Segment:
Premium Compact Sport Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality in a sporty coupe, with the added security of all-wheel drive.
Key Competitors:
Audi A5, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Infiniti G37 Coupe, Lexus IS Convertible (though coupe focus is stronger).
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW driving dynamics, balanced chassis, responsive steering.
Performance:
Smooth and potent inline-six engine, confident all-wheel drive system.
Interior:
Driver-focused cockpit, premium materials, comfortable seating for four (though rear is tight).
Infotainment:
iDrive system for integrated control of vehicle functions, entertainment, and navigation.
Content Scope:
Comprehensive owner's manual covering operation, safety, maintenance, and infotainment for the specified vehicle.
Key Topics:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driving Information, Vehicle Settings, Maintenance, Emergency Procedures, Technical Data.
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 250-350 pages (typical for a comprehensive BMW owner's manual of this era).
Downloadability:
Instant Download
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling system basics, fuel system basics, exhaust system basics.
Drivetrain:
xDrive all-wheel drive system operation and limitations.
Chassis:
Brake system overview, steering system overview, suspension system overview.
Electrical:
Lighting systems, instrument cluster indicators, warning lights, basic electrical component identification (e.g., fuse box locations).
Infotainment:
iDrive system operation, radio, navigation (if equipped), Bluetooth connectivity, media interface.
Climate Control:
Manual and automatic climate control system operation, air conditioning, heating.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system operation, seatbelt usage, child restraint systems, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, operating various vehicle controls.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement guidance, bulb replacement guidance.
Emergency:
Tire changing (if applicable), jump starting procedures, coolant filling, using the spare tire or tire mobility kit.
Settings Customization:
Adjusting seat and steering wheel, setting up personal profiles, customizing iDrive settings, lighting preferences.
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not include diagnostic codes, detailed repair procedures, or component-level disassembly instructions. Focuses on 'what' and 'how' for the driver, not 'why' for a technician.
Type:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if converted correctly from original factory document.
Printability:
Printable for personal use.
Quality:
High-resolution digital reproduction of the factory manual. Assumed to have clear text and legible diagrams.
Type:
N/A (Digital Product)
Type:
N/A (Digital Product)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1
Valve Train:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), Valvetronic
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Injection Type:
Direct Injection (DI) - Note: Some early N52 variants used port injection, but by 2011, the N52B30 for 328i was typically DI.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
ECU:
MSV70 or MSV80 (Specific ECU may vary slightly based on production date)
Type:
6-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Type:
6-Speed Manual (Typically less common with xDrive Coupe models, check specific vehicle build).
Automatic Modes:
Drive, Sport (DS) mode, Manual shift mode (via selector lever or paddle shifters if equipped).
Automatic Fluid Type:
BMW Longlife-83 220 000 692 / ATF Dexron VI (or equivalent)
Automatic Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 liters (may vary slightly)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (for Coupe model generally)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for Coupe model generally)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good (for Coupe model generally)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
All Wheel Drive:
xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters.
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats.
System Name:
iDrive (CCC or CIC generation, likely CIC for 2011)
Display:
Central Control Display (typically 7-inch or 8.8-inch screen)
Control Interface:
Central control knob with surrounding buttons, often voice control.
Audio:
AM/FM Stereo, CD Player, Auxiliary Audio Input, USB/iPod Adapter (often optional or part of a package), Satellite Radio (optional).
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including ABS, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
Parking Assistance:
Park Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear sensors (optional).
Lighting:
Xenon Adaptive Headlights (optional), Automatic Headlight Control, Rain-sensing wipers.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming (often optional or part of a package).
Usb Interface:
USB/Auxiliary input for media playback and device charging.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based Service (CBS) system, typically between 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Change:
BMW Longlife-01 coolant. Initial change usually at 4 years or 60,000 miles, then every 2 years or 30,000 miles thereafter (check manual for specifics).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type and driving conditions.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Longlife-01 Coolant (Pre-diluted)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (check specific reservoir cap for exact specification).
Windshield Washer Fluid:
BMW Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate or equivalent winter washer fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Water pump and thermostat failure (often plastic components), valve cover gasket leaks (oil smell), PCV system issues (oil consumption/rough idle), ignition coil failures.
X Drive Specific:
Transfer case fluid changes are recommended periodically (though not always explicitly scheduled by BMW in owner's manuals), but not typically covered in depth in the owner's manual.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur in any older vehicle, but specific to BMW E9x models might include minor iDrive glitches or sensor issues.
Heritage:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, focusing on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E92 Generation:
The E92 generation of the 3 Series Coupe (2006-2013) represented a significant step forward in styling, technology, and driving dynamics compared to its E46 predecessor. The 328i variant offered a balance of performance and efficiency.
Manufacturing Plant:
Primarily produced at BMW's Regensburg plant in Germany.
E92 Production Span:
2006-2013 (for E92 generation)
Ward S 10 Best Engines:
BMW's N52 engine family (including the 3.0L variant) received Ward's 10 Best Engines awards multiple times in the mid-2000s for its smoothness, power delivery, and technology.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
BMW 3 Series generally received average to above-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports during this period, though specific model years and engines could vary.
Model Year Rankings:
The 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe was frequently praised by automotive journalists for its sharp handling, comfortable ride, and potent engine, often ranking highly within its segment.