🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Year:

2011

Covered Models:

Body Styles Covered:

Chassis Code:

E90 (Sedan), E92 (Coupe), E93 (Convertible)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Premium compact executive sports sedan/coupe/convertible.

Key Competitors:

Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G37, Cadillac CTS.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive bias (or xDrive all-wheel-drive), and engaging driving experience.

Engine Options:

Inline-6 naturally aspirated (328i) and twin-turbocharged (335i/335is) engines, offering a blend of performance and refinement.

M Performance:

The M3 variant represents the pinnacle of performance for the 3 Series, featuring a high-revving V8 engine and enhanced chassis dynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Owner's and Operator's Manual

Estimated Page Count:

300-500 pages (typical for this generation of BMW manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print (Paperback)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system.

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (manual and automatic), xDrive all-wheel-drive system (where applicable), clutch operation.

Chassis:

Brake system (ABS, DSC), steering system, suspension system.

Electrical:

Lighting systems (exterior and interior), power windows, power seats, mirrors, horn, audio system, instrument cluster, warning indicators.

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchors, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Comfort Features:

Climate control (HVAC), comfort access, keyless entry, sunroof operation, interior trim and ergonomics.

Infotainment:

BMW iDrive system (basic operation), radio, CD player, auxiliary input, navigation system (basic functions if equipped).

Basic Operation:

Starting the engine, shifting gears, using controls, parking, driving tips.

Maintenance Checks:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade inspection.

Warning Lights:

Explanation of instrument cluster warning lights and their meaning.

Troubleshooting:

Basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., battery, flat tire), emergency procedures.

Fueling:

Correct fuel type, fuel filler flap operation.

Tire Changing:

Instructions for changing a flat tire (location of spare tire/repair kit, jack points).

Depth:

Operator-level. Focuses on driver understanding and basic vehicle care, not in-depth repair procedures. Intended for the end-user.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

N/A (This is a physical printed manual)

Print Quality:

High-quality professional printing, clear diagrams and text.

Binding Type:

Perfect bound or saddle-stitched, designed for durability and ease of use in the vehicle.

Paper Type:

Durable, glossy or semi-gloss paper stock to withstand frequent handling and resist smudging.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2996 cc)

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2750-5000 rpm

Engine Code:

N52B30

Engine Type:

Twin-Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2979 cc)

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm

Engine Code:

N54B30

Engine Type:

Twin-Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2979 cc)

Horsepower:

320 hp @ 5800 rpm

Torque:

332 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm (370 lb-ft with overboost)

Engine Code:

N54B30 (Tuned)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement:

4.0 Liters (3999 cc)

Horsepower:

414 hp @ 8300 rpm

Torque:

295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm

Engine Code:

S65B40

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for all models)

Fuel Injection:

Direct Injection (335i, 335is, M3) / Port Injection (328i)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-Speed Manual (All models)

Optional Transmission:

6-Speed Steptronic Automatic (328i, 335i, 335i xDrive); 7-Speed M-DCT Drivelogic (M3 Coupe/Convertible); 6-Speed Automatic (335is)

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 181.8 inches

Width:

Approx. 70.2 inches

Height:

Approx. 56.7 inches

Length:

Approx. 180.5 inches

Width:

Approx. 70.2 inches

Height:

Approx. 54.7 inches

Length:

Approx. 180.5 inches

Width:

Approx. 70.2 inches

Height:

Approx. 54.8 inches

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.0 cu ft

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 12.0 cu ft

Trunk Volume With Top Down:

Approx. 10.2 cu ft

Curb Weight 328I Sedan:

Approx. 3461 lbs

Curb Weight 335Is Coupe:

Approx. 3737 lbs

Curb Weight M3 Coupe:

Approx. 3759 lbs

Wheelbase:

Approx. 108.7 inches (Sedan/Coupe/Convertible)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Front Crash:

Good (2011 BMW 3 Series Sedan)

IIHS Side Crash:

Good (2011 BMW 3 Series Sedan)

NHTSA Overall:

4 out of 5 stars (General rating for 2011 3 Series Sedan)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard

Traction Control:

All-Season Traction Control (ASC) standard

Braking Assist:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) standard

Airbags:

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

Seatbelts:

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

Child Seats:

LATCH (ISOFIX) lower anchorages and tethers for child seat installation.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC professional navigation system depending on options).

Display Type:

Central color display, controlled via iDrive rotary controller and buttons.

Parking Assist:

Optional front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC), rearview camera.

Lighting Options:

Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights, LED taillights.

Auxiliary Input:

Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Usb Port:

Optional USB port for audio devices and iPod integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes based on driving conditions, often around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Change:

BMW Blue Coolant typically has a long service life, often recommended at 50,000 miles or longer, check specific model recommendation.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles for most models, check specific engine (e.g., N54/N55 may vary).

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30. Always verify with the manual.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Specific synthetic gear oil, e.g., Castrol Syntrans B 75W-80 or similar.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW ATF Dexron VI or ETL-800 (check specific transmission model).

N54 Twin Turbo Common Issues:

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, turbo wastegate rattle, injector issues, oil cooler leaks, vacuum line leaks.

N52 Naturally Aspirated Common Issues:

Valve cover gasket leaks, eccentric shaft sensor (ESS) failure, VANOS solenoid issues.

S65 V8 Common Issues:

Rod bearing wear (critical maintenance concern), throttle actuator issues.

General E90 Issues:

Water pump failure (electric pump), oil pan gasket leaks, power steering fluid leaks, cooling fan issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

BMW is known for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering prowess.

Generation:

E90/E91/E92/E93 generation of the 3 Series, produced from 2006-2013. The 2011 model year falls within this generation's lifecycle.

Facelift Info:

The E90 generation received a mid-cycle LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) facelift for the 2009 model year, which included updated styling and technology.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly possible in other international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward S 10 Best Engines:

The BMW 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 (N54) received multiple WardsAuto 10 Best Engines awards for its performance and efficiency.

Car And Driver 10Best:

Various 3 Series models, including the 335i, have frequently been named to Car and Driver's 10Best list over the years.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

While the specific 2011 generation might not have won the overall award, the 3 Series platform has historically been a strong contender and recipient of various accolades.

Emissions Standards:

Compliant with relevant emissions standards for the 2011 model year in North America (e.g., EPA Tier 2 Bin 5).