2013 BMW 128i
The 2013 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 2013 BMW 128I
The 2013 BMW 128i is the entry model of the first-generation 1 Series (E82 coupe, E88 convertible), which in North America was sold only as a two-door coupe or convertible, never as a saloon. It uses BMW’s naturally aspirated N52 3.0-litre inline-six, rated at 230 hp and 200 lb-ft, driving the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the six-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was standard.
The final year
2013 was the last model year for the 1 Series in the US. For 2014 the coupe was replaced by the larger 2 Series, which swapped the 128i’s six-cylinder for a turbocharged four. That makes the 2013 128i one of the last small BMWs with a non-turbo inline-six, a combination many enthusiasts seek out for its smooth power delivery and simplicity.
What it is like
The 128i is compact, rear-driven and well balanced, with hydraulic power steering rather than the electric systems of later BMWs. The coupe has four seats, though the rear is tight for adults, and the boot is modest. The convertible uses a fabric roof.
Buying one today
Commonly reported issues for the N52 include oil leaks from the valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets, and failure of the electric water pump and thermostat. Run-flat tyres were fitted from the factory, and many owners replace them with conventional tyres for a softer ride.
Rivals
The 128i competed with the Infiniti G37 Coupe, Audi A5 2.0T and Hyundai Genesis Coupe.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 128i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2013 | Version / Trim | BMW 2013 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 | 271 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 2013 COUPES
Compared with other 2013 coupes in our database, its 230 hp is 36% less than the average 2013 coupe (362 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.3 seconds slower than average, and it is 16% lighter than the typical coupe.
| 2013 BMW 128i | Average 2013 coupes | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 230 hp | 362 hp (29 cars) | -36% |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 448 Nm (29 cars) | -40% |
| 0–60 mph | 6.5 s | 5.2 s (30 cars) | +25% |
| Top speed | 130 mph | 156 mph (30 cars) | -17% |
| Kerb weight | 1,375 kg | 1,633 kg (32 cars) | -16% |
| Engine size | 3,000 cc | 3,703 cc (32 cars) | -19% |
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 2013 coupes with similar power to the 2013 BMW 128i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 BMW 128i | 230 hp | 6.5 s | 1,375 kg |
| 2013 Audi TT Coupe quattro | 211 hp | 6.4 s | 1,260 kg |
| 2013 Nissan Altima Coupe | 182 hp | 7.8 s | 1,445 kg |