BMW 330e ordered...

Author
Discussion

p8usy

6 posts

98 months

Monday 7th November 2016
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davidab157 said:
First post, really enjoying my 330e so far after getting it in July. Pleasantly surprised by the electric range and routinely get 90%+ e-drive on my 20 mile commute (albeit driving very economically!). Absolutely staggering that this is a £200+ saving over a 320d on our company scheme based on the BIK!

Two issues I've noticed recently:

- RTTI wasn't working yesterday and still wasn't running this morning. All I could get was TMC and no real-time info on the sat nav. Anyone else having this problem? I can still precondition via the app so the car is certainly still connected in some way!

My app just keeps saying vehicle in motion when it's parked for hours, now the app won't even fire up, perhaps they are fixing the issue ....

- Yesterday morning, went to make a quick trip to the supermarket and, despite being fully charged, the ICE came on while driving in town. I tried pressing to go into max e-drive but it said "power demand too high, max e-drive unavailable". Not seen this before. The car had been sat for a couple of days and we had 2-5C temperatures, so maybe when really cold there are problems with e-drive? Preconditioned it and went out later on and it was fine.

davidab157

14 posts

91 months

Monday 7th November 2016
quotequote all
aberdeeneuan said:
Only time I've seen that message was when I pressed the throttle too far while in max e-drive mode. I've noticed that the car will turn on ice if it's cold and I'm using heaters etc, I've not been preconditioning though so maybe I'll try that tomorrow.
I'm assuming it was a temperature issue because it was fine later on when preconditioned. Maybe the car detects when the drain on the battery will be inefficient and switches to petrol as a result. This was with no sat nav so should have been in max e-drive from start up and it was still showing 14 miles of electric range at the time.

Might try not preconditioning later this week and see if it happens again.

Funkydunc

150 posts

114 months

Monday 7th November 2016
quotequote all
Just a bit of an update on my experiences now that I've had the car a few weeks.

Positives
- Power transition between battery and engine is fantastic, you can barely notice it.
- The instant torque is great for driving.
- It really does go quickly when you want it to.
- Driving around town is effortless and so quiet.
- The battery weight isn't that noticeable (see negative)
- Playing driving as efficiently as you can is actually good fun.
- You can have lots of fun with the rear of the car, and it is actually more controlled than my 320d (could be because this one is M Sport suspension?)
- Overall its a stunning bit of engineering/technology



Negatives (being picky)
- My commute is 45 a day through nice hilly countryside, and at max I am getting 40mpg driving very carefully.
- Regardless of which mode I put the vehicle in, using Sat Nav the car still appears to want to use all the battery at the start of the journey and leave none for the return leg of the journey. Going out of towns it still use battery on 50-70mph roads.
- You can not tell the extra weight directly, but the tail does feel like it wants to swing around more than my old 320.
- Brakes are interesting. I have had a couple of moments moving on a bit where they have given feed back like there is brake fade, very disconcerting whilst heading towards a corner, but prod even harder and you do get the proper brakes. Still not a great deal of feel compared to normal brakes though. (this is all just pushing on though, driving normally no issues at all)
- Front end grip/feel. Not sure if it is the servo steering or the battery weight, but at high speed the front end feels very light and vague, the 3 series in general doesn't have great steering feedback, but this is worse than my old 320d.
- 8 speed automatic. Great for sedate driving, barely notice it changing gear. However driving quickly or wanting to overtake is painful. As I said on a previous note, you can start overtaking and it will kick down (without you flooring it),where there is easily enough torque not to. It also insist on red lining, which again it doesn't need to. It is also slow ie you have to give it about 1 seconds notice that you want to change gear.
- Sat Nav is seriously difficult to plan a multiple stop route using it, and is key for a car like this.
- Phone app. Doesn't let me set a precondition time, and BMW are not responding to my emails about getting it working. Also especially at weekends it does not record the last journey completed in the car.
- Battery usage. In auto e, or e drive modes you can run the battery down to 3%. It then regardless of whether you want it to or not uses the engine to regain the lost energy to 10% battery. Surely it would be more fuel efficient to stop the battery being used at 10%?
- I have been using the pre conditioning(via the 3 pin socket charger) This morning this took battery charge from 100% down to 94% before I had even moved the car. I assume this is because this car is not being charged at full 16amp? However tomorrow I think I will use preconditioning, and then go out to the car to turn it off to allow the battery to charge fully :-(

I will say again, it is a very very good car. But these are just some of the things I have found that are not right in my opinion.


Edited by Funkydunc on Monday 7th November 16:00

Mcpaynter

74 posts

100 months

Monday 7th November 2016
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Probably stating the obvious here.. set up RTTI on mine today as I needed to drive up to Manchester.

If you have the business media pack you can add RTTI.. one month trial is £1.. then it's £50 a year.

Also only just discovered all the online services work such as searching destinations, using google etc

Chris1712

296 posts

101 months

Tuesday 8th November 2016
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Funkydunc said:
Negatives (being picky)
- My commute is 45 a day through nice hilly countryside, and at max I am getting 40mpg driving very carefully.
Is that with charge? 45 miles? That is quite unfortunate, I do 26 miles through very mixed including about 10 miles of hilly NSL a/b roads and get 110-135 mpg.

RicksAlfas

13,433 posts

246 months

Tuesday 8th November 2016
quotequote all
Funkydunc said:
- I have been using the pre conditioning(via the 3 pin socket charger) This morning this took battery charge from 100% down to 94% before I had even moved the car. I assume this is because this car is not being charged at full 16amp? However tomorrow I think I will use preconditioning, and then go out to the car to turn it off to allow the battery to charge fully :-(
I don't know if it's any help, but I have this problem on my C350e. What I've found is that I need to set the departure time earlier, so the car warms up and then stops, and it carries on recharging. Apparently the 3 pin plug charger won't allow it to warm up and charge at the same time. So if I leave the house at 7.15, the car warms up at 6.40. This gives it time to charge back up to 100%, but the car is still warm when I get in. If I set it to warm up at 7.00, I'd be in the same boat as you without a 100% charge. Might be worth a try.

Soov535

35,829 posts

273 months

Tuesday 8th November 2016
quotequote all
RicksAlfas said:
Funkydunc said:
- I have been using the pre conditioning(via the 3 pin socket charger) This morning this took battery charge from 100% down to 94% before I had even moved the car. I assume this is because this car is not being charged at full 16amp? However tomorrow I think I will use preconditioning, and then go out to the car to turn it off to allow the battery to charge fully :-(
I don't know if it's any help, but I have this problem on my C350e. What I've found is that I need to set the departure time earlier, so the car warms up and then stops, and it carries on recharging. Apparently the 3 pin plug charger won't allow it to warm up and charge at the same time. So if I leave the house at 7.15, the car warms up at 6.40. This gives it time to charge back up to 100%, but the car is still warm when I get in. If I set it to warm up at 7.00, I'd be in the same boat as you without a 100% charge. Might be worth a try.
Good shout.

DragonflyTrumpeter

228 posts

99 months

Tuesday 8th November 2016
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DragonflyTrumpeter said:
My 330e is back at BMW and going by their set up, I expect to get it back with a boot full of Duracell mad
Only got my car back last week. Recalled due to a drivetrain / battery fault / drive moderately and get it checked out warning. Diagnosed the following day as a dodgy battery cell apparently. 6 weeks later, yes 6 weeks, I got it back with the battery pack replaced and running okay for the last few days.

It would take too long to go into detail regarding the saga and all the crap and lies I had to take from BMW uk but suffice to say, BMW uk and their customer service team were an absolute disgrace.

Funkydunc

150 posts

114 months

Tuesday 8th November 2016
quotequote all
Chris1712 said:
Is that with charge? 45 miles? That is quite unfortunate, I do 26 miles through very mixed including about 10 miles of hilly NSL a/b roads and get 110-135 mpg.
Yes starting in the morning with a full battery. 22 miles in to work leaves me with about 20-30% battery left using eco and sat nav. On the way back home the battery gets down to 3% at which point it starts using the engine to recharge the battery. (I can not charge at work)

Is yours journey 26miles each way or 26 miles total?

I am currently trying to get answers from BMW UK, however to me there appears to be a flaw with the cars software that it doesn't recognise a route with 2 stops as one journey, therefore it is seeing work as the destination and using the battery to its full to get me to work, and leaving none for getting home, even though it as home as destination 2 in the sat nav.

So far I have found the most eco way to drive the car is to force the engine to start when I get above 30mph ish by clicking a paddle. I can then average about 50mpg there and back, which is pretty much the same as my old 320d used to do.

The other flaw I think is that it is letting battery use go down to 3% and then using the engine to recover it back to 10%. This happens most when I am in start stop traffic towards the end of the journey. All I can think is that in start stop traffic the engine would be less fuel efficient to use and it is more efficient to recharge the battery using the engine whilst at speeds above a crawl?




Edited by Funkydunc on Tuesday 8th November 14:44


Edited by Funkydunc on Tuesday 8th November 14:47

caseys

310 posts

170 months

Tuesday 8th November 2016
quotequote all
DragonflyTrumpeter said:
Only got my car back last week. Recalled due to a drivetrain / battery fault / drive moderately and get it checked out warning. Diagnosed the following day as a dodgy battery cell apparently. 6 weeks later, yes 6 weeks, I got it back with the battery pack replaced and running okay for the last few days.

It would take too long to go into detail regarding the saga and all the crap and lies I had to take from BMW uk but suffice to say, BMW uk and their customer service team were an absolute disgrace.
Out of curiosity, what car did they give you for a courtesy car whilst yours was in for repairs? Mine being a local //M specialist I'd have asked for an M3 at the least smile

Giz1972

49 posts

92 months

Tuesday 8th November 2016
quotequote all
[quote=Funkydunc]

Yes starting in the morning with a full battery. 22 miles in to work leaves me with about 20-30% battery left using eco and sat nav. On the way back home the battery gets down to 3% at which point it starts using the engine to recharge the battery. (I can not charge at work)

Is yours journey 26miles each way or 26 miles total?

I am currently trying to get answers from BMW UK, however to me there appears to be a flaw with the cars software that it doesn't recognise a route with 2 stops as one journey, therefore it is seeing work as the destination and using the battery to its full to get me to work, and leaving none for getting home, even though it as home as destination 2 in the sat nav.

So far I have found the most eco way to drive the car is to force the engine to start when I get above 30mph ish by clicking a paddle. I can then average about 50mpg there and back, which is pretty much the same as my old 320d used to do.

The other flaw I think is that it is letting battery use go down to 3% and then using the engine to recover it back to 10%. This happens most when I am in start stop traffic towards the end of the journey. All I can think is that in start stop traffic the engine would be less fuel efficient to use and it is more efficient to recharge the battery using the engine whilst at speeds above a crawl?


[]could you try putting in your sat nav a fake journey of 44 miles which would see you passing your workplace at the 22 mile mark, then hopefully using half the battery when you get to work. Then when you go home just set it to home using up the rest of the battery.

Rockhoppin

5 posts

99 months

Tuesday 8th November 2016
quotequote all
NEW TAX CHARGES FOR CO CAR AND SALARY SACRIFICE DRIVERS 330E COULD COST YOU MORE....

Hi all first time posting but been reading this thread since it started! I'm a company car driver and drive the 330e have done since June and put 11k on the clock already. Thanks for all the great insight.

I'm very concerned about the government's proposals to increase the car tax on company car and salary sacrifice drivers. UKGOV coaxed me into purchasing due to the grant and low BIK tax. This is due to change very soon and will hit EV and Hybrid drivers big in the pocket. Read the article and if you want to object sign the petition. Launched today and needs signatures to get it recognised with UKGOV. Please share with all other Co and salary sacrifice drivers they need to be aware! https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/171523

Ps love the 330e. Way better than the 320d getting c 47 miles to gallon vs 51 in old 320d Charge everyday. I do mostly long drives 100 miles plus commute. AVE cost per mile on petrol is c11p so making 2p per mile which covers my charging at home. Seen a HUGE drop in electric efficiency since the cold weather. Getting around 10 - 12 miles. Happy to answer any questions smile

DragonflyTrumpeter

228 posts

99 months

Tuesday 8th November 2016
quotequote all
caseys said:
Out of curiosity, what car did they give you for a courtesy car whilst yours was in for repairs? Mine being a local //M specialist I'd have asked for an M3 at the least smile
I was 8 days without a car due to a bmw assist / enterprise / dealership combined shambles. I then got a 520d m sport for a spell which I handed back when I went off to work. I then had a 320d m sport touring for a couple of days on my return until I picked up my 330e.

The 6 weeks were a horrific (non?) motoring experience that I would hope happens to no one else. As I said earlier, BMW uk were a complete joke.

Gb908010

87 posts

95 months

Wednesday 9th November 2016
quotequote all
Rockhoppin said:
NEW TAX CHARGES FOR CO CAR AND SALARY SACRIFICE DRIVERS 330E COULD COST YOU MORE....

Hi all first time posting but been reading this thread since it started! I'm a company car driver and drive the 330e have done since June and put 11k on the clock already. Thanks for all the great insight.

I'm very concerned about the government's proposals to increase the car tax on company car and salary sacrifice drivers. UKGOV coaxed me into purchasing due to the grant and low BIK tax. This is due to change very soon and will hit EV and Hybrid drivers big in the pocket. Read the article and if you want to object sign the petition. Launched today and needs signatures to get it recognised with UKGOV. Please share with all other Co and salary sacrifice drivers they need to be aware! https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/171523

Ps love the 330e. Way better than the 320d getting c 47 miles to gallon vs 51 in old 320d Charge everyday. I do mostly long drives 100 miles plus commute. AVE cost per mile on petrol is c11p so making 2p per mile which covers my charging at home. Seen a HUGE drop in electric efficiency since the cold weather. Getting around 10 - 12 miles. Happy to answer any questions smile
Really ?!!!!
I have just resubmitted my 330e order so I hope these changes don't come into effect within the next 3 years. I have signed the petition but will also contact my local MP if this does happen

slugelise

34 posts

180 months

Wednesday 9th November 2016
quotequote all
I ordered 8th August via a company car scheme, delivery today! jet black 330e luxury with venetian beige leather, interior comfort pack and badge delete. Thanks for all the feedback on this thread.

caseys

310 posts

170 months

Wednesday 9th November 2016
quotequote all
Funkydunc said:
I am currently trying to get answers from BMW UK, however to me there appears to be a flaw with the cars software that it doesn't recognise a route with 2 stops as one journey, therefore it is seeing work as the destination and using the battery to its full to get me to work, and leaving none for getting home, even though it as home as destination 2 in the sat nav.
Have you looked into the ability to plan a route via Google Maps and push it to the car? See here : http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/connected_drive_s... under the My Info / Send to Car section:

bmw said:
Planning your journey with Google Maps? Then simply send your destination directly from Google Maps to your BMW, where it can be entered into the navigation system for route guidance. In this way, you can fully concentrate on driving while you’re on the road.
I'm waiting to test this myself - my car turns up on Tuesday.

Rockhoppin said:
I'm very concerned about the government's proposals to increase the car tax on company car and salary sacrifice drivers. UKGOV coaxed me into purchasing due to the grant and low BIK tax. This is due to change very soon and will hit EV and Hybrid drivers big in the pocket. Read the article and if you want to object sign the petition. Launched today and needs signatures to get it recognised with UKGOV. Please share with all other Co and salary sacrifice drivers they need to be aware! https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/171523
It's been discussed a bit before... here... somewhere smile

The main thing is the consultation was about impacts to Salary Sacrifice schemes - and consultation period ended 19th October, but no announcement of feedback from that period has yet been given. See the consultation document here : https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...

There weren't any mentions of increase in BIK tax itself but more about what BIKs will get the salary sacrifice (removal of NI contributions) to the benefit - company car schemes being one of them. So, if you're paying BIK on a company car but are not doing it through a Salary Sacrifice scheme where you save via NI contributions - this won't impact you. So the government may see it as the EV/PHEV/BEV type vehicles with low CO2 are still seeing the best BIK rate, just that you're not going to benefit via SS schemes anymore. Ditto for other schemes like mobile phones, bikes etc.

Chris1712

296 posts

101 months

Wednesday 9th November 2016
quotequote all
Funkydunc said:
Is yours journey 26miles each way or 26 miles total?

I am currently trying to get answers from BMW UK, however to me there appears to be a flaw with the cars software that it doesn't recognise a route with 2 stops as one journey, therefore it is seeing work as the destination and using the battery to its full to get me to work, and leaving none for getting home, even though it as home as destination 2 in the sat nav.

So far I have found the most eco way to drive the car is to force the engine to start when I get above 30mph ish by clicking a paddle. I can then average about 50mpg there and back, which is pretty much the same as my old 320d used to do.

The other flaw I think is that it is letting battery use go down to 3% and then using the engine to recover it back to 10%. This happens most when I am in start stop traffic towards the end of the journey. All I can think is that in start stop traffic the engine would be less fuel efficient to use and it is more efficient to recharge the battery using the engine whilst at speeds above a crawl?]
26 miles each way & I can charge at work. it's dropped a lot now it's cold, but still getting around 90-100 mpg each way. If I were you I would just sat nav each way , auto e-drive & eco pro. Bet you'll get 120+ mpg on the way there, maybe only 40 on the way back but still ups your average to 80 ish.

anonymous-user

56 months

Wednesday 9th November 2016
quotequote all
RicksAlfas said:
Funkydunc said:
- I have been using the pre conditioning(via the 3 pin socket charger) This morning this took battery charge from 100% down to 94% before I had even moved the car. I assume this is because this car is not being charged at full 16amp? However tomorrow I think I will use preconditioning, and then go out to the car to turn it off to allow the battery to charge fully :-(
I don't know if it's any help, but I have this problem on my C350e. What I've found is that I need to set the departure time earlier, so the car warms up and then stops, and it carries on recharging. Apparently the 3 pin plug charger won't allow it to warm up and charge at the same time. So if I leave the house at 7.15, the car warms up at 6.40. This gives it time to charge back up to 100%, but the car is still warm when I get in. If I set it to warm up at 7.00, I'd be in the same boat as you without a 100% charge. Might be worth a try.
In order to avoid damaging the battery, when it is being used (current is being sourced from it, or sunk into it) it must be kept within a certain temperature bound. As its cold over night, before the programmed departure time the car will pre warm the battery, and this takes energy to do so. As the std charge is relatively low powered, it cannot precondition the cabin and the battery at the same time fully. Added to which, as the battery warms, it's energy storage capacity increases, so its SoC falls!

derren039

5 posts

99 months

Wednesday 9th November 2016
quotequote all
DragonflyTrumpeter said:
I was 8 days without a car due to a bmw assist / enterprise / dealership combined shambles. I then got a 520d m sport for a spell which I handed back when I went off to work. I then had a 320d m sport touring for a couple of days on my return until I picked up my 330e.

The 6 weeks were a horrific (non?) motoring experience that I would hope happens to no one else. As I said earlier, BMW uk were a complete joke.
Hi
I had as similar problem drive train fault (new gearbox) I lease via Alphabet put in a complaint , got refunded months fee and cost of petrol for hire car refunded by BMW
Des

Rockhoppin

5 posts

99 months

Wednesday 9th November 2016
quotequote all
Gb908010 said:
Really ?!!!!
I have just resubmitted my 330e order so I hope these changes don't come into effect within the next 3 years. I have signed the petition but will also contact my local MP if this does happen
Hi there Gb I'm in the same boat too. carbuyer have just released this news. http://www.carbuyer.co.uk/news/155399/company-car-... Thanks for signing I'm hoping to get some momentum to show UKGOV that we're against the continuous financial increases for drivers. Please forward to anyone who could be effected.

You'll enjoy the 330e it's a great motor!