BMW 330e ordered...

[humpy999]

I've just heard I've got a delivery date of next Monday (21st). Has anyone had theirs yet?

[Happy_Harris1431]

humpy999 said:

I've just heard I've got a delivery date of next Monday (21st). Has anyone had theirs yet?

Oh you lucky man! Please let us know what it's like!

I ordered in November and still waiting for a date

[SteveJJ]

I think someone in here mentioned the 15th. So may see some pics tomorrow.

I'm end of March but don't have a date yet, I get an update every Tuesday so hoping for a date tomorrow.

[albatross]

Yep mine's due to be delivered to work tomorrow. I'll try to post up some photos and first impressions assuming no last minute dealer disappointments...

[albatross]

Hey presto it has been delivered!

Initial thoughts (in no particular order) after 15 miles at lunchtime...

1. impressively smooth integration between electric and petrol, much better than I expected
2. my mate who drives a 428 was impressed with the acceleration, he reckons it's probably similar to his car
3. boot size is smaller but still respectable, folding seats will help
4. a quick run gave me low 40s mpg but a was trying out the acceleration - it has a very respectable mid-range as you would expect
5. taking my foot off the brake without the engine starting is a bit disconcerting, especially when it starts to move!!
6. in electric mode it has plenty of scope for running over grannies.
7. understanding all the MMI settings may take a couple of days but would be easier if you've had a BMW before
8. the ride is pretty smooth, M-Sport suspension with 18" wheels

[Gss87]

Firstly, congratulations on receiving it! Secondly, it looks very nice..
Thanks for the heads up on the drive of the vehicle.. I'm patiently waiting to take delivery of mine next week!
Do keep us updated on the driving range in electric mode.

[Accelebrate]

Are those the standard M-Sport wheels? I wasn't expecting them to look like that.

[humpy999]

Don't think they're standard, ferric grey aren't they?

[albatross]

Yep Ferric Grey 18", I think it was a cheap upgrade :-) .... BTW the tyres are unidirectional and different front to back (225F/255R)

[humpy999]

They look really smart, I wish I'd gone for them to go with my choice of silver

Edited by humpy999 on Tuesday 15th March 15:01

[SteveJJ]

fantastic. That must be one of the first on the road.

I've been told mine is now 'at sea' so shouldn't be long now.

[johnduq]

What's the regenative breaking like, if any where near the i3 (ie really noticeable) it will be great as I drive my i3 with one foot most of the time.

[Funkydunc]

Congrats on the new delivery, looks very nice...wish I had changed the alloys too....

Sorry for the lists of requests of new owners:

Do you notice the extra weight in the back when cornering / in general?

What does the braking feel like, is there a big step?

When you connect the charging cable to the car, and then lock the car, is the cable locked in to the car, or can it just be pulled out?

Any chance of a picture of the charging cable at the normal 3 pin socket end? I am just going to install a outside 3 pin socket, but want to see if it is best to put it inside a house or not?

Thanks

[Happy_Harris1431]

albatross said:

Hey presto it has been delivered!

Initial thoughts (in no particular order) after 15 miles at lunchtime...

1. impressively smooth integration between electric and petrol, much better than I expected
2. my mate who drives a 428 was impressed with the acceleration, he reckons it's probably similar to his car
3. boot size is smaller but still respectable, folding seats will help
4. a quick run gave me low 40s mpg but a was trying out the acceleration - it has a very respectable mid-range as you would expect
5. taking my foot off the brake without the engine starting is a bit disconcerting, especially when it starts to move!!
6. in electric mode it has plenty of scope for running over grannies.
7. understanding all the MMI settings may take a couple of days but would be easier if you've had a BMW before
8. the ride is pretty smooth, M-Sport suspension with 18" wheels

Wow! Looks great, congratulations! Nice to see one in the flesh ratyer than press cars. Looking forward to hearing more about it.

[albatross]

Hi again,

I’m happy to try to answer any questions – I had loads and no-one to ask so I know what it feels like. Here goes…

Braking – early days with only 100miles on the clock. It was a bit snatchy but seems to be easing off so bedding in rather than regen problems
Extra weight – I’ve not noticed any issues but haven’t been honing around (yet)
Cable – this is locked to the car when the car is locked. It comes with a standard 3 pin plug and when you plug it all in the charging point on the car glows different colours…very atmospheric! I’m planning to put a standard outside socket in for mine – I don’t foresee any issues

Battery life – seems to be disappearing pretty damned quickly; this will require further investigation tomorrow but I suspect I’ve got it set up wrong;-)

All together it just feels pretty sorted, I might let Mrs Tross drive it tomorrow to see what she thinks of it

[aiden_wallace]

Hi I think the battery life being short is to be expected. my current phev (golf GTE) is just the same, it infuriates me that the a/c, heated seats etc uses the battery power rather than the petrol. i think you may have to simply appreciated the BIK and not the fuel consumption (as its pretty sh!t on the golf)

Had my bmw order number and delivery today of June 27 - v excited!

[Happy_Harris1431]

albatross said:

Hi again,

I’m happy to try to answer any questions – I had loads and no-one to ask so I know what it feels like. Here goes…

Braking – early days with only 100miles on the clock. It was a bit snatchy but seems to be easing off so bedding in rather than regen problems
Extra weight – I’ve not noticed any issues but haven’t been honing around (yet)
Cable – this is locked to the car when the car is locked. It comes with a standard 3 pin plug and when you plug it all in the charging point on the car glows different colours…very atmospheric! I’m planning to put a standard outside socket in for mine – I don’t foresee any issues

Battery life – seems to be disappearing pretty damned quickly; this will require further investigation tomorrow but I suspect I’ve got it set up wrong;-)

All together it just feels pretty sorted, I might let Mrs Tross drive it tomorrow to see what she thinks of it

Thanks for answering our questions.

I drove a Merc C350e today and it was not a good experience! Sounds like I made the right decision with the 330e.

It was quick but the engine screamed uncomfortably at anything above 4000rpm, gear change was sloppy too and the brakes pretty awfull. It was not enjoyable!

Can't wait to get my 330e!

[albatross]

Thanks Aiden, thought it might be my heavy right foot! Given the BIK I've got my fuel card on order so the consumption is not a problem and I can preserve the battery for overtaking ;-)

[Funkydunc]

Thanks for answering the questions so quickly.

It will be interesting to see if the car keeps enough charge to allow full hybrid acceleration at all times (even with a heavy right foot), even if that means it doesn't allow extended electric only usage.

[JD]

For me, I really really would like it to be able to do the 9 miles to work and then back using juice I put in overnight on Economy 7.

Area you able to confirm if you got LED headlights without ordering them specifically?