[jmatero]

Originally Posted by MaestroAl

That is, indeed, what I meant

The Auto SS in the hybrid is completely different than the gas models. The stop/start is imperceivable.

[BMWCali]

Originally Posted by Rossifumi

So one reason to pay extra for the AH is the navigation is updated before the rest of the 3-series models, but still you claim October production on your car so we are talking about 2-4 weeks of more wait for 6-10k?

As said, if leasing, there is no price difference between a base 335 and base AH3 thanks to the higher residual on the AH3.

[justinnum1]

what is the residual of the AH3? 36/15k?

[uter]

Is a hybrid F31 planned?

[southlight]

I think people need to drive the Active Hybrid 3 to fully understand what a great car it is. It's not so much about saving fuel, it's about instant torque and acceleration from the electric motor. For now, it's the range topping F30 model with about 40hp and 50Nm more than the 335i. Yes, it is heavier but you don't notice it too much.

As to start/stop mode, someone else has mentioned already that the system in the F30h is quite a bit different from the regular ASS system. You don't even notice the engine going on and off when driving.

Combine all this with the new Nav and the fabulous M Sport package and you got a darn nice and quite excluive car. Long story short, I can't wait to get mine.


Best regards,
south

[southlight]

Originally Posted by uter

Is a hybrid F31 planned?

As of now, no F31 and no xDrive versions are planned.


Best regards,
south

[CoolDude196]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

I hear what you're saying, but that doesn't even make sense.

I think the problem with lack of interest for the AH3 is that people haven't read enough about it's benefits and haven't used their imagination to see how it would benefit them in daily life.

Twice a day, every day, I go pick up food to eat and I only drive about a mile away from my house. With the AH3, I don't even have to start the engine and can do it on electric power only since it will go 2.5 miles and up to 45MPH on electric only.

It also gets 40MPG Hwy or better.

AND it goes 0-60 in 4.9 seconds.

And it has the new professional nav system that doesn't come out on the 328 and 335 until Nov production.

And because of its big battery pack, you can engage the air conditioning to turn on and cool down the car from your iPhone wherever you are before you get back to your car. Imagine eating a meal on a hot day or spending the day at a theme park and you can precondition your car so it's ice cold inside before you even get back to it.

And it's electric motor provides instantaneous torque (doesn't need to spool up like a gas engine), increasing response time from the time you step on the pedal until you feel something. And that electric motor adds 150 ft. lbs. of torque just by itself.

Need I go on with more benefits?...

Very well said

[KneeDragr]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

The difference of only $6K is enough to make you switch the car you'd be getting? Like what?

Seems really expensive for a hybrid system. When you look at other cars that offer a hybrid version, its usually 2-3k, and usually delivers a larger increase in fuel economy. I realize the BMW has incredible performance for a hybrid, but its probably not going to appeal to a lot of people stateside.

[Elk]

At 300 pounds heavier and a taller drive ratio of 2.81 (compared to the non-hybrid 3.15), the 335h is not going to be a drag racer. Car and Driver, for example, estimates it will 0.1 seconds slower than the 335. Unsurprisingly they also project the same highway mileage as a 335, but 2 MPG better city.

This is not a car to buy for performance, handling or gas mileage, but for the gadget factor - not that there is anything wrong with that.

[zibawal]

does bmw offers any eco system discount like x5 diesel? and any fed credit ?

[MaestroAl]

What's this fancy nav thingy everyone's talking about on the hybrid

[Elk]

Originally Posted by zibawal

does bmw offers any eco system discount like x5 diesel? and any fed credit ?

The U.S. Federal tax credit for gas/electric hybrids is long gone, having ended December, 2010.

[BMWCali]

Originally Posted by southlight

I think people need to drive the Active Hybrid 3 to fully understand what a great car it is. It's not so much about saving fuel, it's about instant torque and acceleration from the electric motor. For now, it's the range topping F30 model with about 40hp and 50Nm more than the 335i. Yes, it is heavier but you don't notice it too much.

As to start/stop mode, someone else has mentioned already that the system in the F30h is quite a bit different from the regular ASS system. You don't even notice the engine going on and off when driving.

Combine all this with the new Nav and the fabulous M Sport package and you got a darn nice and quite excluive car. Long story short, I can't wait to get mine.


Best regards,
south

Hey south, you're getting one? Congrats!

Yeah, I'm very excited about mine as well!

And as for it being heavier, it turns out my ActiveHybrid 3 will weigh the same as most people's 335i. Why? Because I always drive solo, I'm a light weight, and I'm getting a sunroof delete (kills 50 pounds or so of bad weight right there).

So if 2 guys that weigh 180 pounds are driving in a 335i, I'll actually weigh the exact same in my AH3.

[BMWCali]

Originally Posted by KneeDragr

Seems really expensive for a hybrid system. When you look at other cars that offer a hybrid version, its usually 2-3k, and usually delivers a larger increase in fuel economy. I realize the BMW has incredible performance for a hybrid, but its probably not going to appeal to a lot of people stateside.

Once again, for a third time, thanks to the higher residual, there is no $6k premium when leasing.

[BMWCali]

Originally Posted by Elk

a taller drive ratio of 2.81 (compared to the non-hybrid 3.15)

What's the drive ratio mean? Why would a car have a higher one as opposed to a lower one and what it does it mean in terms of performance?

[southlight]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

Hey south, you're getting one? Congrats!

Yeah, I'm very excited about mine as well!

And as for it being heavier, it turns out my ActiveHybrid 3 will weigh the same as most people's 335i. Why? Because I always drive solo, I'm a light weight, and I'm getting a sunroof delete (kills 50 pounds or so of bad weight right there).

So if 2 guys that weigh 180 pounds are driving in a 335i, I'll actually weigh the exact same in my AH3.

Thank you! And congrats to you as well!

Good thinking btw. A guy from BMW Germany mentioned the exact same reasoning to me during the press drives.


Best regards,
south

[BMWCali]

Originally Posted by southlight

Thank you! And congrats to you as well!

Good thinking btw. A guy from BMW Germany mentioned the exact same reasoning to me during the press drives.


Best regards,
south

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

What's the drive ratio mean? Why would a car have a higher one as opposed to a lower one and what it does it mean in terms of performance?

It's complicated but basically the higher the ratio number the higher the engine spins in a particular gear to go a specific speed. This helps acceleration in low numbered gears but increases RPM on the highway.

There are many factors that will affect performance though and in a hybrid engine the effect of the battery will augment the power of the engine. Perhaps that's why the Activehybrid has the more relaxed final drive ratio.

[BMWCali]

Originally Posted by Michael Schott

It's complicated but basically the higher the ratio number the higher the engine spins in a particular gear to go a specific speed. This helps acceleration in low numbered gears but increases RPM on the highway.

There are many factors that will affect performance though and in a hybrid engine the effect of the battery will augment the power of the engine. Perhaps that's why the Activehybrid has the more relaxed final drive ratio.

Interesting. So does this drive ratio also apply to reverse gear? If the ActiveHybrid 3 is 2.81 and the 335i is 3.15, then does that mean that the ActiveHybrid 3 can go faster in reverse since the engine will spin slower at a low speed? Or is it the opposite, or is this a completely wrong example?

[Elk]

Originally Posted by BMWCali

Interesting. So does this drive ratio also apply to reverse gear?

Yes as it is the ratio in the differential(s). Whether the driveshaft turns one way or the other is controlled by the transmission.

If the ActiveHybrid 3 is 2.81 and the 335i is 3.15, then does that mean that the ActiveHybrid 3 can go faster in reverse . . .

No. It means it will accelerate slower in both forward and reverse.

Drag racers often install a shorter drive ratio, such as 4.1:1. This means the drive shaft will turn 4.1 times to turn the axle once. This effectively increases wheel torque, allows the engine to rev quickly and results in significantly faster 0-60 and faster quarter mile times. The tradeoff is a lower top speed and MPG - neither of which is of concern to drag racers.

On the other hand, the AH's taller ratio will make it accelerate slower than the 335i but will give it better gas mileage - perfect for the application as people buying the AH expect improved mileage.

[momo3605]

What's MF and residual for AH3?

[BMWFanatic2008]

Don't forget that you can't get AWD and 6MT with the hybrid, which is a deal breaker for many.