🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328i xDrive Sedan

Year:

2011

Body Style:

Sedan

Drivetrain:

xDrive (All-Wheel Drive)

Market:

North America (implied by language)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Premium compact executive sedan, known for sporty driving dynamics and advanced technology, competing with models like the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS.

Competitive Analysis:

The 2011 BMW 3 Series (E90 generation sedan) was a benchmark for driving engagement in its class, offering a potent inline-six engine and refined chassis. The xDrive system added all-weather capability, appealing to buyers in regions with challenging climates.

Key Features:

Balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engine, optional xDrive AWD, luxurious interior, advanced iDrive infotainment system (for its time), strong brand heritage.

Target Audience:

Driving enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality, often in markets where all-wheel drive is beneficial.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, iDrive System, Vehicle Operation, Safety Systems, Maintenance, Technical Data, Troubleshooting, Specifications.

Page Count:

250-300 (Estimated based on typical BMW owner's manuals for this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine management, transmission operation, xDrive AWD system, braking system, steering, suspension, climate control (HVAC), lighting (interior/exterior), power accessories, iDrive infotainment, audio system, vehicle warning indicators, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), keyless entry, immobilizer.

Procedures Included:

Normal vehicle operation, fluid level checks, tire pressure monitoring, basic maintenance checks, dashboard warning light interpretation, setting preferences via iDrive, using the infotainment system, emergency procedures, safe driving practices, minor adjustments.

Technical Depth:

Covers owner-level operation, maintenance, and safety. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, or component-level troubleshooting typically found in a BMW Service Manual or Repair Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchable Text:

Yes (Typical for factory-sourced PDFs)

Printability:

Printable

Content Source:

Factory Original Owner's Manual

Completeness:

Full, unabridged content as provided by the manufacturer.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Engine Code:

N52B30

Displacement:

3.0 Liters (2996 cc)

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) and Valvetronic

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Optional on some models, likely automatic for 328i xDrive Sedan)

Transmission Type:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Transmission Features:

Adaptive shift logic, manual shifting mode via shifter or steering wheel paddles (if equipped).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW Blue ATF (e.g., LT-5, ZF Lifeguardfluid8, or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW Manual Transmission Oil (e.g., MTF LT-2 or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

181.8 inches

Width:

69.4 inches

Height:

56.5 inches

Wheelbase:

108.7 inches

Front Headroom:

~38.4 inches

Rear Headroom:

~36.7 inches

Trunk Volume:

~12.0 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

~3600-3700 lbs (for xDrive Sedan)

Standard Wheel Size:

17 inches

Standard Tire Size:

225/45R17

Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Crash:

5 Stars

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes

Active Safety Features:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags), active head restraints, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat system.

Headlight Type:

Bi-xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights (Standard or Optional)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC Professional Navigation system, depending on options)

Display Size:

6.5 inch or 8.8 inch color display

Controls:

iDrive Controller with buttons, potentially voice command.

Audio System:

Standard Hi-Fi audio system, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Driver Assistance Features:

Parking sensors (PDC - Park Distance Control), optional rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, cruise control.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming (via Combox or similar module), USB/AUX input for audio.

Keyless Entry System:

Remote keyless entry and start/stop button (Comfort Access system with keyless entry and start optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically Condition Based Service (CBS) system indicating based on driving style, but generally every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 1 year.

Major Service Intervals:

Spark plug replacement around 60,000 miles, brake fluid flush every 2 years, coolant flush around 4 years/50,000 miles, cabin air filter annually.

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.

Engine Oil Capacity:

~6.5 US quarts (6.0-6.5 liters)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 (BMW Premium Brake Fluid or equivalent)

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent)

Windshield Washer Fluid:

BMW Washer Fluid Concentrate or equivalent with freeze protection.

Known Issues:

Water pump failure (plastic impeller degradation), oil filter housing gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, PCV valve issues, ignition coil failures, HPFP (High-Pressure Fuel Pump) issues (less common on naturally aspirated N52 compared to turbo models), window regulator failures.

Oil Filter Part Number:

BMW P/N 11 42 7 541 827 (Cartridge type)

Engine Air Filter Part Number:

BMW P/N 13 72 7 551 139

Cabin Air Filter Part Number:

BMW P/N 64 11 6 9 9 0 700

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.

Model Evolution:

The E90 generation 3 Series sedan (2006-2011) represented a significant evolution from its predecessor, introducing more advanced technology, refined styling, and improved performance. The 328i model replaced the 325i, offering a more powerful engine.

Production Years E90:

2006-2011 (Sedan)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (primary), South Africa (some markets)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The E90 3 Series platform was consistently lauded by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, premium interior, and sophisticated technology, often earning 'Best Car' or 'Top Pick' accolades from publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Automobile Magazine.

Safety Ratings Summary:

Achieved high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, reflecting its robust construction and comprehensive safety features.

Certifications:

Meets all US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for 2011 model year.