[iM]

Originally Posted by jormanyum

The selling price ended up being 51,8 before tax, approx 8k under MSRP. That was after incentives. The only incentive available when I bought was the 3500 ECO credit. Now there might be another 1k holiday incentive. Not sure if I'll be able to apply it when I actually "buy" the car. Only put down the deposit while the AH3 is being built. I assume you did the same? I wasn't able to apply the USAA/Team USA credit.

My dealer claims that the 0 cost options only show as 0 cost because you have to buy the package when you get them.

From him "Those are not free options...you're paying for them...they'll show as NO CHARGE because you have to pay for the extra package."

Hopefully he's wrong.

I test drove the 328, it was not even close to the AH. I hear the 335 is quicker but the extra torque in the hybrid makes a lot of difference. I dig the sport line you ordered and think you'll love it. (couldn't get the saddle brown int. with that line, only reason I went lux)

holiday/loyalty incentives can be applied only if you use bmwfs to buy or lease your vehicle. i received .99% rate from a local federal credit union so no holiday/loyalty incentives for me.

Your CA is correct and wrong. you are required to buy tech/driver assist pkg to get "speed limit display" option at 0 cost. however, both "heated steering wheel" and "lane departure warning" are NOT required any package options to get it for free.

can't wait to feel the extra torque i think you got the most classic bmw color combo

[jormanyum]

Did you pay upfront for your car or just put a deposit down waiting for the car to come this week? I ask because I am concerned that if my car ends up being delivered post January 2nd I might end up not getting the credits that I had previously negotiated.

Also, my girlfriend is killing me for not getting heated seats in mine. I didn't think it was necessary as we live in SoCal and it's never really cold here, but that didn't stop her. Ha.

Sadly, I think it's too late for me to add the no cost options. But I will do my best to get recompense for it as I did ask months ago. Only three more days for you!!

[JonoNZ]

Where did he get the key case from?

[MotoEV]

This week, I purchased a BMW Active Hybrid 3 to replace a four dour sedan for my household. For context, I own other BMW family products from 2007 to the present and have day-to-day experience with current BMW turbocharging and efficient dynamics technologies.

In short, many of the negative comments and criticisms about Active Hybrid technology are due in large part to unfamiliarity with the business and technology goals for the Active Hybrid program. I've provided a link to an article which provides some needed perspective.

A Luxury Hybrid 3 Series
The 335i was already a quick and responsive car but hybridization adds an additional layer of luxury, sport, and efficiency to the mix for what I consider a good value in the premium luxury market.

Luxury - The transition from electric to gas propulsion is seamless in almost all situations and makes driving experience seem special. In speeds under 40 mph, electric propulsion is prominent in city driving.

Sport - Engaging the DS setting and accelerating hard is incredible. The increased torque feels bottomless and makes a faster car feel even faster. I never feel as if I need more power. The engine feels 'V8-like' in terms of availability and responsiveness.

Efficiency - In local driving, I have seen between 36-41 average mpg and using the navigation-based hybrid optimization schemes have seen a highway 2-3 mpg increase over EPA in real world driving.

It amuses me that those who complain about the cost of the Active Hybrid technology are slow to criticize those who spend $2,000 for AWD (adds 150 pounds and reduces MPG to deal for approx. 7-10 days of bad weather a year) or someone purchasing the $1,000 power kit for a nominal increase in power.

I am very pleased with my purchase and encourage others to at least test drive the Active Hybrid 3.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by MotoEV

This week, I purchased a BMW Active Hybrid 3 to replace a four dour sedan for my household. For context, I own other BMW family products from 2007 to the present and have day-to-day experience with current BMW turbocharging and efficient dynamics technologies.

Welcome.

Tell is more about your car. Which line did you order and what options did you get?

[MotoEV]

A pretty basic model...

Looking for more luxury this time around

Luxury Line - Mineral Gray with Beige interior.

• Driver Assistance
• Premium
• Technology
• HK Audio
• Heated Seats

Originally Posted by SamS

Welcome.

Tell is more about your car. Which line did you order and what options did you get?

[jormanyum]

As it's been a major topic on many threads, do you think you could talk about the new navigation system in the AH3. Do you love it? Any features you've seen that you've been happily surprised with? And I've seen on the main BMW website, but not BMWUSA, that the new nav system allows you to surf the internet. Has that feature found its way into the US version. Thanks! Mine finished production and I can't wait to get it.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by jormanyum

As it's been a major topic on many threads, do you think you could talk about the new navigation system in the AH3. Do you love it? Any features you've seen that you've been happily surprised with? And I've seen on the main BMW website, but not BMWUSA, that the new nav system allows you to surf the internet. Has that feature found its way into the US version. Thanks! Mine finished production and I can't wait to get it.

No in-car internet for the US version. You can get that coded, assuming the aftermarket coders know how to do it for this new HU_NBT Navigation. Also, the car must be tethered to your smart phone for the internet to work.

[chrisv_335EBII]

Originally Posted by iM

JEFF BECK
I am telling you. This is THE GUY you are looking for! He has the best price ($200 over invoice), super knowledgeable, ultra professional, lightening quick responses (he even replied while he’s out at dinner one time and I told him I am sorry. lol), very ethical and integrity and his willingness to help on my need are consistently far beyond expectation.
When I changed my order from 335 to AH3, his dealer doesn’t have the AH3 allocation. Instead of telling me they do not have the allocation, he instantaneously searched a dealer who has AH3 allocation and traded one of the cars sitting on his dealership with their allocation, which was ready to go in to the production within a week to accelerate the process. He personally contacted BMWNA and BMW Headquarters to answer my countless and some ridiculous questions. On Top of all that, he will sincerely appreciate your business. I sent him a thank-you email for smooth and easy transaction one time, and then he replied “No problem at all. There is no reason for car buying to be stressful! It should be an exciting process, after all nobody NEEDS a BMW, it's something that people dream of, why ruin that?"
Here’s his contact information:
Jeff Beck
jbeck@russelbmw.com
410-744-2000
PM me for his mobile number. Make sure mention me to get the best deal!


Tracking
When I tracked my car using the VIN this morning, 11/20/12, this was the latest status available.
Attachment 785528

I am actually blown away that someone had a positive experience at Russel BMW. I just had the worse sales experience of my live with them on Saturday. My CA was Venol. It started off on a bad foot. I arrived around 1:05pm for my appointment with Venol. However, he was not at the dealership and they could not reach him by phone. Half an hour later another CA took me out for the test drive. I really wish I could have sticked with that CA because he knew a lot about the M3 and was very nice.

We arrived back at the dealership and Venol was back at his desk. The other CA (whos name I did not get) handed me over to Venol. Venol and I took another test drive because I wanted to take a longer ride. He was very nice during the test drive. He told me about his family and his long history working for BMW.

We came back to dealership and I was ready to start an order for an M3. This is when things went downhill fast. I told him know exactly which options I wanted. I told him I wanted a 6spd manual Melbourne Red, Sport Cloth, Navigation, Competition Package, Cold Weather Package and Comfort Access.

I told him I did not want leather so no Premium package because BMW did not offer the color leather I wanted. I told him I was planning on adding the leather aftermarket. He then argued with me for almost an hour about the options. He said the M3 Coupe only comes with leather and I had to add BMW apps to get bluetooth and Ipod connectivity. I added the BMW apps but would not agree to add leather to the car.He kept saying sport cloth only come in European cars that are strippers. He said US cars dont come that way. I told him I want sport cloth because BMW does not offer leather in the color. He kept implying that I was being cheap and I am ordering a stripper model.

He also said MSPRP is not negotiable. It is an amount set by BMW and they cannot sell under that.

His manager came over a few times and tried to salvage things. He told me Venol is new to BMW (after Venol told me he has worked for BMW for 30 years). I could have complained to the manager but I just wanted to leave at this point. I was never rude to any of them. I thanked Venol for his time and said I'd let him know. He escorted me to my car at this point and I thought he was literally going to get into the car with me it was so creept.

[iM]

Originally Posted by JonoNZ

Where did he get the key case from?

I think someone already posted the link somewhere in this thread. I think they are available on eBay.

Originally Posted by MotoEV

This week, I purchased a BMW Active Hybrid 3 to replace a four dour sedan for my household. For context, I own other BMW family products from 2007 to the present and have day-to-day experience with current BMW turbocharging and efficient dynamics technologies.
...
I am very pleased with my purchase and encourage others to at least test drive the Active Hybrid 3.

WELCOME! And thank you for sharing the link and your experience!
Did your CA mention about warranties on hybrid components?

Originally Posted by SamS

No in-car internet for the US version... Also, the car must be tethered to your smart phone for the internet to work.

Originally Posted by cchrisv

I am actually blown away that someone had a positive experience at Russel BMW. I just had the worse sales experience of my live with them on Saturday. My CA was Venol. It started off on a bad foot. I arrived around 1:05pm for my appointment with Venol. However, he was not at the dealership and they could not reach him by phone. Half an hour later another CA took me out for the test drive. I really wish I could have sticked with that CA because he knew a lot about the M3 and was very nice.

Check your PM!

[MotoEV]

It is very hard to find specific information in the warranty booklet on the hybrid components. Here is what I read from several sources:

• The battery is only used to 50% capacity to ensure long life
• The battery restores to full very quickly from regen (confirmed)
• The BMW engineers designed the battery to outlast the life of the car
• The airconditioning runs off the Lithiun Ion battery and can be started via the remote to quickly cool the car down on hot days
• I've read 7-10 years on warranty for the battery and hybrid components

Quote:

WELCOME! And thank you for sharing the link and your experience!
Did your CA mention about warranties on hybrid components?

[SamS]

Originally Posted by MotoEV

It is very hard to find specific information in the warranty booklet on the hybrid components. Here is what I read from several sources:

• The battery is only used to 50% capacity to ensure long life
• The battery restores to full very quickly from regen (confirmed)
• The BMW engineers designed the battery to outlast the life of the car
• The airconditioning runs off the Lithiun Ion battery and can be started via the remote to quickly cool the car down on hot days
• I've read 7-10 years on warranty on the battery and hybrid components

Doesn't the supplemental manual have a specific section on this warranty information? The Service and Warranty guide for this car is not online, yet.

[MotoEV]

I have the dedicated Service and Warranty supplement for the 2013 AH3. There are numerous references to emissions-related warranties but not a specific call-out regarding the Lithium Ion battery.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by MotoEV

I have the dedicated Service and Warranty supplement for the 2013 AH3. There are numerous references to emissions-related warranties but not a specific call-out regarding the Lithium Ion battery.

Interesting. Then I guess BMW NA could claim it's only the standard 4/50K warranty.

[iM]

Originally Posted by MotoEV

It is very hard to find specific information in the warranty booklet on the hybrid components. Here is what I read from several sources:

• The battery is only used to 50% capacity to ensure long life
• The battery restores to full very quickly from regen (confirmed)
• The BMW engineers designed the battery to outlast the life of the car
• The airconditioning runs off the Lithiun Ion battery and can be started via the remote to quickly cool the car down on hot days
• I've read 7-10 years on warranty for the battery and hybrid components

Originally Posted by SamS

Interesting. Then I guess BMW NA could claim it's only the standard 4/50K warranty.

thanks for the detail info, MotoEV! My CA told me that the warranty booklet doesn't specify the battery. he also received the answer from bmw saying the hybrid battery is covered for a period of 4/50 new car warranty...
hope it's true the battery is designed to outlast the life of the car...this will be one of the most expensive batteries to replace...

[SamS]

Well that is too bad. My mindset all along has been to own this car less than 4 years, but if the battery (and associated components) only have the standard warranty, then it seems very unlikely I'll keep it longer than 4 years. Reselling it within the warranty period may be a smart option. By then the M2 Gran Coupe or F80 M3 might be getting my attention Or, the AH3 could be the best car I've ever owned and I'll just hang onto it

[iM]

Originally Posted by SamS

Well that is too bad. My mindset all along has been to own this car less than 4 years, but if the battery (and associated components) only have the standard warranty, then it seems very unlikely I'll keep it longer than 4 years. Reselling it within the warranty period may be a smart option. By then the M2 Gran Coupe or F80 M3 might be getting my attention Or, the AH3 could be the best car I've ever owned and I'll just hang onto it

^that lol

[SamS]

Interesting article: http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/26...hat-expensive/

[jormanyum]

MotoEV have you seen the navigation integrate with the hybrid to let the engine coast on battery power during the last couple of miles of a trip? I've read that it does that to increase efficiency. And have you explored the 3d maps yet? Curious to know if they look good on the American map.

[iM]

Originally Posted by SamS

Interesting article: http://green.autoblog.com/2012/11/26...hat-expensive/

interesting....but bmw premium will add couple extra Ks..

[SamS]

Originally Posted by iM

interesting....but bmw premium will add couple extra Ks..

I have confidence in the batteries lasting 8+ years (mostly chemicals, after all), it's the associated electrical systems that concern me out of warranty.

[dgoss]

I would think that with the credits on this car giving it such a good MSRP (and hence high residual) to capitalized cost ratio the leases would be really competitive.

Anyone have numbers to share?