2011 BMW 128ci Convertible
The 2011 BMW 128ci 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 2011 BMW 128CI CONVERTIBLE
The 2011 BMW 128i Convertible is the four-seat soft-top in the E88 1 Series line-up, powered by the 3.0-litre N52 inline-six producing 230 hp and 200 lb-ft. Drive goes to the rear wheels, and this entry covers the version with the six-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was the alternative.
The 2011 picture
The big news in the 1 Series range for 2011 belonged to the 135i, which switched to the N55 single-turbo engine and gained a seven-speed dual-clutch option. The 128i carried on with its familiar naturally aspirated six and conventional automatic, making it the simpler, more mechanically conservative choice of the two convertibles.
Character
The 128i trades the 135i’s punch for a smoother ride, lighter front end and a linear, revvy engine. It is compact enough to park easily, and with the cloth roof lowered it offers a classic rear-drive open-top experience. Boot space is modest and is reduced further when the roof is down, so this is best seen as a car for two people with occasional rear passengers.
What to check
Typical N52 concerns include failure of the electric water pump and thermostat, and oil leaks from the oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets. Run-flat tyres were standard and give a firm ride; many owners switch to conventional tyres. Competitors included the Audi A5 Cabriolet, Volvo C70 and Infiniti G37 Convertible.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 128ci Convertible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2011 | Version / Trim | BMW 2011 128ci Convertible |
| Body Style | Convertible | Doors | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Melbourne Red 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 / 199 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 6.5 sec | Top Speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 18 mpg city / 26 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,460 kg (3,219 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2011 CONVERTIBLES
Compared with other 2011 convertibles in our database, its 230 hp is 35% less than the average 2011 convertible (352 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.0 seconds slower than average, and it is 10% lighter than the typical convertible.
| 2011 BMW 128ci Convertible | Average 2011 convertibles | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 230 hp | 352 hp (17 cars) | -35% |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 419 Nm (17 cars) | -36% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.5 s | 5.5 s (15 cars) | +19% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 153 mph (15 cars) | -15% |
| Kerb weight | 1,460 kg | 1,624 kg (17 cars) | -10% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,676 cc (17 cars) | -18% |
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 2011 convertibles with similar power to the 2011 BMW 128ci Convertible.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 128ci Convertible | 230 hp | 6.5 s | 1,460 kg |
| 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet | 211 hp | 6.8 s | 1,520 kg |
| 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder | 210 hp | 7.5 s | 1,525 kg |