Segment:
Premium Compact Sport Sedan/Coupe
Usp:
Driving dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine'), advanced technology, luxury appointments, and xDrive all-wheel-drive capability.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Infiniti G37 Coupe, Lexus IS Coupe.
Performance Orientation:
Emphasizes driver engagement and responsive handling.
All Wheel Drive:
xDrive system enhances traction and stability in various weather conditions.
Premium Interior:
High-quality materials, ergonomic design, and advanced comfort features.
I Drive Interface:
Centralized control system for infotainment, climate, and vehicle settings.
Engine Management:
Details on basic engine operation, oil levels, and warning lights.
Drivetrain AWD:
Information specific to the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Suspension And Steering:
Basic explanations of suspension components and steering operation.
Braking System:
Information on brake system operation, parking brake, and ABS indicators.
Electrical System:
Fuse box locations, battery maintenance, and basic electrical system explanations.
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Operation and reset procedures for the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Lighting Controls:
Headlight operation, fog lights, interior lighting, and exterior light functions.
Infotainment I Drive:
Operation of the iDrive infotainment system, radio, CD player, and navigation (if equipped).
Climate Control System:
Operation of automatic climate control, HVAC settings, and recirculation.
Instrument Cluster Displays:
Explanation of all gauges, warning lights, and information displays.
Safety Restraints Airbags:
Information on airbags, seatbelt usage, and child seat installation.
Driver Assistance Features:
Operation of features like cruise control, traction control, and stability control.
Routine Checks:
Instructions for checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid).
Tire Inflation And Changes:
Guidelines for checking tire pressure and using the emergency tire repair kit or changing a tire.
Jump Starting:
Safe procedures for jump-starting the vehicle's battery.
Refueling:
Correct fuel type recommendations and refueling procedures.
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Basic guidance on replacing windshield wiper blades.
Headlight Bulb Replacement:
Instructions for replacing common exterior light bulbs.
Resetting Service Indicators:
Procedures for resetting oil change and inspection reminders.
Troubleshooting Warning Lights:
Explanation of common warning lights and potential causes.
I Drive System Settings:
Adjusting vehicle settings and personalizing features via iDrive.
Depth:
Comprehensive user-level information focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting. Does not include detailed mechanical repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2996 cc)
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, Double VANOS, VALVETRONIC
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 RPM
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2750 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
Likely 5-Star (based on general E9x platform safety performance)
IIHS Rating:
Likely Top Safety Pick (based on general E9x platform safety performance)
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC)
Traction Control:
Standard (part of DSC)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Brake Assist:
Standard (BA)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
System Name:
iDrive System (CCC or CIC depending on options)
Features:
Radio, CD/DVD player, optional Navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, USB interface.
Display Type:
Central color LCD display, operated via iDrive controller.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality.
Parking Aids:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC) with visual and audible alerts.
Bluetooth:
Integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Auxiliary Input:
Standard USB/Auxiliary input for audio devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Oil Service Interval (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Engine Air Filter:
Recommended every 30,000-45,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Air Filter:
Recommended every 15,000-20,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Spark Plugs:
Recommended every 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE approved synthetic oil. Viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Engine Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance Synthetic Brake Fluid.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) ETL-800 or equivalent approved fluid (life-time fill, but fluid change recommended by some specialists).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-3 (Manual Transmission Fluid).
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or Pentosin CHF 11S.
Oil Leaks Valve Cover:
Common for valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket to leak over time.
Water Pump And Thermostat:
Plastic water pump impellers can fail, leading to overheating. Thermostat housing can also crack.
Pcv Valve And Breather Hose:
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve and breather hose can become clogged or cracked, affecting idle and performance.
Fuel Pump And Injectors:
Early models could experience fuel pump failures. Injectors can also require replacement.
Drive Belt Tensioner:
The drive belt tensioner can fail, leading to belt slippage or breakage.
Brand Philosophy:
BMW, established in 1916, is renowned for its focus on driving performance, engineering excellence, and premium quality.
E92 Generation:
The E92 generation of the 3 Series Coupe replaced the E46 generation and was produced from 2006 to 2013. It introduced significant styling and technological advancements.
328I Positioning:
The 328i typically represented the mid-range gasoline engine option for the 3 Series, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Dingolfing plant).
Facelift Updates:
The E92 generation received a facelift (LCI) for the 2011 model year, with updated styling, iDrive revisions, and minor powertrain tweaks.