BMW 330e

Voodoomelon

You should benefit so, if the car allows it.
Can only play the waiting game now, will post the PCP numbers when I receive them.
Hopefully someone gets a demo in the next month, they've already been received on the continent.

Leonard Hofstadter

mickdw wrote: »

I believe there is a 530e and a 540e coming.
I don't see these tanking in terms of residual value. If anything, I think they may offer stunning residuals. Certainly if the 7.5k grant was dropped in a few years, used values could be very strong.

They'll definitely be doing more plug ins, it's the only way they'll get around the ever more demanding on paper CO2 targets, I think the average has to be 95 g/km across the entire car fleet by 2020, these plug ins do (theoretically 49 g/km) so it's a big step forward (if totally unrealistic for many motorists, though the current quoted figures of conventionally powered cars are impossible to achieve also). I'd fully expect there to be at least one plug in G30, more than likely two.

I'd say once plug ins become more heavily promoted and as long as the motor tax etc remains and more and more people find that diesel isn't suited to their driving these will get more popular on the second-hand market.

Fair play to you Voodoo for taking an interest in this car and going to the trouble of pricing it etc.

I totally agree with whoever said that the low pricing and grants etc won't last forever, that's certainly true, once enough people start buying them they will find an excuse to reduce or get rid of them. Just look at the UK, flat tax for everything from next year, great for dinosaurs like me who believe everything should be six cylinder plus but definitely not good for promoting lower CO2 vehicles. They'll probably do something similar in Ireland eventually, we do have this tendency to copy whatever the UK does only in such a way that everyone will end up having to pay more:mad:.

Voodoomelon

Well I think these plugins are the next evolutionary step. I was resistant to electric at first, but you know what? It's damn cool. And it's bloody cheap, at least at the moment. And in this case, the 330e is a little rocket.

I've had a straight six and a V8 for 8 years now, sometimes you just have to role with the times. I've probably bought the 330e in full in terms of what i've spent in maintenance and costs in the last 8 years, just feel it might be time for a change.

It's just not a country for big petrols, you get battered every way you turn; insurance is becoming a major issue now too. It's disheartening and hard to justify much longer.

Idbatterim

http://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/car-news/bmw-3series-phev-148mpg-to-cost-41030-2series-active-tourer-from-42790-34398621.html

The 3-series PHEV saloon, the 330e (2-litre petrol plus electric motor, pictured above) will cost from €41,030 on-the-road. By comparison a 320d SE costs €46,377 and a 330i Luxury is €51,976. BMW claims the 330e only needs 1.9litres to cover 100km (148mpg+).

And their front-wheel-drive 2-series Active Tourer people carrier, the 225xe (1.5-litre 3cyl petrol and electric motor) will cost from €42,790.

It is all-wheel-drive - an electric motor drives the rear axle. By comparison a 220d xDrive Sport auto costs €46,390 while a 225i xDrive is €50,120 OTR.

The PHEV prices include €2,500 VRT refund and €5,000 SEAI grant - as well as benefitting from lower VRT rates arising from reduced emissions.

so the 330e will be E5350 cheaper than the 320d! great it might finally be the start of getting filthy diesels off the road, the sooner the better as far as I am concerned...

carsfan

Had a look over on bimmerpost( very good site btw) and in forthcoming models they're saying 530e will have 30 hp more than 330e and be released as a late 2017 model so 2018 really.
It will be available with 2 and 4 wheel drive.

carsfan

Completecar.ie have posted that they will have a review up on the 330e at 11pm tonight.
Apparently there is an embargo stopping them putting it up sooner.

Voodoomelon

I asked that dude on YouTube who has his if its possible to use daily as a purely electric car. He says he doesn't know as he only does long journeys. Bit of a weird answer.

tvr

Subject to test drive. I would be interested in this as my daily driver.

If anyone is thinking of buying can they keep me in the loop as I think we could get a better deal if we had a group of us buying from one dealer etc..

DaveHumphreys

We've just published our first drive review now on completecar.ie if you'd like to learn a little more.

carsfan

Generally positive reviews on complete car and also autocar. Co.uk
I'll definitely be trying to get a drive though before I would commit.

Voodoomelon

A nice review. Can you confirm that the car can only be started with the petrol engine running? Is there no way to start the car in e-mode?

Do you reckon its feasible to drive this car in electric mode all week long, with charging daily and 20-30km daily commute? Did you receive any dos and don't from BMW before test driving?

Thanks.

DaveHumphreys

Voodoomelon wrote: »

A nice review. Can you confirm that the car can only be started with the petrol engine running? Is there no way to start the car in e-mode?

Do you reckon its feasible to drive this car in electric mode all week long, with charging daily and 20-30km daily commute? Did you receive any dos and don't from BMW before test driving?

Thanks.

The car always starts in e-mode and then uses a high-voltage starter-generator to kick the petrol engine into life when it's needed. Although in theory you can run the battery flat, the manufacturer puts in a safety net to ensure the battery isn't fully drained, so it will always start in e-mode, even if you've not charged it for a while.

As for driving it daily without using petrol, that's exactly what BMW wants owners to do. It says the majority of its customers (not just for PHEVs, but for all BMWs) only do 30km a day - well within the EV range. So in theory if you're able to charge it every day you can run it without using petrol in the majority of cases.

We didn't get any specific dos or don't from BMW during our test drives.

stesaurus

88HP equivalent in electric mode. Seems low, does it have the same feel as a normal EV while in electric mode, I.e instant power?

DaveHumphreys

s.welstead wrote: »

88HP equivalent in electric mode. Seems low, does it have the same feel as a normal EV while in electric mode, I.e instant power?

What's more relevant is the 250Nm of torque from the electric motor which is instant. Remember, this isn't an outright performance car, but there is enough to keep you interested.

mickdw

Voodoomelon wrote: »

A nice review. Can you confirm that the car can only be started with the petrol engine running? Is there no way to start the car in e-mode?

Do you reckon its feasible to drive this car in electric mode all week long, with charging daily and 20-30km daily commute? Did you receive any dos and don't from BMW before test driving?

Thanks.

All reviews seem to skip over whether or not the car will drive from start in EV.
It's quite a big issue for someone that might have a 3 or 4 mile school run each day or similar.

stesaurus

DaveHumphreys wrote: »

What's more relevant is the 250Nm of torque from the electric motor which is instant. Remember, this isn't an outright performance car, but there is enough to keep you interested.

Impressive, same as the i3 so.

DaveHumphreys

mickdw wrote: »

All reviews seem to skip over whether or not the car will drive from start in EV.
It's quite a big issue for someone that might have a 3 or 4 mile school run each day or similar.

It does, I've answered this just above.

mickdw

DaveHumphreys wrote: »

It does, I've answered this just above.

Apologies. Was busy reading reviews.

Voodoomelon

That's damn interesting, so its a very feasible EV for short journeys.

For some reason BMW themselves say it starts in Auto EV mode.

From their own bulletin:
"When the vehicle is first started, the default AUTO eDrive setting is activated, with both engine and electric motor working efficiently together and all electric driving
when charge allows up to 80km/h. Over this speed, during high demand or with low SOC (State of Charge) of the battery, the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) will
assist."

Unless you mean the same thing? i.e, if there is enough charge in the battery, it will always start in just E mode? If there isn't enough charge, it will start with both?

Sesshoumaru

Irish Times review is quite positive for both the 330e & 225xe

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/first-drive-bmw-s-new-plug-in-hybrids-in-3-series-and-2-series-1.2515168

I look forward to seeing less and less diesels on the road

Elessar

Only heard of this car thanks to this thread. Wow. The reviews are glowing. I really, really want this car.

Any models arrived in for test drives in Dublin yet?

EDIT: Charging would be a pain though, I don't like the idea of having to run a cable to the car on the driveway every night.

stesaurus

Elessar wrote: »

Only heard of this car thanks to this thread. Wow. The reviews are glowing. I really, really want this car.

Any models arrived in for test drives in Dublin yet?

EDIT: Charging would be a pain for me though, driveways don't lend themselves well to keeping things plugged in from inside all night.

You'll get a free outside charger from the ESB. You don't charge a car with a plug thrown in the window.

carsfan

Do you really get a plug point put in by the esb? I just assumed for home charging you could plug into a normal socket.

Voodoo
Any word back from the dealer on deal on one?

bazz26

USB charger comes with the car lads.

stesaurus

carsfan wrote: »

Do you really get a plug point put in by the esb? I just assumed for home charging you could plug into a normal socket.

Voodoo
Any word back from the dealer on deal on one?

Yes, ESB still have free charge points but may stop this year as it's only supposed to be for the 1st 2000. It's not a standard outdoor socket on the home chargepoint. You'll get a cable with the car that you will use on the ESB Street chargers and will also be used for your at home chargepoint.
I'm not sure about the phev's but on the full EV i3 you also get what we call a granny cable. It's a standard 3 pin on one end so can be used anywhere but it is a fair bit slower than the chargepoints.

Blazer

So the claimed 148mpg is a farce and only gets 60mpg in reality.
Why not just dump the engine, use the battery technology from Tesla and get 200+ miles range?
Even better when Tesla launch their 3 series competitor who's really going to pick the 3 series over it?

stesaurus

Blazer wrote: »

So the claimed 148mpg is a farce and only gets 60mpg in reality.
Why not just dump the engine, use the battery technology from Tesla and get 200+ miles range?
Even better when Tesla launch their 3 series competitor who's really going to pick the 3 series over it?

I wouldn't say farce. It would actually be possible to achieve and even better if you had an available work charger and a standard commute.
Commute 30km, charge up and head home 30km. No petrol used.

Blazer

s.welstead wrote: »

I wouldn't say farce. It would actually be possible to achieve and even better if you had an available work charger and a standard commute.
Commute 30km, charge up and head home 30km. No petrol used.

I suppose but it's playing with numbers...
i doubt on my 160km a day driving I'd get 148mpg

stesaurus

Blazer wrote: »

I suppose but it's playing with numbers...
i doubt on my 160km a day driving I'd get 148mpg

Definitely not for you but it's a combined figure. As with any mpg claims you just use it as a comparison against similar vehicles. So in this case compare it against other plug ins.
160km a day you should look up a Nissan Leaf 30kW. It could handle that without needing a charge until you got home. How much on fuel would you save then?

Blazer

s.welstead wrote: »

Definitely not for you but it's a combined figure. As with any mpg claims you just use it as a comparison against similar vehicles. So in this case compare it against other plug ins.
160km a day you should look up a Nissan Leaf 30kW. It could handle that without needing a charge until you got home. How much on fuel would you save then?

about 300 a month i'd say but I'd be bored off my head.
I was getting about 30mpg on my santa fe so said to hell with and bought a 07 e92 320d coupe for weekday driving (about 800km a week) and get at least 50mpg from it..I love the car

Padraig Mor

Blazer wrote: »

about 300 a month i'd say but I'd be bored off my head.
I was getting about 30mpg on my santa fe so said to hell with and bought a 07 e92 320d coupe for weekday driving (about 800km a week) and get at least 50mpg from it..I love the car

Bored off your head? Have you driven a Leaf? You might be very pleasantly surprised if you haven't.

Blazer

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Bored off your head? Have you driven a Leaf? You might be very pleasantly surprised if you haven't.

I have actually...I know its fantastic for it's 0mpg etc but I'd pick my car over it every day.
This is my 3rd bmw and I love them..sure they have flaws but every car has.
If they were bigger i'd get one of them and get a petrol 335i or something for weekends but too small for me at the moment.

stesaurus

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Bored off your head? Have you driven a Leaf? You might be very pleasantly surprised if you haven't.

Yeah the Leaf ain't boring, except in styling! People really need to dispel their opinions on EV's and take a test drive.

mickdw

Elessar wrote: »

Only heard of this car thanks to this thread. Wow. The reviews are glowing. I really, really want this car.

Any models arrived in for test drives in Dublin yet?

EDIT: Charging would be a pain though, I don't like the idea of having to run a cable to the car on the driveway every night.

It says alot that bmw have pitched this at 330i pricing in most markets.I read a quote stating that it should cost no more than the higher end petrol versions.
Getting it as we are at bottom end pricing is very interesting.

stesaurus

mickdw wrote: »

It says alot that bmw have pitched this at 330i pricing in most markets.I read a quote stating that it should cost no more than the higher end petrol versions.
Getting it as we are at bottom end pricing is very interesting.

We're not, the EV grants are bringing the price down

sunnysoutheast

s.welstead wrote: »

Yeah the Leaf ain't boring, except in styling! People really need to dispel their opinions on EV's and take a test drive.

What do people with EVs do when they have to do a longer journey? Hire something else?

A place I worked at had Leafs/Leaves as pool cars and they were impressive to drive, but even a 10 mile journey had us worrying if it wasn't fully charged to start with.

I'd say my next car will be a hybrid, but I'd not consider a full EV. Too restricted.

stesaurus

sunnysoutheast wrote: »

What do people with EVs do when they have to do a longer journey? Hire something else?

A place I worked at had Leafs/Leaves as pool cars and they were impressive to drive, but even a 10 mile journey had us worrying if it wasn't fully charged to start with.

I'd say my next car will be a hybrid, but I'd not consider a full EV. Too restricted.

Worried about a 10 mile journey lol Range anxiety is a big issue at first for anyone but it fades quickly.
If you need to go further we just fast charge

sunnysoutheast

s.welstead wrote: »

Worried about a 10 mile journey lol Range anxiety is a big issue at first for anyone but it fades quickly.
If you need to go further we just fast charge

...yeah but I drive to the Alps three times a year :-)

stesaurus

sunnysoutheast wrote: »

...yeah but I drive to the Alps three times a year :-)

Yeah no EV for you so!!!

mickdw

s.welstead wrote: »

We're not, the EV grants are bringing the price down

I'm aware of that. My point is that it's a very interesting purchase, a no brainer really at the price we can have it for when bmw are placing it as a 330i competitor.
I can imagine the new 530e will sell a good few when released.
Mercedes c class with near identical tech and power is interesting too. I think its going to be alot more expensive though.

Padraig Mor

Blazer wrote: »

I have actually...I know its fantastic for it's 0mpg etc but I'd pick my car over it every day.
This is my 3rd bmw and I love them..sure they have flaws but every car has.
If they were bigger i'd get one of them and get a petrol 335i or something for weekends but too small for me at the moment.

Not just the 0mpg, it's a great car to drive - it'll beat most cars from the lights, and the battery in the base makes it very flat through corners. I'm not sure why you think it's small - it's only fractionally smaller inside than my previous Lexus GS300, a larger car than a 3 series.

Voodoomelon

carsfan wrote: »

Do you really get a plug point put in by the esb? I just assumed for home charging you could plug into a normal socket.

Voodoo
Any word back from the dealer on deal on one?

No word on the PCP deal no. Will post if I hear something.

bazz26

Autoexpress review here for what it's work:

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/3-series/94188/bmw-330e-plug-in-hybrid-2016-review

Blazer

Padraig Mor wrote: »

Not just the 0mpg, it's a great car to drive - it'll beat most cars from the lights, and the battery in the base makes it very flat through corners. I'm not sure why you think it's small - it's only fractionally smaller inside than my previous Lexus GS300, a larger car than a 3 series.

I mean small as in my family needs...with 2 kids that's 2 baby seats and the missus likes to bring half the house with her when travelling...
I'll put it this way..the 5 series was too small so I downgraded to a santa fe and regretted it every day since. I swore as soon as I could I'd get another bmw.

carsfan

@DaveHumphreys, as you are the only one to have driven this car could I ask would you have one over a 320d? Does it have the shove in the back that a torquey diesel gives when up and running?
Do you think it will be a success in Diesel obsessed Ireland?

Leonard Hofstadter

carsfan wrote: »

@DaveHumphreys, as you are the only one to have driven this car could I ask would you have one over a 320d? Does it have the shove in the back that a torquey diesel gives when up and running?
Do you think it will be a success in Diesel obsessed Ireland?

Worth noting that most of the reviews are UK based ones, in the UK the car only makes sense if you're a company car driver, who admittedly make up the majority of buyers in this class, it's more expensive than a like-for-like 330i and almost the same price as a 330d for private buyers. Also the diesels are so efficient that the car tax savings of the 330e are insignificant (£20 or €26 a year).

mickdw

I got a PCP quote for 330e se & Msport.
Firstly, no mention of rebate so the figures are all wrong.

Anyway, without the rebate, they are quoting

se at 447 per month with 30% deposit of 14800 on a 3 year deal with a gfv of 21 761 on a retail price of €49,520

M sport 465 per month with 30% deposit of 16000 with a gfv of just over 24k.

3.9% in both cases.
Ive asked them about the rebate but from my own calcs, the 30% deposit would reduce by 2250 and the monthly would drop to under 390 quid allowing for gfv to drop by about 44% of 7500 too.

carsfan

A bit bonkers they haven't got the 7.5 k rebate on the figures as it will completely change them?! Are those figures on a car with zero options.
Any word on when a demo will be available?
Have they had any much interest in the car?

mickdw

I wasnt in with the dealer just e mailed last week and he came back today saying he was slow in responding due to waiting for gfv values from bmw finance. Seems like after all the delay, someone didnt do their homework.
I dont know re demo but id wager mine was the first query with that dealer seeing as they are not aware of the rebate.

mickdw

I wasnt in with the dealer just e mailed last week and he came back today saying he was slow in responding due to waiting for gfv values from bmw finance. Seems like after all the delay, someone didnt do their homework.
I dont know re demo but id wager mine was the first query with that dealer seeing as they are not aware of the rebate.