2012 BMW 128i
The 2012 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 2012 BMW 128I
The 2012 BMW 128i is the entry-level six-cylinder version of the first-generation 1 Series, sold in North America as a two-door coupe (E82) and a soft-top convertible (E88) rather than the hatchback offered elsewhere. It uses BMW’s naturally aspirated N52 3.0-litre inline-six, rated at 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, and drives the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the six-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was also available.
Late in the life cycle
The 1 Series arrived in the US for the 2008 model year, and by 2012 it was nearing the end of its run; the 2 Series coupe took over the role for 2014. The 2012 car therefore represents a mature, well-sorted version of a small coupe that many enthusiasts see as a spiritual successor to the classic compact BMWs. The 128i sits below the turbocharged 135i in the range.
What it is like
The 128i combines a compact footprint with a smooth inline-six and rear-wheel drive, which is unusual in this size class. The rear seats are tight for adults and the coupe’s boot is modest, so it works best as a car for two people with occasional passengers. The engine’s linear power delivery makes it less dramatic than the 135i but simpler to own.
Buying one today
The N52 has a reputation as one of BMW’s more durable modern engines. Known weak points include oil leaks from the valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets, electric water pump and thermostat failures, and noisy hydraulic lifters on cold starts.
Rivals
Competitors included the Audi A3, the Volkswagen GTI and the Infiniti G37 coupe.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 128i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2012 | Version / Trim | BMW 2012 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 / 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 / 28 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,375 kg (3,031 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2012 COUPES
Compared with other 2012 coupes in our database, its 230 hp is 34% less than the average 2012 coupe (348 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.3 seconds slower than average, and it is 11% lighter than the typical coupe.
| 2012 BMW 128i | Average 2012 coupes | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 230 hp | 348 hp (25 cars) | -34% |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 418 Nm (25 cars) | -35% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.5 s | 5.2 s (26 cars) | +25% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 159 mph (27 cars) | -18% |
| Kerb weight | 1,375 kg | 1,551 kg (28 cars) | -11% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,621 cc (28 cars) | -17% |
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 coupes with similar power to the 2012 BMW 128i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 128i | 230 hp | 6.5 s | 1,375 kg |
| 2012 Audi TT Coupe quattro | 211 hp | 6.4 s | 1,260 kg |
| 2012 Honda Accord Coupe | 271 hp | 7.4 s | 1,450 kg |
| 2012 Nissan Altima Coupe | 175 hp | 8.3 s | 1,390 kg |