BMW 128i years to avoid and best years
There are not enough BMW 128i years yet to compare newer ones with older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (39 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2012 at 0 (from 31 complaints) and 2013 at 2 (from 39 complaints). On the 2013 BMW 128i, 25 of 39 complaints name Air bags.
Data as of .
BMW 128i reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market BMW 128i. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2013 → Most | 2 | 39 | 3 | Air bags | 21.5 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 0 | 31 | 5 | Air bags | 21.5 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Coupe, Convertible
- Oil
- 0W-30 · 6.9 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 205/50R17, 205/55R16, 225/45R17 (trim-dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 19V579000 covers certain 2008-2012 128i Coupe and Convertible models (with 135i and 135is) where blower-regulator wiring and connectors may overheat and melt, increasing fire risk even when the vehicle is unattended; dealers inspect and replace the harness. Recall 20V017000 covers certain 2008-2013 128i Convertible and Coupe models (with many other BMW models) for a Takata driver frontal air bag inflator that can explode; dealers replace the driver air bag. Recall 16V071000 is an earlier related driver-inflator campaign covering overlapping 2008-2013 1 Series coupes and convertibles.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 128i years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2012 at 0 (from 31 complaints) and 2013 at 2 (from 39 complaints).
Which BMW 128i year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 2 (39 complaints). On the 2013 BMW 128i, 25 of 39 complaints name Air bags.
How do BMW 128i owner complaints compare by year?
There are not enough BMW 128i years yet to compare newer ones with older ones.
What engine oil does a US BMW 128i use?
0W-30 With filter, about 6.9 qt is commonly listed for this generation—confirm in the owner manual.
What tire sizes fit a US BMW 128i?
Published US specs commonly list front 205/50R17, 205/55R16, 225/45R17 (trim-dependent) and rear 205/50R17, 205/55R16, 225/45R17 (trim-dependent); confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.
What NHTSA recalls affect the US BMW 128i?
Recall 19V579000 covers certain 2008-2012 128i Coupe and Convertible models (with 135i and 135is) where blower-regulator wiring and connectors may overheat and melt, increasing fire risk even when the vehicle is unattended; dealers inspect and replace the harness. Recall 20V017000 covers certain 2008-2013 128i Convertible and Coupe models (with many other BMW models) for a Takata driver frontal air bag inflator that can explode; dealers replace the driver air bag. Recall 16V071000 is an earlier related driver-inflator campaign covering overlapping 2008-2013 1 Series…