Segment:
Compact Luxury Convertible / Premium Sport Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving experience.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet (or CLK previously), Infiniti G37 Convertible, Lexus IS Convertible.
Powertrain:
Twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engine (N54) known for strong torque and power delivery.
Body Style:
Four-seater retractable hardtop convertible offering coupe-like refinement when the roof is up and open-air freedom when down.
Chassis:
Rear-wheel drive bias, known for BMW's signature driving dynamics and balanced handling.
Interior:
Premium materials, driver-focused cockpit, and sophisticated iDrive infotainment system.
Engine Operation:
Detailed information on the N54 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, including operation, indicators, and basic checks.
Instrument Cluster:
Explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and indicator symbols.
Entertainment Systems:
Operation of the iDrive infotainment system, audio, radio, CD/DVD functions, and optional satellite radio.
Climate Controls:
Operation of manual and automatic climate control systems, including A/C, heating, ventilation, and seat heating/cooling.
Lighting Systems:
Operation of headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, and adaptive headlight functions.
Convertible Top Operation:
Instructions for operating the power-retractable hardtop, including safety precautions and manual operation procedures.
Safety Features:
Details on airbags, seat belts, child seat installation (LATCH/ISOFIX), traction control (DTC), stability control (DSC), and ABS.
Driver Assistance:
Information on features like cruise control, parking sensors (Park Distance Control), and potentially optional systems like adaptive cruise control.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) operation, recommended tire sizes and pressures.
Brakes:
Basic information on brake system operation and warning lights.
Electrical Systems:
Fuse box locations and identification, basic electrical component operation.
Maintenance And Care:
Basic owner-level maintenance tasks, cleaning procedures, fluid level checks, and recommended service intervals.
Starting And Driving:
Procedures for starting the engine, shifting gears, and basic driving techniques.
Parking And Locking:
Operation of the central locking system, keyless entry, and parking brake.
Fueling:
Correct fuel type, fuel tank capacity, and refueling procedures.
Fluid Level Checks:
How to check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid levels.
Tire Maintenance:
Checking tire pressure and basic tire care recommendations.
Wiper And Washer Operation:
Operation and maintenance of windshield wipers and washers.
Emergency Procedures:
Information on warning lights, roadside assistance, and basic emergency handling.
Depth:
Owner-level operational guidance and basic maintenance, not a comprehensive repair manual. Focuses on understanding vehicle functions and routine care.
Configuration:
3.0L (2979cc) Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 Valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection (High-Pressure)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Turbocharging:
Twin Turbochargers (sequential or parallel, typically parallel on N54 for improved response)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for convertible body style, specific model year data may vary)
IIHS Crash Test:
Good (for relevant tests like frontal offset, side impact, based on similar E9x models)
Dsc:
Dynamic Stability Control (includes ABS, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control)
DTC:
Dynamic Traction Control (allows for more wheelspin than DSC)
Runflat Tires:
Standard on many BMW models, including this one, with tire pressure monitoring.
Headlight Control:
Automatic headlights, optional Adaptive Headlights.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags integrated into seats, rollover protection system (pop-up bars behind rear headrests).
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for rear seats.
System:
iDrive infotainment system (CCC or CIC depending on specific build date and options)
Features:
Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, CD/DVD player, auxiliary input, USB integration (with appropriate adapter).
Display:
Central color LCD display, controlled via iDrive rotary dial and buttons.
Parking Sensors:
Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality.
Bluetooth:
Standard Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming (via A2DP).
Usb Aux:
Auxiliary audio input standard; USB port may require a specific adapter cable or be part of an optional package.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, often around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles for the N54 engine, depending on driving conditions and specific spark plug type.
Coolant Replacement:
BMW recommends long-life coolant; replacement interval typically around 5 years or 100,000 miles.
Microfilter Replacement:
Typically every 2 years or as indicated by CBS.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Coolant:
BMW Blue (G48) or similar ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Refer to manual for specific MTF (Manual Transmission Fluid) specifications. Often a proprietary BMW fluid.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ETL-8074 or Lifeguardfluid 8 (for 6-speed GA6HP26Z and GA6HP19Z transmissions). Requires special tools for fluid service.
N54 Engine Common Issues:
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure, Injector issues (e.g., misfires, rough idle), Turbocharger wastegate rattle, PCV valve issues, Ignition coil failures.
Convertible Top Issues:
Hydraulic leaks in the convertible top system, sensor failures, motor issues.
Electrical Issues:
Water pump failure (electric), thermostat failure (electric), potential iDrive system glitches.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, focusing on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E9X Generation:
The E90/E91/E92/E93 generation (2006-2013) represented a significant update to the 3 Series platform, introducing new technologies and refined performance. The E93 replaced the E46 convertible.
Convertible Transition:
This generation transitioned from a soft-top to a retractable hardtop (the 'i' in E93 denotes the hardtop convertible) for improved security, noise isolation, and all-weather usability.
Production Period E93:
2006-2013
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany.