Market Position:
The 2011 BMW 335i Sedan was positioned as a premium compact executive sports sedan, competing against rivals like the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. It offered a blend of sporty performance, luxury features, and advanced technology.
Competitive Analysis:
The 335i Sedan was known for its potent twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, agile handling characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, and a sophisticated interior. It offered a more performance-oriented alternative to some competitors.
Key Features:
Powerful twin-turbo engine, rear-wheel-drive (or optional xDrive all-wheel-drive), sport-tuned suspension, premium interior materials, advanced iDrive infotainment system, available premium audio, advanced safety features.
Coverage Areas:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driving Experience Controls, Navigation System, Communication Systems, iDrive System, Seats, Storage Compartments, Windows and Sunroof, Wipers and Washers, Doors and Locks, Theft-Dependent Devices, Driving and Operating, In Case of Emergency, Vehicle Care, Wheels and Tires, Technical Data, Maintenance Information, Service Information, Roadside Assistance
Page Count:
Approximately 300-350 pages (estimated based on typical BMW owner's manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Systems Covered:
Engine operation, transmission functions, braking system, steering system, climate control, lighting system, infotainment (radio, CD, auxiliary input, optional satellite radio), navigation system, iDrive controller, communication systems (Bluetooth, hands-free calling), safety systems (airbags, seatbelts, ABS, DSC), instrument cluster displays, driver assistance features (if equipped), power windows, sunroof operation, door locks, anti-theft systems, fuel system, cooling system, electrical system basics.
Procedures Included:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, using the parking brake, operating lights, adjusting climate control settings, using infotainment features, pairing a Bluetooth device, operating the navigation system, locking and unlocking doors, opening and closing windows/sunroof, using windshield wipers and washers, checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), changing tires, jump-starting the vehicle, basic troubleshooting for warning lights, information on service intervals.
Technical Depth:
Covers operational procedures, basic maintenance checks, system explanations, and troubleshooting for common user-facing issues. Does not typically include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions, which are found in Service Manuals.
Primary Engine:
N55 TwinPower Turbo Inline 6-cylinder
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm
Displacement:
2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Fuel System:
Direct Injection (High-Pressure)
Cooling System Type:
Liquid-cooled with electric coolant pump and thermostat
Oil Type:
BMW TwinPower Turbo Longlife-01 SAE 5W-30 Synthetic
Valve Train:
DOHC with Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) and Valvetronic
Turbocharger Type:
Single Twin-Scroll Turbocharger
Standard Transmission:
6-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Transmission Features:
Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Comfort, Sport), adaptive shift logic for automatic transmission.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF DCT/74547 70493 (specific fluid type; consult manual for exact part number or specification)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Manual Transmission Fluid (specific fluid type; consult manual for exact part number or specification)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for 2011 3 Series Sedan, though specific 335i data may vary slightly)
Active Safety Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying, Hill Start-Off Assistant (on manual transmission models), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Passive Safety Features:
Advanced airbag system (front, side-impact, head curtain airbags), Active head restraints, 3-point safety belts with pretensioners and force limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, Reinforced passenger cabin.
Driver Assistance Options:
Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Optional Park Distance Control (PDC), Optional rearview camera, Optional Lane Departure Warning (on some later models/packages).
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive System (CCC or CIC Professional Navigation System depending on options)
Display Type:
Central color LCD display (typically 7-inch or 8.8-inch for Professional Navigation)
Audio Options:
AM/FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 Capability, Auxiliary Audio Input (AUX), Optional Satellite Radio, Optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise Control, potentially Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some models, Parking Assistant (PDC), Rain-sensing wipers, Automatic headlights.
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB integration (optional), Voice command system (optional).
Navigation System:
BMW Professional Navigation System with real-time traffic information (subscription may be required).
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically suggests oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, based on driving conditions and oil quality sensors. Consult the manual for specific CBS indicators.
Brake Fluid Change:
Typically every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Micro Filter Change:
Recommended every 1-2 years or as indicated by the CBS.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or equivalent.
Windshield Washer Fluid:
BMW Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate (or equivalent low-temp washer fluid)
Common Issues Context:
While the N55 engine is generally robust, some common issues reported for this generation 335i include: potential for fuel injector issues, water pump failure, ignition coil and spark plug wear, and turbocharger wastegate rattle. Regular maintenance as per the manual is crucial to mitigate these.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
BMW 11 42 7 953 129 (Mann-Filter HU 832 y, Mahle OX 730 D)
Cabin Air Filter Part Number Example:
BMW 64 11 6 9 9 3 08 (Mann-Filter CU 2535)
Standard Tire Sizes:
Front: 225/45R17, Rear: 255/40R17 (typical for sport package; variations exist)
Recommended Tire Pressure:
Front: 32 psi, Rear: 35 psi (typical; verify on vehicle's door jamb sticker)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Brand Heritage:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is a German luxury and performance automotive manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1916, renowned for its focus on driving dynamics, engineering excellence, and premium quality.
Model Evolution:
The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model line, serving as the benchmark for compact executive sedans. The E90 generation (2006-2011) saw significant updates, including the introduction of the powerful N54 and later N55 twin-turbocharged engines for the 335i models, enhancing performance substantially.
Production Location:
Mainly produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, with potential assembly in other global locations.
Sales Figures Context:
The 3 Series consistently ranks among the top sellers in its segment globally. The 335i variant represented the high-performance option within the 3 Series sedan lineup for 2011.
Ward S 10 Best Engines:
The BMW N54/N55 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, featured in the 335i, received multiple 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' awards for its performance, efficiency, and technological innovation.
Consumer Reports Ratings Context:
The BMW 3 Series generally received strong ratings from publications like Consumer Reports for performance, handling, and reliability, though specific model years and engine variants can have varying long-term reliability scores.
Epa Fuel Economy City:
Approximately 19-20 MPG (combined figures may vary significantly with manual vs. automatic transmission and driving style)
Epa Fuel Economy Highway:
Approximately 27-28 MPG (combined figures may vary significantly with manual vs. automatic transmission and driving style)