BMW 330e ordered...
Discussion
I really struggle to have any sympathy with people who take delivery of a 330e then moan about how it isn't suitable for their style of driving or need for a car. I reckon mine was one of the first lot to be delivered (21st March) and, yes, whilst there wasn't a lot of info from BMW there was loads on other PHEVs and the motorway driving vs short trips issue was well documented. Nothing anyone has said on this forum since then is new - all this info on PHEVs vs diesel has been available for years. Surely, if you're spending 40k of anyone's money and have to stick with the car for 3 yrs+ it's your responsibility to make sure the car's right for you - there's loads of chat and info on the web to get informed.
As for the 149mpg claim we all know that it's the way the car manufacturers are forced to have their cars tested (Euro cycle) that delivers this ridiculous figure. It's a brave manufacturer to break ranks and offer real world mpg when none of their competitors does. Surely no one is so naive they get into a car anymore expecting to get the manufacturer figure?
I think the 330e is a masterpiece of technology for this point in time given that the tech is still rapidly evolving and hampered by current battery models. Sure, on the motorway it's a heavy 2l turbo but for short trips and my commute it's smooth, comfortable, very fast and economical. Shame about the gearbox and the rubbish claims about the satnav - from importing routes created on BMW Routes, the car seems not to recognise the waypoints I set up on the route and neither will it modify the route dynamically based on traffic reports so it's just not fit for purpose.
As for the 149mpg claim we all know that it's the way the car manufacturers are forced to have their cars tested (Euro cycle) that delivers this ridiculous figure. It's a brave manufacturer to break ranks and offer real world mpg when none of their competitors does. Surely no one is so naive they get into a car anymore expecting to get the manufacturer figure?
I think the 330e is a masterpiece of technology for this point in time given that the tech is still rapidly evolving and hampered by current battery models. Sure, on the motorway it's a heavy 2l turbo but for short trips and my commute it's smooth, comfortable, very fast and economical. Shame about the gearbox and the rubbish claims about the satnav - from importing routes created on BMW Routes, the car seems not to recognise the waypoints I set up on the route and neither will it modify the route dynamically based on traffic reports so it's just not fit for purpose.
Tonycv51 said:
So not sure of the point of save mode (not what it does but why you would use it)
Indeed. Sounds like they now have a misnamed "Charge" mode. And that could be a useful 4th mode, but Save should be 'Charge to minimal level (10% - or configurable) and then Hold at that level'.humpy999 said:
The point of Save mode, apparently, is to preserve battery charge in case your destination is in an area where you wish to run on battery only (ultraclean zone), if your charge is very low it boosts it to 50% so that you have sufficient charge for some range when you get there...
Humpy you obviously have one of the older cars. The newer ones post June/July charge to 90% in battery save.My comments re charging were based on save mode, not Auto E. However even in Auto E although not charging to 90% the effect is the same. Leave work with 20% battery. Within 1.5 miles down to 10%, charging back to 20% takes a fair few miles, and if those miles are hilly that means you get about 15mpg. Then it clicks straight back to battery, uses it down to about 8% (in less miles than it takes to charge), and then the cycle starts again. It cant be efficient.
I agree a button to turn off epower would be best, but would that then mean the car would fail emissions tests etc?
All the comments about being negative about the car, surely with such a new vehicle, any knowledge that is shared helps inform people whether to purchase or not?
Edited by Funkydunc on Tuesday 13th December 13:31
humpy999 said:
Shame about the gearbox and the rubbish claims about the satnav - from importing routes created on BMW Routes, the car seems not to recognise the waypoints I set up on the route and neither will it modify the route dynamically based on traffic reports so it's just not fit for purpose.
Humpy do you have Pro Nav? I did read on other forums about BMW Nav not working with waypoints however I assumed they had now fixed that issue. I am sure you have read my continued complaint with BMW about not being able to use the SatNav with multiple destinations. BMW's solution was to use way points (which you cant do on Business Nav), but it sounds like I am wasting my time anyhow if it doesn't if work on Pro Nav?Basically it sounds like it is pointless using the SatNav to try and improve efficiency regardless of Navigation Model if your journey consists of more than one stop.
humpy999 said:
Shame about the gearbox and the rubbish claims about the satnav - from importing routes created on BMW Routes, the car seems not to recognise the waypoints I set up on the route and neither will it modify the route dynamically based on traffic reports so it's just not fit for purpose.
There is a tickbox in the route setup on MyRoutes or BMW Routes or whatever it's called, that says whether to modify route based on traffic. Have you checked that box?Chris1712 said:
Just got the 'low coolant level' warning like others had a while ago, car is on 7500 miles now. Anything to worry about? What did you guys do? Just take it to BMW and let them deal with it or should I buy some coolant online to top it up?
Buy some BMW coolant and top it up FFS!
Funkydunc said:
humpy999 said:
Shame about the gearbox and the rubbish claims about the satnav - from importing routes created on BMW Routes, the car seems not to recognise the waypoints I set up on the route and neither will it modify the route dynamically based on traffic reports so it's just not fit for purpose.
Humpy do you have Pro Nav? I did read on other forums about BMW Nav not working with waypoints however I assumed they had now fixed that issue. I am sure you have read my continued complaint with BMW about not being able to use the SatNav with multiple destinations. BMW's solution was to use way points (which you cant do on Business Nav), but it sounds like I am wasting my time anyhow if it doesn't if work on Pro Nav?Basically it sounds like it is pointless using the SatNav to try and improve efficiency regardless of Navigation Model if your journey consists of more than one stop.
bmwphever said:
humpy999 said:
Shame about the gearbox and the rubbish claims about the satnav - from importing routes created on BMW Routes, the car seems not to recognise the waypoints I set up on the route and neither will it modify the route dynamically based on traffic reports so it's just not fit for purpose.
There is a tickbox in the route setup on MyRoutes or BMW Routes or whatever it's called, that says whether to modify route based on traffic. Have you checked that box?Edited by humpy999 on Tuesday 13th December 14:54
Chris1712 said:
Soov535 said:
Buy some BMW coolant and top it up FFS!
I only ask as it was flagged up as a potential issue by owners previously, and I can't recall what the remedy was (it seemed it may have been a glitch with the hybrid system rather than actual low coolant).Funkydunc said:
All the comments about being negative about the car, surely with such a new vehicle, any knowledge that is shared helps inform people whether to purchase or not?
Totally, when constructive and offered in that spirit but there's a lot of moaning and blaming going on too which just irritates me, sorry [/rant]Edited by Funkydunc on Tuesday 13th December 13:31
Soov535 said:
Chris1712 said:
Just got the 'low coolant level' warning like others had a while ago, car is on 7500 miles now. Anything to worry about? What did you guys do? Just take it to BMW and let them deal with it or should I buy some coolant online to top it up?
Buy some BMW coolant and top it up FFS!or
You do get 3 years road side assistance with the car. ie ring the number and they will come out to it. I had a fan issue on my old 3 series and they came out and fixed it, the windscreen washers stopped working on another occasion and they came out to that too.
Funkydunc said:
Pfff just book it in to BMW dealer and let them sort it for free, if you are on fully maintained lease contract :-)
or
You do get 3 years road side assistance with the car. ie ring the number and they will come out to it. I had a fan issue on my old 3 series and they came out and fixed it, the windscreen washers stopped working on another occasion and they came out to that too.
Just tried that, 2 1/2 week wait for a courtesy car! Shambles, and I'm away on business next week so doubly need the car. Will top it up with water tonight and cross my fingers. Apparently if I get a red warning light not yellow I'll magically get an immediate courtesy car. What a pain.or
You do get 3 years road side assistance with the car. ie ring the number and they will come out to it. I had a fan issue on my old 3 series and they came out and fixed it, the windscreen washers stopped working on another occasion and they came out to that too.
Chris1712 said:
Just tried that, 2 1/2 week wait for a courtesy car! Shambles, and I'm away on business next week so doubly need the car. Will top it up with water tonight and cross my fingers. Apparently if I get a red warning light not yellow I'll magically get an immediate courtesy car. What a pain.
8000 miles ago I had to twice stick some water in to top up the coolant. I've not had any trouble since... Save yourself the hassle of going to BMW and get a jug of water from the kitchen...humpy999 said:
Quick question as I've never measured it but does anyone know how many kWh a full charge is from say 5% to 100%? I know it's a 7.6kWh battery but I also read that 20% is 'hidden' and can't be accessed. is a full charge 5kWh or thereabouts therefore?
Just checked my charging records and the most I have done is nearly 6.4kw.Gassing Station | EV and Alternative Fuels | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff