
Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2011.
Overview
- Body
- Subcompact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Powertrain
- GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel
- PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Engine & performance
- HP
- 230
- Power to weight
- 0.071 hp/lb
- Axle ratio
- 3.23
- Cyl
- 6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Efficiency
- MPG Hwy
- 28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG City
- 19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- MPG Comb
- 22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Fuel $/yr
- $3,500EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- Smog score
- 5/10
- Elec. Range
- 0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
- SmartWay certified
- No
Dimensions & capacity
- Length
- 172 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
- Width
- 69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
- Height
- 56 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
- Wheelbase
- 105 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
- Curb Weight
- 3,258 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Safety NHTSA, model year
- Stability control (ESC)
- Standard
- Forward-collision warning
- No
- Lane-departure warning
- No
- Recalls
- 7
- Owner complaints
- 92
Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year
- AIR BAGS30%
- ENGINE15%
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13%
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING12%
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4%
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER4%
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 117 total.
BMW 128i: best and worst yearsFederal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year
EA21002Openopened Sep 17, 2021AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year
75 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year
Apr 23, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611026
While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, Vehicle test, and/or Programming procedure- the BMW Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: Headlights including the high beams, and/or taillights are not turning on or off Interior lights are not turning on Turn indicators are not working Instrument cluster indicator lights stay on The IHKA climate control system is not wor
Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints.
Sep 1, 2020ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGB110208
Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If theignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.
Jul 12, 2019EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)651512
Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD).
Jul 10, 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM613312
"Erroneous CC Message "Remote control! Do not switch off the engine" is Displayed. An erroneous CC message, "Remote control!" " Do not switch off the engine" is displayed in the Central Information Display (CID). The engine can still be started, even with the CC message displayed. CAUSE: Car Access System (CAS) software error"
Jul 10, 2019EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY541409
Wear Marks on the C-pillar Area of the Soft Top Canvas. Wear marks may form on the soft top cover in the C-pillar area, above or below the canvas seam and or along the seam. These wear marks may be visible on one or both sides and are generally less than 4mm in diameter. They are first visible as a smooth spot on the cover, and progress to a white mark. In severe cases, a hole could form in the cover material. 1. Improper limit spacing between the soft top cover and the soft top frame when fold
Jul 10, 2019EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY540810
Convertible Top Does Not Open Properly. When opening the convertible top, the interior cover flap remains open. CAUSE: The cable for the flap operation is either kinked or dislodged.
Jul 10, 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM513608
"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Follow the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version.
- and 67 more
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
Warranty manufacturer terms, by make
- Basic
- 4 yr / 50k mi
- Powertrain
- 4 yr / 50k mi
- Roadside assistance
- 4 yr
- Maintenance
- 3 yr / 36k mi
- EV battery
- 8 yr / 100k mi
Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.