2011 BMW 128i
The 2011 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 2011 BMW 128I
The 2011 BMW 128i is the entry model of the E82 1 Series coupe, a compact two-door, four-seat car. It is powered by the N52 3.0-litre naturally aspirated 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 available.
Where it sits
In North America the 1 Series was sold only as a coupe and convertible, so the 128i is a two-door car rather than a saloon. For 2011, the 135i above it moved to a new single-turbo engine and dual-clutch option, while the 128i continued with the same powertrain it had used since its 2008 launch.
Why people like it
The 128i combines a compact footprint with a six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, a recipe that drew comparisons with older small BMWs such as the 2002 and E30 3 Series. The steering is hydraulically assisted and communicative, and the lighter engine and softer suspension give it a more forgiving ride than the 135i. See our guide to reading a spec sheet for how its figures compare.
Buying one today
The N52 is generally sturdy, but electric water pump and thermostat failures and leaking oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets are commonly reported. Rivals included the Audi A3, Volkswagen GTI, Infiniti G25 and the Mini Cooper S.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 128i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2011 | Version / Trim | BMW 2011 128i |
| Body Style | Coupe | 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 / 28 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,375 kg (3,031 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2011 COUPES
Compared with other 2011 coupes in our database, its 230 hp is 38% less than the average 2011 coupe (373 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.0 seconds slower than average, and it is 12% lighter than the typical coupe.
| 2011 BMW 128i | Average 2011 coupes | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 230 hp | 373 hp (23 cars) | -38% |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 416 Nm (23 cars) | -35% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.5 s | 5.5 s (22 cars) | +18% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 155 mph (22 cars) | -16% |
| Kerb weight | 1,375 kg | 1,569 kg (25 cars) | -12% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,889 cc (24 cars) | -23% |
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 coupes with similar power to the 2011 BMW 128i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 128i | 230 hp | 6.5 s | 1,375 kg |
| 2011 Audi TT Coupe quattro | 211 hp | 6.4 s | 1,260 kg |
| 2011 Honda Accord Coupe | 271 hp | 7.4 s | 1,450 kg |
| 2011 Nissan Altima Coupe | 175 hp | 8.3 s | 1,390 kg |