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BMW E82 1 Series coupe and convertible buyer's guide
2008–2013 · 128i, 135i, 135is, 1 Series M Coupe (N52, N54, N55)
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Engines by year Model-year changes Known problems Other issues Warranty extensions Recalls Inspection checklist Red flags Which to buy Specs Paint codes Coding Ownership costs Production Sources
Models and engines by year
| Model | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 128i | 2008–2013 | N52 |
| 135i | 2008–2010 | N54 |
| 135i | 2011–2013 | N55 |
| 135is | 2013 | N55 |
| 1 Series M Coupe | 2011 | N54 |
US-market models. Chassis codes: E82, E88. Not sure which one you have? The VIN check decodes year, model and engine.
Model-year changes
| Model year | What changed |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 128i (N52) and 135i (N54 twin-turbo) coupe and convertible launch in the US.12,13 |
| 2011 | The 135i switches to the single-turbo N55 and gets an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 1 Series M Coupe (N54, E92 M3 suspension, brakes and limited-slip differential) is built in 2011–2012.12,13 |
| 2013 | 135is: Sport Package standard, retuned suspension and stability control, upgraded cooling.12 |
US model years unless noted. "LCI" (Life Cycle Impulse) is BMW's name for a mid-cycle facelift.
Known problems and when they show up
Mileages are what the cited shops, specialists and owner forums report. They are typical ranges, not predictions for any one car.
N52 engine
128i (2008–2013) · N52 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric water pump and thermostat | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Overheating and limp mode. Replace the thermostat at the same time.1,2,3 | N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| VANOS solenoids | about 70,000–130,000 miles | Rough cold idle, loss of power and codes 2A82/2A87.1,2 | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
| Hydraulic lifter tick | usually 50,000 miles and up; 2008 and earlier | A tick on cold starts. It is annoying rather than harmful. BMW changed the lifters and head in December 2008, which fixed it.1 | No price yet |
| Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Oil smell and residue on top of the engine. A leaking oil filter housing can soak the belt.2,1 | No price yet |
N54 engine
135i (2008–2010), 1 Series M Coupe (2011) · N54 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric water pump and thermostat | about 60,000–100,000 miles; failures before 50,000 are reported | The electric pump usually fails without warning and the engine overheats quickly. Specialists suggest replacing the thermostat with it.4,5,6 | No price yet |
| High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) | any mileage; most common on early cars | Long cranks, stumbling and stalling. BMW extended HPFP coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles on 2007–2010 N54 cars, and later pumps are more reliable. That extension has expired on almost all cars by age.4,5 | N54 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) replacement |
| Piezo fuel injectors | any mileage | Misfires and rough running. BMW revised the injector many times; owners treat index 11 and 12 as the reliable versions. BMW extended injector coverage to 10 years/120,000 miles on some cars.5,4,7 | No price yet |
| Turbo wastegate rattle | from about 40,000 miles, often by 80,000 | A metallic rattle off-throttle or on cold start. Rattle alone is mostly noise, but a failed wastegate means new turbos.5,4 | No price yet |
| Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Oil from a leaking oil filter housing can soak the drive belt. A belt that shreds can be pulled into the front main seal.5 | No price yet |
| VANOS solenoids | around 100,000 miles | Rough idle and cam timing faults.5 | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
N55 engine
135i (2011–2013), 135is (2013) · N55 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve cover and gasket leak | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Burning-oil smell and oil on the spark plug wells. The plastic cover can also crack, so it is often replaced together with the gasket.8,9,10 | N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) Owners paid: indie shop $930–$1,625 · dealer $1,450–$2,076 |
| Oil filter housing gasket leak | about 50,000–130,000 miles | Oil drips onto the belt and tensioner. Fix it before the belt is damaged.8,9,10,11 | N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) Owners paid: indie shop $648–$763 |
| Electric water pump and thermostat | usually before 100,000 miles; reported failures range from about 30,000 to over 120,000 | Fails suddenly, often with no warning, then overheats.8,9,10 | N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| Plastic charge pipe | can crack at any age, even at stock boost; about 40,000–90,000 miles (60,000–150,000 km) per EngineScope | Sudden loss of boost and a whoosh under load.8,10 | N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement |
| Oil pan gasket | usually past 100,000 miles | Expensive labor because the subframe must be lowered.8 | N55 oil pan gasket Owners paid: indie shop $1,588–$1,900 |
| VANOS solenoids | around 120,000 miles | Rough idle and cam timing faults.8 | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
Known E82 issues beyond the engine
N54 135i: fuel and turbo items. High-pressure fuel pumps, injectors, wastegate rattle, oil leaks, water pumps and cooling issues (see the N54 section).14,12
N52 lifter tick (pre-2009). Pre-2009 N52s can have noisy hydraulic lifters. MotorBiscuit says most have received the upgraded parts by now.12
Water leaks and footwell module. Shared with the E90: water getting in can trigger warning lights, and a failing footwell module can affect connected systems. ABS or other warning lights may be a module problem.12
Battery drain. Bluetooth-equipped cars can drain the battery if left unlocked for long periods (via PistonHeads).12
Convertible soft top. Older E88s may need a new soft top.12
Warranty extensions and service campaigns 21
Warranty extensions (20)
- SIB 01 20 16 Electrical system service information Electrical system service information on BMW E46/E70/E71/E72 and other models (2006–2014); BMW extended coverage for eligible cars. Warranty extension · May 2026
- SIB 01 01 22 Oil consumption class-action settlement Oil consumption class-action settlement on BMW E60/F01/F02/F06 and other models (2009–2019); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Jan 2026
- SIB 01 09 19 Fuel injectors warranty extension Fuel injectors warranty extension on BMW G01/G11/G12/G30 and other models (2009–2019); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Nov 2023
- SIB 01 02 22 Communication class-action settlement Communication class-action settlement on BMW E60/E82/F01/F02 and other models (2009–2019); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Feb 2022
- SIB 01 13 21 Electric water pump class-action settlement Electric water pump class-action settlement on N54/N55 engines (2007–2019); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · May 2021
- SIB 01 22 18 Battery class-action settlement Battery class-action settlement on N63 engines (2008–2018); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Jul 2020
- SIB 01 03 19 Oxygen sensor warranty extension Oxygen sensor warranty extension on N63 engines (2009–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jul 2020
- SIB 01 05 18 Misfire warranty extension Misfire warranty extension on BMW G11/G12/G32/E60 and other models (2009–2019); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Feb 2020
- SIB 01 29 18 Power window class-action settlement Power window class-action settlement on N63 engines (2008–2017); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Oct 2019
- SIB 01 16 18 Airbag class-action settlement Airbag class-action settlement on BMW E46/E53/E70/E71 and other models (2006–2015); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Jan 2019
- SIB 01 23 18 Oil consumption class-action settlement Oil consumption class-action settlement on N63 engines (2008–2017); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Oct 2018
- SIB 01 12 18 Crankcase ventilation warranty extension Crankcase ventilation warranty extension on N63 engines (2013–2015); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Sep 2018
- SIB 01 10 14 VANOS warranty extension VANOS warranty extension on BMW E60/E70/E82/E88 and other models (2009–2013); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Feb 2018
- NHTSA 10215024 Engine warranty extension Engine warranty extension on BMW E60/E70/E71/E72 and other models (2011–2013); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2017
- SIB 01 13 16 Fuel tank leak check warranty extension Fuel tank leak check warranty extension on BMW E82/F01/F02/F06 and other models (2013–2015); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Aug 2016
Showing 15 of 20.
Service campaigns (1)
- SIB 11 06 14 Engine service campaign Engine service campaign on N63 engines (2008–2015); the fix is replacing the affected part. Service campaign · Mar 2025
Filed by BMW with NHTSA. Extensions usually follow the car to later owners and can reimburse earlier repairs; a BMW dealer can confirm by VIN.
NHTSA safety recalls 10
- Recall 23V707: vanos bolt 1 SERIES, X3, X5, Z4, 2010–2012. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Recall 22V119: PCV valve heater 128I, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, Z4, 2006–2013. 0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5
- Recall 20V017: inflator module 1 SERIES M, 128I, 135I, 325I, 328I, 330I, 335D, 335I, 335IS, M3, X1, X3, X5, X6, X6 ACTIVEHYBRID, 2006–2015. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Recall 19V579: wiring 128I, 135I, 2008–2012. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
- Recall 17V683: crankcase (PCV) 128I, 328I, 525I, 528I, 530I, X3, X5, Z4, 2007–2011. 0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
- Recall 17V067: constant velocity joint 1 SERIES M, 135I, 335D, 335I, 535I, 535I GRAN TURISMO, 550I GRAN TURISMO, 740I, 740LI, Z4, 2011–2012. The rear driveshaft constant velocity (CV) joint on the affected vehicles may fatigue and break.
- Recall 16V071: inflator module 1 SERIES M, 128I, 135I, 325, 328, 330, 335, M3, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 ACTIVEHYBRID, X6 SAC, 2006–2015. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Recall 14V176: engine 128I, 135I, 328I, 335I, 528I, 535I, 535I GRAN TURISMO, 640I, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 SAV, Z4, 2010–2012. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
- Recall 13V044: fuses and circuit breakers 128I, 135I, 328I, 335I, Z4, 2007–2012. BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-
- Recall 10V254: retractor 1 SERIES, 2008–2011. BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES.
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. A recall may cover only some cars from a year, and it may already have been done on yours. Check by VIN →
Test drive and inspection checklist
- Run the VIN for open recalls. Open safety recalls are free at any BMW dealer. Check on NHTSA's site or our recall page before you buy.15
- Scan for stored fault codes with a BMW-capable tool. A generic OBD reader misses most BMW modules. Specialist guides recommend a BMW-level scan (ISTA or similar) to catch faults that have been cleared from the dash but still stored.16,17
- Start it from cold. Ask the seller not to warm the car up first. Chain rattle, VANOS rattle, lifter tick and rough idle show most clearly in the first seconds after a cold start.16,18,19
- Ask a BMW dealer about warranty extensions and campaigns. Several BMW warranty extensions follow the car, not the owner, and some reimburse earlier repairs. A dealer can check the VIN. The list for this chassis is below.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW specialist. A few hundred dollars for an independent BMW specialist is the usual advice, especially for M cars and high-mileage turbo engines.20,16
- Thick service history. BMWBlog says the smartest buy is the one with the thickest service history, not the cheapest car.14
- Suspension bushings, brakes, tires. BMWBlog warns that deferred maintenance can make a cheap 135i expensive.14
- Misfire without a check engine light (128i). Rough idle or misfiring may just need plugs and coils.12
Engine items to listen and look for are in the known problems section.
Service-history red flags
- Oil changes only at the long computer interval. Several guides advise changing oil more often than the onboard service indicator (CBS) suggests, especially with lots of city driving.19,21
- Gaps in the records around known failure mileages. If the engine section below lists a job that usually comes due at the car's mileage, ask for the invoice. A missing record isn't proof it wasn't done, but it is a negotiating point.
- Tuned or "deleted" cars. Tunes, emissions deletes and removed parts complicate warranty claims and inspections and raise wear on turbo cars. Ask, and look for aftermarket intakes, downpipes and charge pipes.
- N52: ask for records of Electric water pump and thermostat; VANOS solenoids; Hydraulic lifter tick; Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks.
- N54: ask for records of Electric water pump and thermostat; High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP); Piezo fuel injectors; Turbo wastegate rattle; Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks; VANOS solenoids.
- N55: ask for records of Valve cover and gasket leak; Oil filter housing gasket leak; Electric water pump and thermostat; Plastic charge pipe; Oil pan gasket; VANOS solenoids.
Which E82 to look for
128i (N52). MotorBiscuit and BMWBlog both see the naturally aspirated 128i as the lower-drama choice.12,14
135i N55 (2011–2013) vs N54 (2008–2010). BMWBlog says N55 cars are generally a little easier to own. BMWTuning says the early N54 HPFP, turbo and injector problems have mostly been addressed by now.14,13
1 Series M Coupe. Rare and priced as a collectible. BMWTuning notes it is costly to buy and maintain.13,12
These are the views of the cited reviewers and specialists, not a ranking of our own.
E82 specs
BMW's US figures we have on file run from 230 hp (128i) to 320 hp (135is), with 0-60 mph as quick as 4.8 s.
A manual gearbox was offered in model years 2008–2013 (EPA listings). Full E82 specs: every US engine, transmission and drive by year →
Factory paint and option codes
Paint colors BMW of North America listed for the E82 in the ordering and pricing guides we read:
| Code | Color | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | Alpine White | 2009–2011 |
| 354 | Titanium Silver Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| 381 | Le Mans Blue Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| 475 | Black Sapphire Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| 668 | Jet Black | 2009–2011 |
| 896 | Blue Water Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| A35 | Monaco Blue Metallic | 2009 |
| A51 | Montego Blue Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| A52 | Space Gray Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| A61 | Crimson Red | 2009–2011 |
| A72 | Cashmere Silver Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| A79 | Sedona Red Metallic | 2009–2011 |
| A76 | Deep Sea Blue Metallic | 2010–2011 |
63 option codes are listed for the E82 in the same guides. Search them.
Only model years covered by the guides we could obtain are shown.
Coding
The coding apps' own lists show 141 settings that owners can change on the E82 with a phone and an OBD adapter, in areas such as Tail gate/Rear lid, Doors/windows, Daytime running light, Convenient opening/closing, Welcome Lights, Window cleaning. 111 come from BimmerCode's list and 30 more appear only in Carly's list.
Ownership costs
Routine maintenance: oil service prices by engine size, published BMW Value Service prices (brakes, spark plugs) from 16 US dealers, and the E82 maintenance schedule.
Repairs we price that apply to the E82
| Repair and owner-reported prices |
|---|
| N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) Owners paid: indie shop $648–$763 |
| N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) Owners paid: indie shop $930–$1,625 · dealer $1,450–$2,076 |
| N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| N55 oil pan gasket Owners paid: indie shop $1,588–$1,900 |
| VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
| N55 ignition coils (all six) |
| N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement |
| N54 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) replacement |
"Owners paid" is the middle 50% of sourced owner prices across chassis with the same engine. Each job page reprices for your ZIP.
By model year
| Year | Models and engines | NHTSA recalls | Warranty extensions | Repairs we price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 128i N52 135i N54 | 7 | 9 | 3 |
| 2009 | 128i N52 135i N54 | 7 | 15 | 3 |
| 2010 | 128i N52 135i N54 | 9 | 15 | 3 |
| 2011 | 128i N52 135i N55 1 Series M Coupe N54 | 10 | 17 | 8 Priciest: N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV), owners paid up to $2,076 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2012 | 128i N52 135i N55 | 8 | 17 | 7 Priciest: N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV), owners paid up to $2,076 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2013 | 128i N52 135i N55 135is N55 | 3 | 17 | 7 Priciest: N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV), owners paid up to $2,076 (dealer, middle 50%) |
Recalls and warranty extensions are counted when their published model-year range includes that year. Each one may cover only some cars, so check by VIN. Repairs counted are the ones whose engine was offered that year.
Production
| What | Units | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Series M Coupe (1M), total built sum of 4,155 European LHD, 1,204 RHD and 983 North American cars; BMWBlog and Wikipedia cite 6,309 | 6,342 | BMW M Registry |
| 1M Coupe, North American spec | 983 | BMW M Registry |
Figures are copied as each source publishes them (retrieved October 18, 2026). "Sold" figures are BMW's reported sales, not production counts. Where we add numbers up, they come from one source. We leave out anything that hasn't been published.
Sources
- BMWTuning: 7 most common N52 problems
- Euro Premium Parts: N52 engine guide
- AmpAuto: N52 problems
- FCP Euro: definitive guide to the N54
- BMWTuning: N54 FAQ
- BMWTuning: 8 most common N54 problems
- BMW: N54 fuel injector warranty extension to 10 yr/120k mi, via NHTSA
- BMWTuning: N55 FAQ
- BMWTuning: 5 most common N55 problems
- EngineScope: N55 reliability
- r/F30: how long has your N55 lasted?
- MotorBiscuit: E82 & E88 BMW 1 Series buying guide
- BMWTuning: ultimate BMW E82/E88 1 Series buyers guide
- BMWBlog: BMW E82 135i buyer's guide (2026)
- NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
- The Stable: E92 M3 buyer's guide
- Euro Premium Parts: E60 M5 reliability guide
- carsales: buying a used F30 3 Series (2015–20)
- carsales: buying a used E90 3 Series
- Road & Track: E46 M3 buyer's guide
- Drive-My: E60 5 Series buying guide (six-cylinder petrol)
Retrieved 2026-10-18. Bulletins and recalls come from NHTSA filings; owner prices come from the public posts linked on each job page.