2011 BMW 328ci Convertible Complete Maintenance Schedule & Service Guide

Key Takeaways

• The 2011 BMW 328ci Convertible is powered by the N52KP 3.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-6 engine (N51 SULEV in some markets) .
• The vehicle was originally sold with BMW Ultimate Service, which provided free scheduled maintenance for 48 months or 50,000 miles; this coverage has long since expired .
• BMW uses a Condition Based Service (CBS) system that calculates individualized service intervals based on actual driving conditions, not a rigid schedule .
• For major periodic service, a general BMW recommendation is every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles) .
• Brake fluid is a time-dependent service requiring replacement every two years .

Understanding BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) System

The 2011 BMW 328ci Convertible is equipped with the Condition Based Service (CBS) system . Unlike conventional systems that rely solely on distance traveled, this intelligent system uses sensors and special algorithms that take the different driving conditions of your BMW into account to determine current and future service requirements .

What CBS Monitors

On the Control Display or in the instrument cluster, you can view the remaining times or distances for selected maintenance tasks :

• Engine oil service
• Brake pads: separately for front and rear
• Microfilter
• Brake fluid
• Spark plugs
• Vehicle check
• Legally mandated inspections depending on local regulations

The system monitors and determines required maintenance using a combination of sensor-based data (engine oil condition, brake pad wear), fixed time intervals (brake fluid), and fixed distance intervals (spark plugs, vehicle check).

Service Data in the Remote Control

Your vehicle continuously stores service-requirement information in the remote control while you are driving . Your BMW Service Advisor can read this data and propose an optimized maintenance approach. Whenever you take your car in for servicing, you should hand your BMW Service Advisor the remote control unit that you last used .

Important: Make sure that the date is always set correctly; otherwise, the effectiveness of Condition Based Service CBS is not assured .

Important Storage Note

Disconnecting the battery during periods of long-term storage will interrupt the calculation of time-based services . BMW recommends having all items requiring time-based maintenance, such as brake fluid and possibly also the engine oil and microfilter, brought up to date by your BMW center following such storage periods .

Authoritative Service Information

Please consult your Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for additional information on service requirements . BMW recommends that you have service and repair operations performed at your BMW center .

For comprehensive maintenance procedures, the BMW 3 Series (E90, E91, E92, E93) Service Manual from Bentley Publishers is a definitive source. It covers the 2011 E93 convertible models and provides step-by-step maintenance and repair procedures .

Engine Oil Service

Oil Specifications

The 2011 328ci Convertible requires BMW-approved synthetic oil. Pelican Parts recommends BMW Genuine Motor Oil meeting BMW LL-01 FE approval for the N52 engine . Different engines and climates require specific oil viscosities; refer to your owner's manual for the type and viscosity of oil required for your car .

Oil Change Interval

CBS Guidance: The CBS system determines engine oil change intervals based on driving conditions, using an oil condition sensor and algorithms that monitor engine load, fuel consumption, and time since the last oil change .

Specialist Guidance: Pelican Parts recommends changing your synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles and always replacing your filter when changing your oil. Motor oil is the single most important element in keeping your engine healthy and helping it to enjoy a long life .

How to Check Oil Service Status

The distance remaining until your next service briefly appears when you switch on the ignition . For certain maintenance operations, you can view the respective distance remaining or due date individually in the instrument cluster :

1. Push button 1 in the turn indicator lever up or down repeatedly until the appropriate symbol appears in the display, accompanied by the words "SERVICE-INFO"
2. Press button 2
3. Use button 1 to scroll through the individual service items

Brake Fluid Service

Interval: BMW recommends changing the brake fluid every two years . This is a fixed time-based service that should not be delayed.

Service Rationale: Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid specially formulated to withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures of your braking system. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can lead to corrosion and reduced braking performance. A brake fluid flush removes the existing fluid and moisture from the system and replaces it with new, clean fluid.

Engine and Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

The 2011 BMW 328ci Convertible is powered by a 3.0-Liter, I6, Valvetronic Double-VANOS 24-Valve, DOHC, EFI Engine producing 230 horsepower at 6500 RPM and 200 lb-ft of torque at 2750 RPM, with a magnesium alloy block and alloy cylinder head .

Transmission

The vehicle is available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The Bentley BMW 3 Series Service Manual covers both transmission types for the E9x platform .

Recommended Maintenance Items

Based on specialist guidance for maintaining the E93 328i Convertible:

Regular Maintenance

• Engine Oil and Filter Change: Follow CBS system guidance; specialist recommendation of 5,000 miles
• Brake Fluid: Every 2 years
• Cabin Air Filter: Replace at recommended intervals. Cabin air filters remove pollen, dirt, and harmful airborne pollutants from cabin air; clogged filters restrict airflow through the heater and air conditioner, reducing HVAC efficiency
• Wheel Bearings: Clean and repack wheel bearings once a year. Wheel bearing grease lubricates the bearings that support the weight and heat generated by the spinning of the wheels

Periodic Inspections

• Brake System: Periodic cleaning, inspection, and maintenance, including fluid flushes, ensure peak braking performance and extend brake service life
• Steering System: Routinely inspect steering linkages, bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. Check the power steering pump, rack, and hoses for signs of leaks or damage. Plan to flush and drain old fluid to remove harmful contamination
• Battery: Protect your car battery with proper hold-downs and brackets, covers, and accessories

Major Periodic Service

For major periodic service, this should generally be done every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles) . The specific service scope is determined by the CBS system in your individual vehicle based on your driving conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil on my 2011 BMW 328ci Convertible?

The CBS system determines the interval based on driving conditions. Pelican Parts recommends changing your synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles and always replacing your filter when changing your oil . The engine requires BMW-approved synthetic oil meeting BMW LL-01 FE specifications .

How does the BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system work?

CBS uses sensors and special algorithms that take your driving conditions into account to determine service requirements . Service data is stored in the remote control key and can be read by your BMW service center . The system monitors engine oil, brake pads, microfilter, brake fluid, spark plugs, and vehicle check requirements .

When should the brake fluid be replaced?

BMW recommends changing the brake fluid every two years .

What was the original warranty coverage on the 2011 BMW 328ci Convertible?

The 2011 BMW 328ci Convertible came with BMW Ultimate Service, which provided free scheduled maintenance for 48 months or 50,000 miles . This program has long since expired for this model year.

What is the major periodic service interval?

For major periodic service, this should generally be done every 2 years or after 30,000 kilometers (approximately 18,600 miles) .

Where can I find detailed service information for my 2011 BMW 328ci Convertible?

Consult your Service and Warranty Information Booklet for US models and Warranty and Service Guide Booklet for Canadian models for additional information on service requirements . The BMW 3 Series (E90, E91, E92, E93) Service Manual from Bentley Publishers is a comprehensive source of service information and technical specifications for the 2011 E93 convertible models .

What engine is in the 2011 BMW 328ci Convertible?

The 2011 BMW 328ci Convertible is powered by a 3.0-Liter, I6, Valvetronic Double-VANOS 24-Valve, DOHC, EFI Engine producing 230 horsepower at 6500 RPM and 200 lb-ft of torque at 2750 RPM .

How often should I service the wheel bearings?

It is a good idea to clean and repack your wheel bearings once a year. Wheel bearing grease lubricates the bearings that support the weight and heat generated by the spinning of the wheels .

What maintenance should I perform if the battery was disconnected during storage?

Disconnecting the battery during periods of long-term storage will interrupt the calculation of time-based services. BMW recommends having all items requiring time-based maintenance, such as brake fluid and possibly also the engine oil and microfilter, brought up to date by your BMW center .

How do I check the service status on my 2011 328ci Convertible?

The distance remaining until your next service briefly appears when you switch on the ignition . For certain maintenance operations, you can view the respective distance remaining or due date individually in the instrument cluster by using the turn signal indicator lever to scroll through service items .