2009 Bmw 128i problems

bmw logo

The first generation of the BMW 1 Series consists of the BMW E81 (3-door hatchback), BMW E82 (coupe), BMW E87 (5-door hatchback) and BMW E88 (convertible) compact cars. The E81/E82/E87/E88 generation was produced from 2004 until 2013 and is sometimes collectively referred to as the E8x. The E8x replaced the 3 Series Compact as the entry level models of the BMW range.

The chassis has an aluminum multi-link suspension, and a rear-wheel drive layout with a longitudinally-mounted engine giving 50:50 weight balance, which was a rare configuration for a hatchback as most cars in this market segment use front-wheel drive. The engines available were four-cylinder turbo-diesel, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol, six-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and six-cylinder turbocharged petrol (the latter only available on coupe and convertible models).

The highest performance trim is the 1 Series M Coupé which was powered by the BMW N54 turbocharged inline-six engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It was produced in only the coupe body style and is considered the predecessor to the BMW M2.

Following the introduction of the F20/F21 1 Series in 2011, the E81/E87 hatchback models began to be phased out, while the E82/E88 coupes and convertibles remained in production until 2013, when they were replaced by the F22/F23 2 Series models.

2009 Bmw 128i

Social links

Common 2009 Bmw 128i problems

The 2009 BMW 128i is generally considered to be a reliable car, but like any vehicle, it can have certain common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners of this car:

  1. Water pump and thermostat failure: The water pump and thermostat are crucial components of the car's cooling system. Many owners have reported issues with these parts, particularly as the car ages. Water pump failure can lead to overheating, which can cause significant damage to the engine if not addressed promptly. Symptoms of water pump failure include coolant leaks, overheating, and a loud whining noise from the engine bay.
  2. Oil leaks: The 2009 BMW 128i uses a naturally aspirated inline-6 engine, which is known for its reliability. However, some owners have reported oil leaks, particularly from the valve cover gaskets and the rear main seal. Oil leaks can lead to a decrease in engine performance and increased wear and tear on other engine components. Symptoms of an oil leak include a burning smell, smoke from the engine bay, and a decrease in oil levels.
  3. Electrical issues: BMWs are known for their complex electrical systems, and the 128i is no exception. Some owners have reported issues with the car's electrical system, including problems with the battery, alternator, and starter motor. Symptoms of electrical issues include difficulty starting the car, dimming headlights, and warning lights on the dashboard.
  4. Suspension and steering issues: The 128i is known for its precise handling and responsive steering. However, some owners have reported issues with the car's suspension and steering components, including worn-out bushings, leaking struts, and damaged tie rods. Symptoms of suspension and steering issues include a rough ride, difficulty steering, and unusual noises from the suspension.
  5. Fuel system issues: The 128i's fuel system is another area where some owners have reported issues. Problems with the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulator can lead to decreased performance, poor fuel economy, and difficulty starting the car. Symptoms of fuel system issues include a rough idle, stalling, and difficulty starting the car.

To avoid these common problems, it's important to perform regular maintenance on the car, including changing the oil and filters, replacing worn-out parts, and addressing any issues promptly. It's also recommended to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic regularly, particularly as it ages. By taking these steps, owners can help ensure that their 2009 BMW 128i remains a reliable and enjoyable car to drive.

2009 Bmw 128i engine

How reliable is a BMW 128i?

The BMW 128i Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 13th out of 17 for luxury compact cars. The average annual repair cost is $801 which means it has higher than average ownership costs. Repairs are more frequent for the 128i, so you may experience a few more visits to your BMW shop than normal.

Is BMW Series 1 2009 a good car?

Verdict. If you want a cheap compact premium car that'll turn every drive into an occasion, the 1 Series could well be the perfect choice. Not only does it have excellent dynamics, it also offers fine cabin ergonomics, plus BMW's usual build quality. This is a car with a real depth and breadth of talent.

How many miles can a BMW 128i last?

If it's well taken care of there is no reason to belive the car, and engine, won't last 200+ thousand miles. If you were the first owner, and maintain the car well, it should last you a very long time. The water pump on a lot of makes and models are now one of the most important maintenance items.

What is the top speed of the 128i?

Specs

  • Engine Specifications.
  • Engine Configuration. 3.0 I4.
  • Engine Type. Petrol.
  • Drive Type. RWD.
  • Transmission. Automatic/Manual.
  • Power. 170 kW (231 hp)
  • Top Speed. 209 km/h.
  • Acceleration 0-100km/h. 5.7 - 6.4 s.

2009 Bmw 128i complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Bmw 128i.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2009 Bmw 128i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2009 Bmw 128i.

2022-03-02
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, 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 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
  • Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
  • Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2020-01-15
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
  • Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2019-08-06
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
  • Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
2017-10-30
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
  • Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2016-02-05
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2013-02-07
  • Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: 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; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
  • Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Leave your review of 2009 Bmw 128i

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2009 Bmw 128i problems:

BMW reliability - 128i? - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series ...
BMW reliability - 128i? - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series ...
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=554205

One common fault on the 1-series was the 3rd brake light cracking and sometime falling out. I'm not sure if they have found a fix for it, though I never had the ...

Is a 2009 bmw 128i reliable? : r/BMW
Is a 2009 bmw 128i reliable? : r/BMW
https://www.reddit.com/r/BMW/comments/x6zgpi/is_a_2009_bmw_128i_reliable/

Sep 6, 2022 ... Sometimes the FRM module will crash when plugging in a scan tool. If you lose operation of headlights/turn signals/wipers/window motors after ...

High Mileage 128i Reliability - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 ...
High Mileage 128i Reliability - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 ...
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1467879

Feb 18, 2018 ... Coil packs, Eccentric Shaft Sensor, Oil Filter Housing Gasket, Water Pump, and Valve Cover Gasket are common components to fail on N51/N52 cars ...

Living with the 2009 BMW 128i - Don't sleep on this One. : r/cars
Living with the 2009 BMW 128i - Don't sleep on this One. : r/cars
https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/sy8kza/living_with_the_2009_bmw_128i_dont_sleep_on_this/

Feb 21, 2022 ... So I actually have a 128i and 135i (n54) at the same time rn. So you if you keep the engine stock, the N54 doesn't really have any issues the ...

What are the
What are the "common" 1 series convertible problems? - BMW 1 ...
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=366410

Mar 24, 2010 ... My 128i convertible was ordered in May of 2009 and made the first week of June. I have just over 5,000 miles on it at this point. I also ...

Other years of Bmw 128i

bmw 128i 2010 photo
128i 2010
Bmw

0

7

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw 128i 2011 photo
128i 2011
Bmw

91

7

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw 128i 2012 photo
128i 2012
Bmw

27

5

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw 128i 2013 photo
128i 2013
Bmw

36

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw 128i 2007 photo
128i 2007
Bmw

1

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
bmw 128i 2008 photo
128i 2008
Bmw

0

6

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2009 Bmw 128i?

Add car complaint
2009 Bmw 128i photo