Market Position:
The 2010 BMW 328i Convertible (E93) occupied a premium segment within the compact luxury convertible market, competing with models like the Audi A3 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible, and Lexus IS Convertible. It was positioned as a stylish, sporty, and driver-focused convertible offering refined performance and premium features.
Competitive Analysis:
Key competitors offered varying degrees of sportiness, luxury, and open-air driving experience. The BMW 3 Series Convertible was known for its engaging driving dynamics, powerful inline-six engine, and advanced retractable hardtop, distinguishing it from some soft-top competitors and offering a more dynamically involving experience than some rivals.
Key Features:
Retractable hardtop for year-round usability, potent inline-six engine, rear-wheel-drive bias for sporty handling, sophisticated iDrive infotainment interface, premium interior materials, and a wide array of optional technology and comfort features.
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking a luxurious, sporty, and versatile convertible with the performance and brand cachet of BMW.
Systems Covered:
Vehicle Controls, Instrument Cluster, Infotainment System, Climate Control, Safety Systems, Driving Dynamics Control, Convertible Top Operation, Lighting, Wheels and Tires, Jacking and Tire Changing, Towing, Vehicle Care, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Specifications
Electrical System:
Covers operation of lights, wipers, power windows, mirrors, seat adjustments, convertible top controls, and basic warning indicator explanations.
Body And Chassis:
Includes information on the convertible roof mechanism operation, care, and basic troubleshooting. Also covers jacking points and tire changing.
Instrumentation:
Detailed explanation of all dashboard gauges, warning lights, and message center displays.
Lighting System:
Details on exterior and interior lighting functions, bulb replacement for basic access (e.g., headlights, taillights), and headlight aiming adjustments.
Procedures Included:
Understanding dashboard indicators, operating climate control, adjusting seats and mirrors, using the iDrive system, operating the convertible roof mechanism, proper jacking and tire replacement, basic maintenance checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), recommended service intervals, troubleshooting common warning lights, emergency procedures
Tire Pressure Maintenance:
Guidance on checking and adjusting tire pressures, as well as understanding the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Fluid Checks:
Instructions for checking essential fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
Convertible Top Operation:
Step-by-step instructions on opening and closing the power-retractable hardtop, including safety precautions and manual override procedures if applicable.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive owner-level information for everyday use, operation, and basic maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic fault codes typically found in a service manual.
User Guides:
Provides comprehensive guides for users on how to operate and optimize the functionality of various vehicle systems.
Primary Engine:
3.0L Inline 6-Cylinder (N52B30)
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Direct Injection (DI) / Port Injection depending on specific N52 variant, typically port injected for this generation
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Bore X Stroke:
3.31 in x 3.57 in (84.0 mm x 91.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Standard Transmission:
6-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic with Paddle Shifters
Transmission Features:
ZF 6HP19 (Automatic) or Getrag GS6-37BZ (Manual). Steptronic allows manual gear selection via shifter or paddles.
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 4.06, 2nd: 2.40, 3rd: 1.57, 4th: 1.19, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.87
Gear Ratios Auto:
1st: 4.17, 2nd: 2.34, 3rd: 1.52, 4th: 1.14, 5th: 0.87, 6th: 0.73
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not Rated (Convertible Body Style Specific)
Active Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Force Display (BFD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
Brake System:
Vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS and Dynamic Stability Control.
Passive Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (air curtains for front occupants), roll-over protection system (automatic pop-up roll bars behind rear headrests), seat-mounted side airbags
Rollover Protection:
Integrated rollover protection system with automatically deployed aluminum roll bars.
Infotainment System:
iDrive system with a 6.5-inch or optional 8.8-inch color display. Features include radio, CD player, MP3 capability, auxiliary audio input, and optional Bluetooth, navigation, and USB interface.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional features included Parking Distance Control (PDC), rearview camera, adaptive headlights, and cruise control. The primary driver assistance systems are the DSC and DTC for traction and stability control.
Connectivity Options:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface, USB audio adapter, and BMW Assist telematics.
Convenience Features:
Keyless entry, push-button start, power-adjustable seats with memory, heated steering wheel, and automatic climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and condition-based service (CBS) system readings.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Micro Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 to 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (LF-6)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Pentosin MTF LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-80.
Differential Fluid Type:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant (API GL-5 or GL-4/GL-5 compliant).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 High Performance.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Common Issues:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil filter housing, VANOS solenoids, water pump failure (often plastic impeller), cooling system leaks (expansion tank, hoses), convertible top hydraulic system issues (pump, cylinders, hoses), idrive system glitches, carbon buildup on intake valves (less common on N52 than direct injection engines).
Service Indicator Reset:
Procedures for resetting the Condition Based Service (CBS) indicator for oil changes, inspections, etc.
Brand Heritage:
BMW, established in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance, luxury vehicles with a focus on driving pleasure. The 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan reflects this core philosophy.
Model Evolution:
The 3 Series Convertible is part of BMW's highly successful 3 Series line, which began in the 1970s. The E93 generation, introduced for the 2007 model year, marked BMW's return to a retractable hardtop for its 3 Series convertible, replacing the E46 soft-top convertible and offering enhanced security and refinement.
Production Years E93:
2006-2013
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
Platform:
E93 is part of the fifth generation (E90 series) of the BMW 3 Series.