Segment:
Premium Mid-Size Sports Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking performance, luxury, and open-air driving experience.
Key Competitors:
Audi A5 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, Infiniti G37 Convertible, Lexus IS Convertible.
Performance Focus:
The 'is' designation signifies a performance-oriented variant of the 3 Series convertible.
Powertrain Highlight:
Features the potent N54 twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, often tuned for higher output than standard 335i models.
Convertible System:
Retractable hardtop for coupe-like refinement and open-air freedom.
Infotainment System:
Integrated iDrive system for control of vehicle functions, entertainment, and navigation.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, lubrication.
Transmission:
Automatic (DCT) and Manual transmission operation, gear selection, parking.
Chassis:
Braking system, steering system, suspension system, wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting (interior/exterior), fuses, exterior mirrors.
Infotainment:
iDrive system operation, radio, CD/DVD player, navigation, Bluetooth, voice control.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control operation, A/C, heating, ventilation.
Comfort Features:
Power windows, power seats, convertible top operation, keyless entry, interior controls.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), tire pressure monitoring.
Instrument Cluster:
Gauges, warning lights, driver information system (DIS).
Operation:
Starting and operating the vehicle, parking, convertible top deployment/retraction.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels, tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Interpretation of warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps.
Information Display:
Navigating the iDrive system, customizing settings, using the on-board computer.
Depth Level:
Owner-level operational and basic maintenance information. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder Twin-Turbocharged (N54B30)
Displacement:
2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower Hp:
320 hp @ 5800 RPM
Torque Lb Ft:
330 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 RPM (with overboost: 370 lb-ft)
Fuel Delivery:
High-pressure direct injection (Bosch HPI)
Turbochargers:
Twin-turbochargers (parallel configuration)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Type:
7-Speed M-DCT (Double Clutch Transmission) Drivelogic
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
M Dct Features:
Drivelogic modes (comfort, sport, sport+), launch control, paddle shifters.
Manual Features:
Standard clutch operation, traditional gear shifter.
Dct Fluid Type:
BMW DCT Fluid (P/N 83 22 2 167 458 or equivalent)
Manual Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-3 (P/N 83 22 0 045 405 or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Not explicitly rated for convertible variant in all categories, but based on 3 Series coupe/sedan architecture.
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Generally good performance in tests for the E93 platform.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (part of DSC)
Tire Pressure Monitoring:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Braking Enhancements:
Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Drying, Start-Off Assistant.
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, head airbags (for front and rear passengers).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with automatic locking retractor, front seat belt height adjustment.
Rollover Protection:
Automatic rollover protection system (pop-up bars behind rear headrests).
System Name:
BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on specific production date/options)
Display:
Central LCD screen with rotary controller and buttons.
Audio Options:
AM/FM radio, CD player, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, USB/Auxiliary input.
Navigation:
Optional Professional Navigation system with HDD-based maps.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Headlights:
Standard Xenon headlights with adaptive light control (optional) and LED accent lighting.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming.
Voice Control:
Optional voice control system for infotainment and navigation functions.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (as per CBS).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles for N54 engine.
Micro Filter Replacement:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S (Green)
N54 Twin Turbo:
Potential for injector issues, turbo wastegate rattle, high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, and oil pan gasket leaks. The 335is often came with upgraded injectors and HPFP.
Dct Transmission:
Early DCT software glitches or mechatronic unit issues can occur, though generally robust. Regular fluid changes are recommended.
Convertible Top System:
Hydraulic leaks or pump failures, sensor issues for top operation can occur with age/wear.
Carbon Buildup:
Direct injection engines like the N54 can experience carbon buildup on intake valves, potentially requiring walnut blasting.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long history of producing driver-focused luxury and performance vehicles.
3 Series Lineage:
The 3 Series is BMW's core model, with convertible variants present throughout its generations.
E90 Generation:
The E9x generation (E90 sedan, E91 wagon, E92 coupe, E93 convertible) ran from 2005 to 2013.
335Is Introduction:
The 335is model was introduced as a performance enhancement for the E92 coupe and E93 convertible in 2010/2011 model years.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily produced in Germany.
Ward Auto World Engine Of The Year:
The N54 engine received multiple Ward's 10 Best Engines awards in its early years.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The 3 Series platform consistently featured on Car and Driver's 10 Best lists during this era.
Performance Reviews:
Widely praised by automotive press for its potent acceleration, handling, and luxurious interior.