2012 BMW 128ci Convertible
The 2012 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 2012 BMW 128CI CONVERTIBLE
The 2012 BMW 128i Convertible is a late-life example of the E88 1 Series convertible, the compact four-seat soft-top that BMW sold in North America from 2008. Under the bonnet is the N52 3.0-litre naturally aspirated straight-six, making 230 hp and 200 lb-ft and driving the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the six-speed automatic; a six-speed manual remained available.
Late in the lifecycle
By 2012 the E88 was well into its run, and it would stay on sale only until the 2013 model year before the 2 Series took over its role. Changes over the years had been small, so a 2012 car is mechanically very close to the earliest examples, which helps parts availability and makes its strengths and weaknesses well understood.
Who it suits
This is a compact, rear-drive six-cylinder convertible at a time when most small open cars used four-cylinder engines and front-wheel drive. It is easy to drive in town, and the cloth hood is lighter and simpler than the folding metal roofs of some rivals. Rear seats are best for children or short hops, and boot space is limited with the roof down.
Common issues
Owners commonly report failures of the electric water pump and thermostat, and oil leaks from the oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets, as the N52 ages. Check the hood for wear around the folding points and make sure the drains are clear to avoid water getting into the cabin. Rivals included the Audi A5 Cabriolet 2.0T, Volkswagen Eos and Volvo C70.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 128ci Convertible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2012 | Version / Trim | BMW 2012 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 2012 CONVERTIBLES
Compared with other 2012 convertibles in our database, its 230 hp is 39% less than the average 2012 convertible (378 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.3 seconds slower than average, and it is 11% lighter than the typical convertible.
| 2012 BMW 128ci Convertible | Average 2012 convertibles | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 230 hp | 378 hp (22 cars) | -39% |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 457 Nm (22 cars) | -41% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.5 s | 5.2 s (20 cars) | +26% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 159 mph (20 cars) | -18% |
| Kerb weight | 1,460 kg | 1,649 kg (22 cars) | -11% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,782 cc (22 cars) | -21% |
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 2012 convertibles with similar power to the 2012 BMW 128ci Convertible.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 128ci Convertible | 230 hp | 6.5 s | 1,460 kg |
| 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet | 211 hp | 6.8 s | 1,520 kg |
| 2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder | 210 hp | 7.5 s | 1,525 kg |