🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Year:

2012

Body Styles:

Convertible, Sedan, Coupe

Chassis Code:

E90 (Sedan), E91 (Wagon - not specified but common for this era), E92 (Coupe), E93 (Convertible)

E Code:

E90/E91/E92/E93

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe/Convertible.

Brand Perception:

Known for driving dynamics, performance, and premium appointments.

Key Competitors:

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

Driving Dynamics:

Rear-wheel drive bias (xDrive optional), sophisticated suspension tuning, direct steering.

Engine Options:

Versatile range from a potent naturally aspirated inline-six to a high-output turbocharged inline-six and the M3's high-revving V8.

Interior Quality:

High-quality materials, ergonomic design, driver-focused cockpit.

Technology Integration:

iDrive infotainment system, advanced driver assistance systems (optional).

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, 335is, M3

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for BMW owner's manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual / Operator's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed Booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

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

Transmission:

Automatic and Manual transmission operation, fluid checks

Chassis:

Steering, suspension, braking system, wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, lighting, fuses, power outlets, basic warning indicators

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control, seats, windows, locks, mirrors, sunroof, audio system, navigation (if equipped)

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, child restraint systems (ISOFIX), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Driver Assistance:

Parking Assistant, Cruise Control (standard), Adaptive Cruise Control (optional), Headlight Assist

Information Display:

Instrument cluster, iDrive system interface, warning messages, service indicators

Basic Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, jump starting

Emergency Procedures:

What to do in case of a breakdown, warning lights, tire changes

Troubleshooting:

Explanation of warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps

Vehicle Operation:

Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, fuel filling

Settings And Customization:

Adjusting seats, mirrors, steering wheel, climate control settings, infotainment system personalization

Depth:

Owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, basic maintenance, and feature utilization. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions (typical for owner's manuals).

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format Availability:

While this is a printed manual, digital versions (PDF) are often available from BMW or third-party sources.

Quality:

High-quality paper and printing, typical of OEM BMW documentation.

Binding:

Stapled or perfect bound booklet.

Paper Type:

Glossy or semi-gloss paper stock.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

328I:

3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (N51/N52)

328I Power:

Approximately 230-240 horsepower

328I Torque:

Approximately 220-230 lb-ft

335I:

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54/N55)

335I Power:

Approximately 300-306 horsepower

335I Torque:

Approximately 300 lb-ft

335Is:

3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 (N54 - enhanced version)

335Is Power:

Approximately 320 horsepower

335Is Torque:

Approximately 332 lb-ft (with overboost)

M3:

4.0L Naturally Aspirated V8 (S65)

M3 Power:

Approximately 414 horsepower

M3 Torque:

Approximately 295 lb-ft

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Injection Type:

Port fuel injection (PFI) for N51/N52, Direct Injection (DI) for N54/N55/S65.

🔧 Transmission

328I:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ)

335I/335I Xdrive:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ / GS6-53DZ for xDrive)

328I:

6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GA6HP19Z)

335I/335I Xdrive:

7-Speed M-DCT Dual Clutch Transmission (for RWD models, E90/E92/E93 335i) or 6-Speed Automatic (GA6HP19Z/GA6HP26Z for xDrive).

M-Dct:

Provides lightning-fast shifts, manual control via paddle shifters or gear selector.

Steptronic:

Allows manual gear selection via the gear selector or steering wheel paddles (on select models).

📐 Dimensions

Sedan Length:

Approx. 181.8 inches (E90)

Coupe Length:

Approx. 180.5 inches (E92)

Convertible Length:

Approx. 181.8 inches (E93)

Width:

Approx. 70.2 inches

Height:

Sedan: ~56.7 inches, Coupe: ~55.4 inches, Convertible: ~55.7 inches

Wheelbase:

Sedan/Convertible: ~108.7 inches, Coupe: ~108.7 inches

Curb Weight Min:

Approx. 3,400 lbs (328i Coupe, Manual)

Curb Weight Max:

Approx. 4,000 lbs (335is Convertible, Automatic)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Generally good, with 5-star ratings in frontal and side crash tests for many configurations. Specific ratings vary by body style and testing year.

Traction Control:

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Fade Compensation.

Limited Slip Differential:

Optional on some RWD models, standard on M3.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags for Sedan/Coupe, rollover protection for Convertible).

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, active front head restraints.

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) / ISOFIX system.

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive (CCC or CIC predecessor to current iDrive versions).

Features:

Navigation system, Radio (AM/FM/Satellite), CD/DVD player, auxiliary input, USB/Bluetooth connectivity (often via adapter or specific packages), voice control.

Optional Systems:

Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control (PDC), rearview camera, Comfort Access (keyless entry and start), Active Cruise Control.

Bmw Connecteddrive:

Features like BMW Online, Concierge Services, and remote vehicle functions may have been available through subscription packages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 15,000 miles or 12 months, indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system. However, many owners opt for more frequent changes (e.g., 7,500-10,000 miles) for optimal engine health, especially with turbocharged models.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Cabin Air Filter:

Typically every 15,000-25,000 miles or 1-2 years.

Spark Plugs:

100,000 miles for N52/N54/N55 engines (check specific model and year); 80,000 miles for S65 V8.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30. Specific viscosity may vary by climate and engine. Consult manual for exact specification.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48), a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Typically a synthetic gear oil, e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2 or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Specific ATF fluid approved by BMW, such as Pentosin ATF1 or ZF Lifeguard 6/8. Fluid changes are often considered 'lifetime' by BMW but recommended by specialists.

N54 Engine:

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures, turbo wastegate rattle, ignition coil and injector issues, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).

N55 Engine:

Similar to N54 but with a single twin-scroll turbo; potential for turbo wastegate issues, oil leaks, and occasional water pump failures.

S65 Engine:

Rod bearing wear (especially in earlier models and if maintenance is neglected), throttle actuator control (TAC) failures, oil leaks.

Common Wear Items:

Water pump and thermostat (especially on N52/N55), clutch components (manual transmission), suspension bushings and control arms, cabin microfilter, eccentric shaft sensor (N52).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles, particularly with its inline-six engines and rear-wheel-drive platforms.

E9X Generation:

The E90/E91/E92/E93 generation of the 3 Series (2006-2013) represented a significant advancement in technology and design over its predecessor (E46), introducing features like direct injection and advanced electronic aids.

M3 Significance:

The E9x M3, notably featuring the S65 V8 engine, is considered a unique and highly sought-after model in the M3 lineage, departing from the inline-sixes of its predecessors and successors.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Dingolfing, Munich).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The BMW 3 Series, across various generations including this E90/E92/E93 era, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' awards, lauded for its performance and handling.

Ward Best Engines:

BMW's inline-six engines (both naturally aspirated and turbocharged) consistently received recognition from Ward's AutoWorld as some of the best engines.

Safety Certifications:

Complies with all relevant US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).