If you have your heart set on a BMW but don’t know which one to buy, the 2011 328i might just speak to your needs
To figure out if this is the right luxury car for you, just pore over all its specs and compare them to your expectations.
Which 2011 BMW 328i specs are well worth paying attention to?
There are several, like:
- Body Styles: Sedan, Coupe, Wagon, and Convertible
- Engine: 3.0L inline six cylinders
- Power: 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft.
- Safety: Good IIHS front and side crash safety ratings
If you really want to make sure this is the right luxury car for you, it’s important to look beyond these four specs. Although they are telling, there’s much more to its build, as we’ll explore below. Here’s what you need to know.
All About the History of the 2011 BMW 328i
The 2011 BMW 328i hails from a long line of amazing 3 Series cars. This model line got its start in 1975 with the release of the E21 coupe. Within just a couple years, this car went from a basic four-cylinder automobile to a six-cylinder marvel.
The iconic E30 came on the scene next in 1982, immediately wowing the crowds and setting the stage for greatness. They released this version as a coupe, sedan, wagon, and convertible.
They also offered all-wheel drive and rolled out a diesel powerplant. In a sheer stroke of genius, BMW also used that platform to create their very first M3, which is still coveted to this day.
The E36 followed in 1990 and ran through 2000. Its styling was sleeker yet a bit bigger, giving it a personality all its own.
They released an M3 based on this platform as well and equipped it with the first six-speed manual transmission to grace this model line. Other new additions were the hatchback body style and five-speed automatic gearbox.
Up next was the E46 in 1997, which briefly ran concurrently alongside the E36. BMW continued making this body style through 2006, and like the past iterations, it also received an M3 version.
In 2004, the E90 rolled out of the stable, serving as the last of the E model code. This is when the 2011 BMW 328i was born.
Endless Configurations with Power for Days
Like the many 3 Series cars before it, the 2011 BMW 328i comes in the sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible configurations. When buying new from the factory, you could choose between many excellent packages or just go with the base model. If you made no changes to the trim, you would get leather upholstery, 17-inch rims, and quality run-flat tires.
Depending on what you selected, premium packages brought a ton of additions to the build such as:
- Moonroof
- Heated front seats
- Adaptive headlights
- Leather steering wheel
- Auto-dimming mirrors
The most popular package is the M Sport Package, which features premium rims, performance tires, sport suspension, and an aerodynamic kit. Even with this package, it’s a far cry from the M3, but still has just enough pizzazz to leave you quite impressed.
No matter what package it comes with, you can choose between the six-speed manual or the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The manual is more fun, of course, but the automatic makes navigating through stop and go traffic a breeze.
As far as the engine goes, you only have one option, the 3.0L dual-overhead cam six cylinder. This engine produces 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft., giving you more than enough power on all your travels.
The four-wheel independent suspension, quality tires, and large rims keep this vehicle feeling planted through the corners and down the straightaways. You can trust that it is easy to accelerate up to speed and merge onto the freeway while piloting this car.
High-Tech Safety Features
As with all 3 Series rides, safety remains at the top of the list for the 2011 328i. Beyond installing the highest quality suspension components, BMW equipped this car with an adept electronic stability control system. This system detects when the car is about to spin out and applies the brakes accordingly to keep you firmly planted.
When you need to slow down, you can count on the four-wheel disc brakes to come through for you time and time again. They are supported by the anti-lock braking system (ABS) that keeps all four wheels from locking up in a panic stop. Instead of simply mashing down the pedal, the ABS pulses the pressure to initiate a controlled stop instead.
If you do end up in a collision, the robust body structure and full suite of airbags promise to cushion the impact. Not surprisingly then, this car performed quite well on all the IIHS crash tests, earning a good rating nearly across the board.
2011 BMW 328i Benefits and Drawbacks
As you compare all the specs to your expectations, you might quickly decide that the 2011 BMW 328i should join your stable. If not, then you could likely benefit from some pros and cons to ponder.
Benefits:
- Lots of body style options
- Ample power on demand
- Excellent crash test results
- Top-notch safety systems
- Comes from a long line of excellence
Drawbacks:
- Requires lots of maintenance
- Potentially high repair costs
- Doesn’t handle potholes well
- Needs premium gasoline
- Doesn’t have cooled seats
By this point, there’s surely no doubt whether this BMW will serve as your ride of choice in the coming years. If you’re still on the fence, then it might be best to take a look at its main competitors, like the Audi A4, Volvo S60, or Lexus IS.
Want to Buy a BMW 328i? Get a Vehicle History Report
Are you ready to buy a 2011 BMW 328i? If so, it’s time to go car shopping. As you browse all the options on the market today, don’t forget to keep Vehicle History by your side.
Using a car’s VIN or license plate number, you can check for accidents and other major incidents in its past. With that move, you keep buyer’s remorse at bay, ensuring you’ll stay happy with your ride for years to come.
