🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series Convertible

Model Code:

E93

Model Variant:

328i

Year:

2011

Vin Decoder Country Code:

WBA (Germany)

Engine Code Prefix:

N51

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Compact Executive Convertible

Brand Positioning:

Performance, luxury, and advanced technology

Key Competitors:

Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet, Lexus IS Convertible, Infiniti G37 Convertible

Body Style:

Four-seater retractable hardtop convertible

Chassis Platform:

E90 3 Series platform

Infotainment:

BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on specific build date, user interface management)

📋 Manual Details

Primary Language:

English

Geographic Market:

North America (implied by 'with idrive' and common product naming conventions)

Estimated Pages:

400-600

Type:

Owner's Manual

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Infotainment:

iDrive system operation, navigation, audio, Bluetooth, phone integration

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, seat heating

Lighting:

Headlights (automatic, Xenon), fog lights, interior lighting, ambient lighting

Instrument Cluster:

Gauges, warning lights, check control messages, driver information system

Convertible Top:

Operation, care, and troubleshooting of the power-operated retractable hardtop

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seat belts, dynamic stability control (DSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Powertrain:

Basic engine operation, fuel recommendations, transmission operation (automatic)

Chassis:

Brakes, steering, suspension (basic operation)

Operation:

Starting and driving, parking, securing the vehicle

Maintenance:

Fluid level checks, tire pressure adjustment, wiper blade replacement, basic cleaning

Troubleshooting:

Interpreting warning lights and messages, basic inoperable system guidance

Emergency:

Jump starting, tire changing (if applicable), towing information

Depth:

Consumer-focused; covers operation, features, and basic maintenance; not a repair manual

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable PDF

Searchability:

Full text searchable

Printability:

Printable pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder

Engine Code:

N51B30

Displacement:

2,996 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 24 valves with Double VANOS and Valvetronic

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6,600 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2,750-4,250 rpm

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) compliance

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (less common in US market for this variant)

Automatic Features:

Sport mode, manual shifting via selector lever or paddle shifters (if equipped)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW Longlife-18 FE (or equivalent meeting ATF specifications, consult manual for exact part number)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

180.1 inches (4575 mm)

Width:

69.9 inches (1777 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.5 inches (2733 mm)

Front Headroom:

39.0 inches (991 mm)

Front Legroom:

41.7 inches (1059 mm)

Rear Headroom:

36.6 inches (930 mm)

Rear Legroom:

30.7 inches (780 mm)

Trunk Volume Top Up:

12.1 cubic feet (343 L)

Trunk Volume Top Down:

9.4 cubic feet (266 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,990 lbs (1810 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4,762 lbs (2160 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not directly applicable to convertible models in the same way as sedans/coupes due to rollover dynamics. Consult specific test results for individual crash scenarios.

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA)

Tire Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front knee airbags

Rollover Protection:

Automatically deploying rollover protection bars

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

BMW iDrive

Display:

Central Control Display (likely 7-inch or 8.8-inch, depending on option)

Controller:

iDrive Controller knob with surrounding buttons, voice control (if equipped)

Navigation:

Optional professional navigation system with map data updates

Parking Assistance:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) with visual and audible alerts, optional rearview camera

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC)

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth hands-free connectivity for mobile phones

Usb Aux:

USB/Audio interface for music playback and device charging (optional)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months. Consult the manual for specific indicators.

Major Service Intervals:

Typically at 30,000, 60,000, and 100,000-mile intervals, involving checks and replacement of spark plugs, filters, fluids, belts, and inspections.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity recommended. Consult manual for precise specification.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 BMW Super DOT 4 or equivalent

Common Issues Engine:

Potential for oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), VANOS solenoid issues, ignition coil failures, fuel injector issues.

Common Issues Convertible Top:

Hydraulic pump leaks, hydraulic line failures, sensor malfunctions, wear on seals and mechanisms.

Common Issues Electrical:

Water pump failure (electric), thermostat issues, various sensor failures, iDrive system glitches.

Common Issues Suspension:

Front control arm bushings, sway bar links, rear shock mounts

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', combining performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.

E93 Introduction:

The E93 generation 3 Series Convertible was introduced in 2006/2007, replacing the E46 convertible. It marked BMW's return to a retractable hardtop for the 3 Series line.

Manufacturing Plant:

Regensburg, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

The 3 Series convertible generally received positive reviews in its class for driving dynamics, build quality, and refined interiors. Specific awards for the 2011 model year may include nods from automotive publications for convertibles or luxury cars.

Jdpowe Quality Ratings:

BMW typically scores well in initial quality and dependability studies from J.D. Power, reflecting its premium positioning.

Emissions Standard:

Compliant with EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year, with the N51 engine specifically designed for SULEV status.