🇩🇪 Deutsch
BMW · Compact · 2008–2013

BMW 1er Cabrio E88

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.1 / 5.0 · Based on 11 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

306–360 PS

3.0L Turbo Benzin

RWD, Manual, Compact — Never Coming Back

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

306 PS

3.0L Biturbo Benzin

11 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Ratings

Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Stay Away! 11 weaknesses
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Be Careful 6 weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Convertible roof hydraulic pump failed

The Power Packer hydraulic pump for the folding roof wears out through oil ageing and relay wear. Operation becomes sluggish — the roof opens/closes extremely slowly or gets stuck mid-travel.

Symptoms: Roof moves very slowly or not at all. Hood stops in an intermediate position, warning light flashes continuously.
from 100,000 km
Ad hydraulic pump convertible top BMW E88Power Packer BMW CabrioDachrelay BMW E88
 High

Alternatives

Same Segment

Ford Focus DYB

Kompaktklasse (2011–2018)

Same Segment

MINI MINI Coupé R58

Kompaktklasse (2011–2015)

Same Segment

VW Beetle II

Kompaktklasse (2011–2019)

Same Segment

Alfa Romeo Giulietta 940

Kompaktklasse (2010–2020)

Same Segment

Ford C-Max DXA

Kompaktklasse (2010–2019)

Same Segment

Honda CR-Z ZF1

Kompaktklasse (2010–2016)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 81 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 1er Cabrio E88 (2008–2013) — 75 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: N43B20 (2.0L DI), N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo), N47D20 (2.0L Diesel), N43B16 (1.6L DI). Typical issues affect Other, Body, Rust, Electronics.

What to watch out for with the BMW 1er Cabrio? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 1er Cabrio E88 have? +
The BMW 1er Cabrio E88 has 75 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 1er Cabrio E88? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N46B20 (2.0L), N52B30 (3.0L Magnesium), N13B16 (1.6L Turbo), N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel), N47D16 (1.6L Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo). Problem engine: N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — stay away!
Which BMW 1er Cabrio E88 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW 1er Cabrio E88 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 326 hp, RWD, 6-speed manual in a compact shell — a recipe BMW will never repeat. Cold start wakes the neighbours, warm it settles right down. Widely regarded as the best manual gearbox BMW ever fitted. Chassis skips over bumps but grips like fury in the corners. Cheaper than the M2 and nearly as much fun.
Is the BMW 1er Cabrio E88 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW 1er Cabrio E88 — 5 of 11 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 1er Cabrio E88? +
The BMW 1er Cabrio E88 is available with engine variants from 90 to 360 hp. Petrol: N46B20 (2.0L), N43B20 (2.0L DI), N52B30 (3.0L Magnesium), N13B16 (1.6L Turbo), N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo), N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N43B16 (1.6L DI). Diesel: N47D20 (2.0L Diesel), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel), N47D16 (1.6L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee