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BMW 1 Series Convertible E88 (2008–2013)
The E88 Convertible arrives in spring 2008 with an electro-hydraulic fabric top. Most of its engines are those of the facelifted five-door; the 125i and 135i have their pages below. Two maintenance items are its own: the rollover bars and the top.
Choose an engine
Engines shared with the five-door: use the facelifted E87 page
118i: 105 kW, N43 · 120i: 125 kW, N43 · 118d: 105 kW, N47 · 120d: 130 kW, N47 · 123d: 150 kW, N47S (twin-turbo). Same power and same service content as on the facelifted five-door 1 Series (E87, 2007–2011): open the page with the same power under the facelifted E87, then add the two Convertible items described below. In BMW Austria’s price lists the 118d and 123d join the Convertible in 03/2009; all these versions are still listed in January 2013.
The Convertible’s own versions
125i: naturally aspirated 3.0 litre N52K six, 160 kW. 135i: 225 kW, N54 twin-turbo from April 2008 to February 2010 according to ADAC, then the single-turbo N55 with VALVETRONIC from spring 2010. Both 135i versions have the same power: read the engine code before choosing the page.
Top and rollover bars: what BMW specifies
The fabric top opens or closes in 22 s and can be operated up to 40 km/h. Its hydraulic system is filled for life: no fluid change is scheduled, and only the approved fluid is used if it leaks. If it fails, TIS describes an emergency opening or closing procedure for two people. Behind the rear head restraints, two rollover bars extend in a fraction of a second when a sensor detects a risk of overturning. At every vehicle check the workshop triggers them via the diagnosis interface, with the top opened first.
Original or facelifted Convertible?
ADAC dates the Convertible’s start to April 2008. The facelift goes on sale from March 2011: a reshaped front apron with vertical air inlets (Air Curtains) and a black bar across the central grille, headlights with an accent strip across the top, L-shaped tail lights in an all-red housing, LED accents with the xenon headlights. The engines stay the same, and the Convertible is still in BMW Austria’s January 2013 price list.