2012 BMW 128i

Introduction

The 2012 BMW 128i is a compact luxury sports coupe powered by a 3.0L inline-6 engine producing 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The 128i is praised for its engaging driving dynamics, comfortable interior, and stylish exterior. However, it has received some criticisms related to its limited cargo space and fuel economy.

Engine

3.0L Inline-6

• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover area, causing oil consumption and possible engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket and associated seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling or knocking sounds at startup or during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Shifter Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, especially into reverse.
  • Solution: Replace shifter bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Fluid Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from seals or gaskets, causing slipping or delayed gear engagement.
  • Solution: Replace leaking seals or gaskets and top up transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn bushings causing excessive play or noise in the front suspension.
  • Solution: Replace control arm bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorbers
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn shock absorbers causing poor ride quality or handling.
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Tail Light Wiring Harness
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty wiring harness causing intermittent or complete tail light failure.
  • Solution: Replace wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Discharge
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining prematurely due to electrical faults or component failures.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair faulty components or replace battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Trim
  • Description/Symptoms: Trim pieces on the door handles becoming loose or detaching.
  • Solution: Replace door handle trim.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Fade
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard materials fading or discoloring over time.
  • Solution: No permanent solution available.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: N/A
  • Recalls: None Found
• Center Console Cupholders
  • Description/Symptoms: Cupholders becoming loose or breaking, causing cups to spill.
  • Solution: Replace center console cupholder assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 BMW 128i is generally considered a reliable and enjoyable vehicle, but it has had some issues reported by owners. The most common problems are related to the engine, such as valve cover gasket leaks and timing chain tensioner failures. The transmission can also experience fluid leaks, especially with the automatic option. Suspension components, such as control arm bushings and shock absorbers, may also require replacement over time. Electrical issues, including tail light wiring harness faults and battery discharge, have also been reported. While some of these issues can be relatively minor, others can be more expensive to repair, so it is recommended to factor these potential costs into ownership considerations.