BMW 3 Series Latest to Get New Turbo Engine
WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ - BMW's 2011 335i coupe and convertible arrive this spring with a new engine, some minor cosmetic redo, new exterior colors, and other tweak.
WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ - BMW's 2011 335i coupe and convertible arrive this spring with a new engine, some minor cosmetic redo, new exterior colors, and other tweaks, according to the New York Times.
The new engine is the single twin-scroll turbo 6-cylinder found in the recent 740i and 535i Gran Turismo. The revised direct-injection engine is called the N55. It maintains the same 300-horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as the engine in the outgoing models. The engine also adds BMW's Valvetronic variable intake technology, which the company claims minimizes turbo lag and boosts performance.
BMW did not announce gas mileage figures, but the company said the N55 engine "achieves a more favorable emissions signature than its predecessor," according to the Times. The current 335i coupe is rated at 17 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway.
Earlier, BMW announced the N55 engine would also go into the 135i coupe and convertible for 2011, with those models arriving this spring as well. Both 1 Series cars will have the 7-speed double-clutch transmission as an option. But the 1 Series won't get any physical changes.
The new 3 Series coupe will be available with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and while some new wood trims will be available for the cabin, the convertible gets the advanced option of "sun-reflective" leather, which supposedly can reduce surface temperatures on the seats by up to 36 degrees to prevent backside burns.
The 328i versions will also be refreshed, with new headlamps and taillight designs, and will keep the same 230-horsepower straight-6 from the 2010 models. They new cars will also be shipping in the spring. No pricing has been announced on any of the cars.
More Operations

Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility
Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?
Read More →
The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations
This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.
Read More →
How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft
A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.
Read More →
Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap
Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.
Read More →
Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
Read More →
What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?
EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.
Read More →
How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles
Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.
Read More →
Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands
Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.
Read More →
