Segment:
Premium Compact/Mid-size Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a sporty, luxurious, and practical convertible experience
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz CLK/E-Class Cabriolet, Infiniti G37 Convertible, Lexus IS C
Body Style:
Retractable Hardtop Convertible
Powertrain Emphasis:
Inline-6 engine, rear-wheel drive (standard), optional xDrive all-wheel drive
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling and ride balance
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic), differential, drive shafts
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, DSC)
Electrical:
Battery, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, mirrors, locks, basic warning indicators
Body And Trim:
Convertible top operation, doors, trunk, hood, interior trim, seats
Climate Control:
HVAC system, automatic climate control operation, recirculation
Infotainment:
Radio operation, CD player, auxiliary input, basic iDrive functionality (if equipped)
Safety Features:
Airbags, seat belts, ISOFIX child seat anchors, dynamic stability control (DSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Operation:
Starting the engine, shifting gears, operating the convertible top, using the climate control, parking brake
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, replacing wiper blades, fuel recommendations
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps for common issues
Emergency:
Using the spare tire (if equipped) or tire mobility system, jump starting, emergency towing
Level:
Consumer-level, focusing on safe and proper operation and basic maintenance
Diagnostic Scope:
Understanding dashboard warning lights and indicators, basic user-level diagnostics
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
2,996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Emission Control:
Two-stage catalytic converters, Oxygen sensors
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Gear Ratios:
1st: 4.17, 2nd: 2.32, 3rd: 1.54, 4th: 1.18, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.85, Reverse: 3.54
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Not standard for 328i convertible in US market)
Transmission Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode, Adaptive transmission control
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF recommendation (e.g., Shell M-1375.4 or equivalent, consult manual for specific part numbers)
Length:
178.2 inches (4,527 mm)
Width:
70.2 inches (1,783 mm)
Height:
55.1 inches (1,400 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.0 inches (2,711 mm)
Front Track:
59.5 inches (1,511 mm)
Rear Track:
60.1 inches (1,526 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 4,112 lbs (1,865 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 5,027 lbs (2,280 kg)
Cargo Volume Top Up:
Approx. 13.1 cu ft (370 Liters)
Cargo Volume Top Down:
Approx. 7.7 cu ft (217 Liters)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4 Stars (for Coupe/Convertible variants of E9x generation)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for Coupe/Convertible variants of E9x generation)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with All-Season Traction
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars)
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) / ISOFIX
System Name:
iDrive (Professional or Business Navigation system optional)
Display Type:
Central LCD screen (typically 6.5 or 8.8 inches)
Audio System:
BMW Professional Radio with CD player, MP3 capability, auxiliary audio input, optional USB adapter, optional Harman Kardon surround sound
Parking Assistance:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear sensors
Lighting:
Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights, LED taillights
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist with Bluetooth wireless technology and USB audio interface
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (recommended)
Engine Air Filter:
Check per CBS, typically every 30,000-50,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter:
Check per CBS, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type and gap)
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-01 FE specification recommended)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4+ recommended (BMW High Performance Brake Fluid)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (for hydraulic systems, verify specific application)
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), VANOS solenoid issues, PCV system failure (can lead to rough idle or oil consumption)
Common Problems Convertible Top:
Hydraulic pump leaks, sensor failures, binding or slow operation of the roof mechanism
Common Problems Electrical:
Idrive system glitches, water pump failure (electric pump), sensor failures
Common Problems Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, rear differential bushings, strut mount wear
Common Problems Brakes:
Rotor warping, brake pad wear (typical for performance vehicles)
Brand Identity:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, known for performance, luxury, and driving dynamics.
Generation:
E93 is the third generation of the 3 Series convertible, introduced for the 2007 model year.
Previous Generation:
E46 Convertible (1999-2006)
Key Distinction E93:
First 3 Series convertible to feature a retractable hardtop instead of a soft top.
Production Years E93:
2007-2013
Manufacturing Locations:
Regensburg, Germany