lifters. On the convertible, inspect the roof fabric, seals and drain channels for signs of water leaks.
Rivals
Open-top alternatives in 2009 included the Audi A4 Cabriolet, the Volkswagen Eos, the Volvo C70 and the MINI Cooper S Convertible.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 128i Convertible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2009 | Version / Trim | BMW 2009 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 2009 CONVERTIBLES
Compared with other 2009 convertibles in our database, its 230 hp is 26% less than the average 2009 convertible (311 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 0.5 seconds slower than average, and it is 11% lighter than the typical convertible.
| 2009 BMW 128i Convertible | Average 2009 convertibles | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 230 hp | 311 hp (16 cars) | -26% |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 378 Nm (16 cars) | -29% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.5 s | 6.0 s (14 cars) | +9% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 143 mph (14 cars) | -9% |
| Kerb weight | 1,375 kg | 1,547 kg (16 cars) | -11% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,438 cc (16 cars) | -13% |
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 2009 convertibles with similar power to the 2009 BMW 128i Convertible.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 BMW 128i Convertible | 230 hp | 6.5 s | 1,375 kg |
| 2009 Volvo C70 Convertible | 236 hp | 7.5 s | 1,560 kg |
| 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet | 211 hp | 6.5 s | 1,500 kg |
| 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder | 210 hp | 7.5 s | 1,525 kg |