2011 BMW 3 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2011 BMW 3 Series is a substantial exterior refresh for the coupe and convertible. This is a mid-cycle update rather than a full redesign.
About the 2011 BMW 3 Series
5th generation 3 Series (E90 sedan, E91 Sports Wagon, E92 coupe, E93 convertible), late-cycle year: sedan and wagon are already in facelift form, coupe and convertible receive their facelift for 2011, and the all-new F30 sedan follows for 2012.
BMW positions the 3 Series as its core compact luxury driver’s car: smaller and more agile than a 5 Series, but more polished and premium than a typical sport compact. The brand’s messaging centers on balanced handling, inline-six engines, and everyday usability across sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon, diesel, all-wheel-drive, and higher-performance versions. In plain terms, this is the BMW for shoppers who want a luxury car that still feels engaging on a back road or a daily commute.
The 2011 range spans the balance-focused 328i, cargo-friendly Sports Wagons, the strong highway-oriented 335d diesel, and the quicker turbocharged 335i. All-wheel-drive versions add extra traction, while the wagons feature a panoramic glass roof. At the top of the regular lineup, the 320-hp 335is coupe and convertible pair sharper suspension tuning with a sport exhaust and distinctive exterior trim.
What changed, by category
2011 BMW 3 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, SULEV, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo Diesel, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, SULEV, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Steptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Steptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Steptronic | Automatic, 7-Spd Double-Clutch w/Manual Mode | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Steptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Steptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Steptronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Steptronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 265 hp | 300 hp | 320 hp | 230 hp | 230 hp | 300 hp | 230 hp |
| Torque | 200 lb-ft | 425 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 200 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9–12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 9–12 cu-ft | 9–11 cu-ft | 11–12 cu-ft | 11–12 cu-ft | ||
| Rear Legroom | 32–34.6 in | 34.6 in | 32–34.6 in | 32–33.7 in | 34.6 in | 33.7–34.6 in | 33.7–34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Power Retractable Hard Top | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 BMW 3 Series a full redesign?
No. The 2011 3 Series is a mid-cycle update led by refreshed coupe and convertible styling. The sedan and Sports Wagon receive much lighter changes.
What changed on the 2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible?
The coupe and convertible receive new headlights, taillights, hood, grille, bumpers, and side skirts for 2011. Their underlying fifth-generation platform carries over.
Did the 2011 BMW 335i get a different engine?
Yes. The regular 2011 335i adopts BMW’s newer N55 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, rated at 300 horsepower.
Was the BMW 335is new for 2011?
Yes. The 335is joins the 2011 lineup as a 320-hp coupe or convertible positioned between the regular 335i and the M3. It adds sport-tuned suspension, extra cooling, a sport exhaust, and M Sport exterior details.
Which trims joined the 2011 BMW 3 Series lineup?
The 335is, 328i Sport, and 328i xDrive Sport joined the lineup for 2011. The latter two are the rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive Sports Wagon versions.