Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented luxury car buyers seeking a blend of sporty dynamics and premium comfort
Key Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50
Vehicle Philosophy:
The 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing driver engagement and sophisticated engineering.
Platform:
F30 platform, representing a significant evolution in chassis dynamics, weight reduction, and powertrain efficiency.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, lubrication, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, turbocharger system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, internal components, hydraulic control, mechatronics, torque converter, fluid specifications
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS, DSC, EBD), wheel and tire specifications
Electrical:
Body control modules (BCM), engine control module (ECM), transmission control module (TCM), infotainment, lighting, power accessories, sensors, actuators, wiring diagrams
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, doors, windows, locks, sunroof, HVAC system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., turbocharger, injectors, ignition coils), transmission service and repair, brake system component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnostics and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, sensor and actuator testing, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., ISTA)
Calibration:
Steering angle sensor calibration, parking sensor calibration, certain control module programming/initialization procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complex component-level repairs and diagnostics
Diagrams:
Detailed wiring diagrams, exploded views of components, schematics for electrical systems
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, technical data for all covered systems
Compatibility:
PC/Mac compatible software; installation instructions provided
Printability:
Printable pages, though designed for digital use
Text Search:
Fully searchable text for quick access to information
Navigation Features:
Hyperlinked table of contents, index, and cross-references
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder TwinPower Turbocharged
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 90.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
240 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
Torque:
255 lb-ft @ 1,250-4,800 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection (High-Precision Injection)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
ECU:
Bosch MEVD17.2.8 or similar
Emissions Control:
Close-coupled catalytic converter, secondary air system, PCV system
Type:
8-Speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 8HP45)
Type:
6-Speed Manual (Rarely specified for 328i in this generation, primarily for 320i/335i in certain markets)
Automatic Modes:
Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+
Shift Logic:
Adaptive shift logic, paddle shifters (optional)
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW ATF DCT/8HP (e.g., Shell L12108 or equivalent)
NHTSA Overall:
5-Star (Likely, based on F30 platform general ratings)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (Likely, depending on specific year and option packages)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Driver Assistance Options:
Optional: Parking Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, knee airbags (driver)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
System Name:
BMW iDrive (CCC, CIC, or NBT depending on options)
Display:
Central LCD display with controller knob on center console
Features:
Navigation system (optional), Bluetooth connectivity, USB integration, satellite radio, enhanced smartphone integration (e.g., BMW Apps)
Standard Features:
Traction Control, Stability Control, ABS, basic parking sensors (rear, optional front)
Optional Features:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Head-Up Display (HUD), rearview camera
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming
Usb:
USB/Auxiliary input for audio playback and device charging/integration
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) typically suggests every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions. Consult manual for exact CBS trigger.
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 45,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Typically every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles for the N20 engine, but consult manual for specifics.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) BMW Brake Fluid or equivalent.
Common Issues N20 Engine:
Timing chain guide wear, PCV valve failure, oil filter housing gasket leaks, turbocharger oil feed line issues, ignition coil failures.
Common Issues Transmission:
Occasional transmission fluid leaks from seals, mechatronic unit issues (less common).
Common Issues Electrical:
Water pump failures (electric), thermostat failures, sensor failures (e.g., camshaft position, crankshaft position).
Brand Philosophy:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, renowned for premium automobiles, motorcycles, and engines with a focus on performance and engineering.
F30 Generation Introduction:
The F30 generation replaced the E90 3 Series, launching in 2011 for the 2012 model year. The 328i model debuted for the 2012 model year in North America, replacing the 328i (E90) with the N52 naturally aspirated inline-6.
Engine Transition 328I:
The 2013 328i marked a significant shift to the turbocharged 2.0L N20 4-cylinder engine, offering improved fuel efficiency and comparable or better performance than its V6 predecessor.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced at BMW's plant in Munich, Germany, and also in Rosslyn, South Africa, and Shenyang, China.