🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

323i

Year:

2011

Body Style:

Sedan

Chassis Code:

E90 LCI (facelifted)

Market Region:

North America (implied by product description language)

Engine Code:

N52B25 (2.5L variant)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a premium, sporty, and technologically advanced compact sedan.

Key Competitors:

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

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned BMW 'Ultimate Driving Machine' characteristics, balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive biased (optional xDrive).

Infotainment:

Integration of iDrive system for comprehensive vehicle and entertainment control, a significant technological advancement for the era.

Powertrain:

Smooth and refined inline-six engine known for its linear power delivery and durability.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driving Information, iDrive System, Audio System, Navigation System, Vehicle Settings, Communication Systems, Driving Dynamics Control, Safety Systems, Airbags, Seatbelts, Child Restraint Systems, Vehicle Security, Wheels and Tires, Jacking and Towing, Vehicle Care, Maintenance, Fluid Capacities, Technical Data, Emergency Procedures, Troubleshooting, Fuses, Bulbs, Owner's Personal Settings

Estimated Pages:

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

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Basic operation, fluid checks, general maintenance guidance. Does not include detailed repair procedures.

Chassis:

Brake system overview, tire pressure monitoring, jacking and towing instructions.

Electrical:

Instrument cluster functions, lighting operation, fuse box locations and identification, bulb replacement guidance.

Infotainment:

Detailed coverage of the iDrive system, including navigation, audio, climate control, communication, and vehicle settings.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system operation, seatbelt usage, child restraint system installation guidance, safety features overview.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil level check, coolant level check, tire pressure adjustment, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting, tire changing, roadside assistance information, warning lights identification.

User Settings:

Personalization of vehicle settings through the iDrive system, such as door locking preferences, lighting customization, and climate control memory.

Depth:

Consumer-focused, detailing operation, features, and basic maintenance. Not a repair or service manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if OCR processed correctly from original scans.

Quality:

Dependent on original scan quality; typically high-resolution for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder (N52B25)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2497 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 78.5 mm

Compression Ratio:

12.0:1

Valve Train:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Valvetronic, VANOS

Horsepower:

215 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 2750-4250 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)

Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 approved)

Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 8 (or equivalent specified by BMW)

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (less common in North America for this specific engine)

Driving Modes:

Sport and Manual modes available via Steptronic shifter.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

181.8 inches (4618 mm)

Width:

707.0 inches (1795 mm)

Height:

56.1 inches (1426 mm)

Wheelbase:

108.7 inches (2760 mm)

Front Headroom:

38.7 inches (983 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.7 inches (958 mm)

Trunk Volume:

12.0 cubic feet (340 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3461 - 3571 lbs (1570 - 1620 kg), depending on transmission and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4519 lbs (2050 kg)

Standard Wheel Size:

17-inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size:

225/45R17

Bolt Pattern:

5x120mm

Offset:

ET34

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for 2006-2011 E90 generation, specific rating for 2011 model may vary slightly based on testing updates)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Good (for 2006-2011 E90 generation)

Traction Control:

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags) for front and rear.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

Child Restraint:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, ISOFIX mounting points

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC generation, depending on specific build date and options)

Display Type:

Central Information Display (CID) screen, typically 7-inch or 8.8-inch

Controller:

iDrive controller knob with integrated buttons

Audio Features:

AM/FM stereo, CD player, auxiliary audio input, satellite radio preparation, optional USB interface.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control. Adaptive cruise control (Active Cruise Control) was an option on higher trims or later models.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC), optional rearview camera.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth mobile phone integration for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Usb Interface:

Optional USB/Audio interface for iPod and other digital media devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Check manual for exact CBS triggers.

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed based on condition (CBS).

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace annually or as needed (CBS).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs, but consult manual or CBS.

Coolant Type Specification:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 (BMW High Performance) or equivalent

Common Concerns:

Water pump and thermostat failure (plastic components prone to cracking), ignition coil failure, valve cover gasket leaks, eccentric shaft sensor issues, VANOS solenoid problems. The N52 engine is generally robust but requires diligent maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Identity:

BMW is globally recognized for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.

E90 Generation Timeline:

The E90 generation 3 Series was introduced in 2005 (as a 2006 model year). The 323i model specifically replaced the 325i for the 2006-2011 model years in some markets, offering a slightly detuned version of the N52 engine. The 2011 model year represents the E90 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) facelifted version, which introduced revised styling and updated features.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured at BMW's plant in Dingolfing, Germany, with potential assembly in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Typical Accolades:

The 3 Series consistently receives accolades for its driving dynamics, ride quality, and premium interior. Specific awards for the 2011 model would include recognition for its segment leadership in sport sedan performance.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Historically, BMW 3 Series models from this era received 'Average' to 'Above Average' reliability ratings, though specific year and model variations exist. The N52 engine is generally considered reliable with proper maintenance.