2012 BMW 135i Convertible
The 2012 BMW 135i Convertible is a convertible. It has a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine producing 300 hp (224 kW), with a 7-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.2 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2012 BMW 135I CONVERTIBLE
The 2012 BMW 135i Convertible is the most powerful open-top version of the first-generation 1 Series (E88), a compact four-seat soft-top. It uses BMW’s N55 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft, and drives the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; a six-speed manual was standard.
Late in the run
The 1 Series arrived in the US for 2008, and the 135i switched from the twin-turbo N54 to the single-turbo N55 for 2011, when the old six-speed automatic was replaced by the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. By 2012 the car was in its mature form, offering a compact, rear-drive, six-cylinder convertible that had few direct equivalents in the market.
What it is like
The short body, strong turbocharged six and rear-wheel drive give the 135i a lively, sporting character, though the convertible is heavier and less rigid than the coupe. The fabric roof folds electrically, and the car seats four, with a small rear seat best suited to children or short journeys. Boot space shrinks with the roof down.
Buying one today
Commonly reported N55 problems include electric water-pump failure, oil leaks from the oil-filter-housing and valve-cover gaskets, and occasional injector or coil faults. Check that the roof operates smoothly, that the seals and drains are not letting water in, and that the dual-clutch gearbox shifts cleanly. Run-flat tyres were standard and can make the ride firm.
Rivals
Alternatives included the Audi A5 Cabriolet, Infiniti G37 Convertible, Volkswagen Eos, Volvo C70 and MINI Cooper S Convertible.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 135i Convertible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2012 | Version / Trim | BMW 2012 135i 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 (S7) |
| Engine | 3.0L 6-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 3,000 cc |
| Power | 300 hp / 224 kW | Torque | 400 Nm / 295 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.2 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 18 mpg city / 25 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,420 kg (3,131 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2012 CONVERTIBLES
Compared with other 2012 convertibles in our database, its 300 hp is 21% less than the average 2012 convertible (378 hp), and it is 14% lighter than the typical convertible.
| 2012 BMW 135i Convertible | Average 2012 convertibles | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 300 hp | 378 hp (22 cars) | -21% |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 457 Nm (22 cars) | -12% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.2 s | 5.2 s (20 cars) | +1% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 159 mph (20 cars) | -3% |
| Kerb weight | 1,420 kg | 1,649 kg (22 cars) | -14% |
| 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 135i Convertible.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 135i Convertible | 300 hp | 5.2 s | 1,420 kg |
| 2012 Ford Mustang Convertible | 305 hp | 5.0 s | 1,750 kg |
| 2012 Audi S5 Cabriolet | 354 hp | 4.7 s | 1,770 kg |