Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Wagon
Brand Philosophy:
Driving pleasure, premium quality, performance-oriented luxury
Primary Competitors:
Audi A4 Avant, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, Volvo V50/V60 (depending on exact timing/rival)
Powertrain:
Inline-6 gasoline engine, xDrive all-wheel-drive system
Driving Dynamics:
BMW's signature rear-wheel-drive bias (even with xDrive), balanced chassis, responsive steering
Practicality:
Versatile wagon body style, ample cargo space for its class
Design Language:
Evolutionary LCI (facelift) design of the E90 sedan, updated front and rear styling
Primary Systems:
Vehicle operation, controls, safety, maintenance, infotainment, climate control
Engine Management:
Operation of the N52B30 engine, oil, coolant, fueling
Drivetrain:
xDrive all-wheel-drive system operation, transmission basics
Braking System:
ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake operation
Electrical System:
Lighting controls, instrument cluster illumination, basic warning lights
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control systems, power windows, seats, mirrors, central locking
Infotainment System:
Radio, CD player, auxiliary input, iDrive system basics (if equipped)
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt usage, child restraint systems, tire pressure monitoring (RPA)
Driver Assistance:
Basic operation of cruise control, parking sensors (PDC if equipped)
Vehicle Exterior:
Doors, windows, roof, trunk/tailgate operation, fuel filler flap
Vehicle Interior:
Seating adjustments, dashboard layout, storage compartments
Daily Operation:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, basic driving controls
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (basic)
Emergency Procedures:
Tire changing, jump starting, warning light explanations
Troubleshooting Basic:
Interpreting dashboard warning messages and lights
Remote Key Operation:
Locking/unlocking, trunk release, alarm functions
Climate Control Operation:
Manual and automatic climate control usage
Lighting Operation:
Headlights, taillights, fog lights, interior lighting
Scope:
Owner-level operation and basic maintenance guidance
Diagnostics:
Limited to interpretation of warning lights and messages, not deep diagnostic procedures
Repair Procedures:
No in-depth mechanical or electrical repair instructions; focuses on user-doable tasks
Part Identification:
No part numbers or diagrams for replacement parts
File Format:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Typically searchable text content, allowing keyword searches
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans suitable for printing, mimicking original factory quality
Digital Features:
Hyperlinks (often within chapters), zoom functionality
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Induction:
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), Valvetronic
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification)
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-01 FE approval recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (ZF GS6-37BZ)
Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC)
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive (Permanent, electronically controlled)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF 6 (LT-5A, Part No. 83 22 0 030 917) or equivalent
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (BMW recommends specific ZF oil or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for 2011 3-Series Sedan, typically similar for Wagon)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (for 2011 3-Series Sedan, typically similar for Wagon)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2011 3-Series Sedan, typically similar for Wagon)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with integrated ABS and Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
Braking Assistance:
Brake Assist (BA)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
System Type:
Run Flat Indicator (RFI) - indirect system
System Name:
iDrive (depending on optional packages equipped)
Display:
Central information display screen (typically 7-inch or 8.8-inch)
Audio:
AM/FM Stereo, CD Player, Auxiliary Audio Input, optional Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity (for audio streaming and hands-free calling if optioned)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality.
Parking Aid:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) with front and rear sensors.
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming on equipped models.
Headlights:
Standard Halogen Projector headlights, optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
Keyless Entry:
Standard remote central locking, optional Comfort Access keyless entry.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000-45,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs. (Refer to specific OE recommendation)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
BMW Blue coolant is typically a long-life coolant, but a flush every 4-5 years is advisable.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (P/N 83 22 0 024 359) or equivalent Pentosin CHF 11S.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Oil filter housing gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, PCV valve failure (integrated into valve cover), water pump failure (electric water pump for N52), VANOS solenoid issues, ignition coil failures.
X Drive Specific Concerns:
Transfer case fluid change recommended at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles) for longevity.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Heritage Focus:
Engineering excellence, performance, sporty driving characteristics
3 Series Lineage:
The 3 Series is BMW's core model line, evolving through multiple generations (E21, E30, E36, E46, E90/E91/E92/E93, F30/F31/F34/F32/F33/F36, G20/G21 etc.)
E91 Generation:
The E91 wagon variant was part of the E90 generation (2006-2013), with the LCI (facelift) occurring for the 2009 model year, featuring updated styling and technology.
328I Designation:
The '328i' designation historically signifies a 3.0-liter engine in the 3 Series lineup.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Regensburg, Germany
Production Years E91:
2006-2011 (globally), 2007-2012 (North America)