🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series Touring

Model Variant:

328i

Year:

2011

Body Style:

Sports Wagon (Touring)

Chassis Code:

E91

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium compact executive wagon (E-segment).

Target Audience:

Individuals and families seeking a blend of sporty driving dynamics, practicality, and luxury typically associated with BMW.

Key Competitors:

Audi A4 Avant, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon, Volvo V50/V60, Acura TSX Sport Wagon.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW 'Ultimate Driving Machine' characteristics, emphasizing rear-wheel drive bias (though xDrive AWD was optional).

Practicality:

Versatile cargo space with a hatchback design, split-folding rear seats, offering greater utility than a sedan.

Luxury Appointments:

High-quality interior materials, ergonomic design, and advanced technology features for its class.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Primarily North American market (USA/Canada), but general operational and maintenance information is applicable globally.

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels equipped with the N51 or N52 engine variants for the 328i designation in the E91 chassis for 2011.

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 350-400 pages (typical for a BMW owner's manual of this era).

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel and exhaust systems. Transmission operation, maintenance.

Chassis:

Steering, suspension, braking system (including ABS, DSC), wheels and tires.

Electrical System:

Battery, lighting (interior/exterior), wipers, horn, fuses, vehicle power management.

Body And Interior:

Doors, windows, seats, cargo area, interior controls, keys and remote controls, anti-theft system.

Infotainment And Climate:

Radio, CD player, navigation (if equipped), climate control system (manual/automatic), power outlets.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking and topping up fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.

Operation And Controls:

Starting and driving, parking brake, cruise control, intelligent cruise control (if equipped), seat and mirror adjustment, safety belt usage.

Troubleshooting:

Understanding warning indicators and messages, basic troubleshooting for common issues.

Depth:

Comprehensive user-level information for operation, care, and basic maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions found in a service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text if converted from original digital files, allowing for easy keyword lookup.

Quality:

High resolution, suitable for digital viewing and printing. Text and diagrams should be clear.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

N51 (Valvetronic with Double VANOS) or N52 (Aluminum/Magnesium alloy, Valvetronic with Double VANOS)

Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2996 cc)

Horsepower:

Approx. 230-255 hp @ 6600 rpm (depending on specific N51/N52 variant and market tuning).

Torque:

Approx. 200-214 lb-ft @ 2750-3000 rpm.

Injection Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (DI, though less common on the N51/N52 variants of this year).

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended).

Valvetrain:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) and Valvetronic (variable valve lift).

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Type:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC).

Automatic Mode:

Yes, with manual shifting capability via selector lever or paddle shifters (if equipped).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4527 mm (178.2 in)

Width:

Approx. 1757 mm (69.2 in)

Height:

Approx. 1449 mm (57.0 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 in)

Cargo Volume Seats Up:

Approx. 430 Liters (15.2 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Seats Down:

Approx. 1370 Liters (48.4 cu ft)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1600-1700 kg (3527-3748 lbs), depending on options and drivetrain.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for sedans, wagon ratings may vary slightly but generally similar structural integrity).

IIHS Crash Test Ratings:

Good (in most categories for the sedan equivalent; wagon structure is similar).

Electronic Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard.

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T).

Braking Assist:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtains).

Seat Belts:

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

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive (CCC or CIC generation, depending on optional packages).

Features:

Radio, CD player (single or multi-disc), optional Navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio interface, auxiliary input.

Display:

Central LCD display, typically 6.5 inches or 8.8 inches for navigation-equipped vehicles.

Features:

Parking Assistant (rear parking sensors), optional front parking sensors, Adaptive Xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control.

Bluetooth:

Standard or optional, for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Display Elements:

Analog tachometer and speedometer, fuel gauge, engine temperature gauge, onboard computer with fuel consumption, range, average speed, and system messages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically indicated by the 'Condition Based Service' (CBS) system, often around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. The manual will detail how to interpret the CBS display.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage, as recommended by BMW.

Engine Air Filter:

Check every 20,000-30,000 miles; replace as needed based on condition or CBS indicator.

Cabin Air Filter:

Check every 15,000-20,000 miles; replace annually or as needed.

Spark Plugs:

Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on the specific spark plug type installed. The manual will provide guidance or direct to CBS.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, viscosity typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.

Common Problems:

Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, PCV valve issues (especially in colder climates), water pump failures (electric on later N52 variants), fuel injector issues, ignition coil failures, and eccentric shaft sensor failures are sometimes reported. The manual will not detail these specific common issues but covers general maintenance to mitigate them.

Tire Sizes:

Common sizes include 225/45R17 on 8.0J x 17 wheels (front and rear) or optional 225/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear on staggered wheel setups.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, a German manufacturer, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics.

3 Series Lineage:

The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model, consistently evolving to represent the benchmark for sport sedans and their variants.

E90 Generation:

The E90 generation (which includes the E91 wagon) was produced from 2005 to 2013, representing a significant technological and design advancement over its E46 predecessor.

Production Years:

The E91 wagon variant was produced for the 2006-2011 model years in North America.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Dingolfing plant).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Achievements:

While specific awards for the 2011 328i Sports Wagon may not be individually listed, the 3 Series platform consistently received accolades for its driving dynamics and overall quality from automotive publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and others during its production run.