01-09-2013, 08:43 PM | #45 | |
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Buying was a better option for me. I had a sizable trade-in, so I only needed to finance <half of the selling price. I'm looking to pay it off in 2-3 years (well before the warranty is up) and likely move into something else. Maybe an M3 sedan? Or M4 Gran Coupe? Or maybe BMW will even make a Gran Coupe ActiveHybrid? I just wanted some additional flexibility in the next 2-4 years, so buying was the best option for me. |
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01-10-2013, 06:07 AM | #47 |
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Nice review. Your AH3 sounds great! I also have an N54 and N55 powered vehicle (2012 335is and 2013 x3xdrive35i, respectively). The N54 certainly is not as smooth as the N55. That said, the N55 does lack some of the "brutality" of the N54 - now I know my N54 is tuned by BMW in the 335is, but I have also tuned my N55. The N55 just doesn't quite excite as much as the N54. Yet, 4 out of 5 work days, I drive my X3 primarily due to the smoothness of the N55.
Regarding the ride - maybe your semi-poor ride is an AH3, thing, but I know both my 335is and X3 had poor rides compared to their rivals (Mercs/Audis), which I fixed via non-run flat tires. If you don't feel the need for run flats, I'd definitely recommend getting some aftermarket rubbers (I run Michelin PSS). They'll make quite the noticeable difference in handling as they grip more and will improve the ride without the reinforced sidewall. I understand BMWs reasoning behind using run flats (safety, etc) but I simply don't agree. It supposed to be the Ultimate Driving Machine!
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01-10-2013, 07:37 AM | #48 |
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Great combination, EBII and black interior plus your review makes a compelling case for buying an AH. If possible can you post photos of the leatherette interior?
Thanks!! Highest Regards |
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01-10-2013, 11:24 AM | #50 |
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01-10-2013, 11:32 AM | #51 |
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so for AH3's, when I was buying, the CA told me that the M Performance/Dinan parts wouldn't carry over...that was a tough sell for me.
But I am buying, since I drive about 20k a year... AH3's come in xDrive form too?
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01-10-2013, 11:54 AM | #52 |
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01-10-2013, 01:07 PM | #53 |
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i make sure to reset the mpg every time i fill the gas to get more accurate average..
i've seen 35+mpg on highway and 31.8 combined mpg...450+miles for one full tank. And i am seeing 32+ mpg (combined) on current tank.. and the power is simply incredible. my break-in period is finally over and did full throttle last night for the first time....and couldn't stop doing it. That extra torques really make the difference..
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01-10-2013, 01:38 PM | #54 |
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I'll be using www.fuelly.com to track my mileage when I pick up my car next week. It appears I'm the only AH3 owner tracking at this time. I've never done it before, but figured it might be fun.
I encourage all other AH3 owners to sign up. You input the gas information at the pump on your smart phone. It's basically like an app, but you use the mobile browser + sign in, to input your data. I use an iPhone, but I'm sure it's the same for Android. |
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01-10-2013, 02:05 PM | #55 | |
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Wish some magazines would do some instrumented tests or comparos. Our F30s are limited by wheelspin on 0-60 runs. That's why we see the xi posting the best numbers. I'm curious how much the battery weight over the rear wheels on AH3 will help to get a better launch. And then, there's that instant torque from the electric motor helping throughout the range. There are 2 youtube videos that give some inkling of how fast these cars are. One shows an AH3 keeping up with a M135i on a German autobhan. The other shows the speedo while someone is doing a 0-150+ km/h run. I'll post some interior pics this weekend. |
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01-10-2013, 02:20 PM | #56 |
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We have to go international to get full reviews on the Active Hybrid 3. I have several and am looking for reviews with instrumented tests.
Video Review Malaysian Review Last edited by MotoEV; 01-10-2013 at 03:18 PM.. |
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01-11-2013, 12:31 AM | #57 | |
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On the freeway I get 34-35 mpg while averaging 80-90 mph on long drives that include low mountain passes. And the car accelerates like it's ticked off even at those speeds. Hybrids for sure are all the rage in US dealerships for green-oriented drivers, but they aren't (yet) the best technology, IMHO. My 335d (sport, premium and winter packages) allows me to shrink my carbon footprint to smaller than that of a 3-series hybrid driver's while at the same time inducing giggles when I tap into its awesome torque. |
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01-11-2013, 10:20 AM | #58 |
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I am lucky to own a clean turbo-diesel car as well an Active Hybrid 3. Clean turbo-diesel engines are great but are not the 'better' technology. Each technology performs better under different scenarios. There is a broad consensus by non AH3 owners that the AH3 was created to be much more fuel efficient than the 335i which is incorrect.
The AH3 is a premium low volume BMW which uses a LION battery to use regenerative energy to improve economy in congested / urban traffic, augment power during high demand acceleration, and produce less CO2 while still being a 335i. It was not designed to save money thus the price premium. It is not the best technology in all conditions as well. You will soon see the learnings from the AH3 introduced in the BMW i cars and other BMW smaller cars. Observations I've had my 2011 335d for almost half a year and I have yet to get below 28 mpg in city driving That's incredible, your mpg is better than many lighter 4 cylinder clean diesels in the US market On the freeway I get 34-35 mpg while averaging 80-90 mph on long drives that include low mountain passes Excellent, at those speeds my diesel MPG drops, I find the sweet spot between 60-65 MPH My 335d (sport, premium and winter packages) allows me to shrink my carbon footprint to smaller than that of a 3-series hybrid driver's BMW AH3 CO2 emissions 139 g/km. BMW 335d CO2 emissions 177 g/km I considered the 335d when introduced but chose not to take one home (great midrange acceleration but poorer off-line acceleration and top-end performance) because fuel savings was not at the top of my list. With 30K mikes of clean diesel experience (without the need for the urea SCR treatment) I can say that the upcoming clean diesel 4 cylinder BMW with urea SCR will be a great car for those seeking better fuel economy. The 335d is a great car and hope you continue to enjoy the journey. Last edited by MotoEV; 01-11-2013 at 10:28 AM.. |
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01-11-2013, 12:22 PM | #59 |
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100% agreed with MotoEV. The AH3 is supposed to be the range-topping 3-series that has every bit (if not more) of the performance and refinement characteristics of the 335i, and on top of that adds a liquid smooth start-stop system, electric/hybrid driving, and 15% (or more if you drive well) improved gas mileage.
The 335d is a great car and I have nothing against it, but hybrids and diesels serve orthogonal markets. Hybrids tend to excel at city driving patterns while diesels are superior on the highway. Also, the refinement of the AH3 at low speeds (virtually silent operation, fast torque response) is in sharp contrast to the 335d's somewhat loud diesel idling and slow torque response. Depending on where you live, diesel availability and price can be an issue. In California it's fine, but in other parts of the country diesel tends to be 20-30% costlier and stations are tens of miles apart. Another point to keep in mind is that the 2011 335d is LEV-II while the 328i is ULEV II or SULEV (N20 vs N26) and the AH3 is ULEV-II (same emissions characteristics but missing the metal fuel delivery system required to meet SULEV standards). Around here in California where air quality is getting increasingly worse, smog emissions are something that I care about in a car I buy. BMW is set to introduce some new clean diesel options in the US, and I'm really excited to see that. I hope they can reach SULEV or PZEV emissions. Having both diesel and hybrid options would be great. I can see a small diesel becoming a higher-volume seller. IMO the ActiveHybrid will likely remain a exclusive, low-sales-volume high-end option that doesn't appeal to the general public due to the lack of cost justification. But BMW seems to know that and they're (thankfully) fine with continuing to make the car ![]() |
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01-11-2013, 09:35 PM | #60 |
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got one for a loaner today while my 335is was in the shop for an oil change...thought it would be a great car for a family car. I drove around all day, got 30mpg solid...fun on on ramps. Interesting driving around parking lots like an electric golf cart. OP is right about having to feather the throttle to keep the engine from coming alive. Interesting that in sport mode the engine won't shut down, but in drive, it will shut down on you throughout the day and it's nearly impossible to notice.
loved it. Would I trade in? no. Would I buy new when I have a family? yes. |
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01-11-2013, 09:59 PM | #61 |
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Yep, to clarify:
With the transmission over in DS, the engine will never turn off. With the Drive Experience switch in SPORT, the car will still turn the engine off at standstill. As soon as you hit the throttle the engine immediately comes on. You can override this by putting the transmission in DS. |
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01-11-2013, 10:39 PM | #62 | |
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01-12-2013, 12:03 AM | #63 |
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Some interesting bedtime reading if you haven't seen this already.
![]() http://www.aachen-colloquium.com/pdf...riebel_bmw.pdf Details of the activehybrid 5 powertrain (same as AH3). Gives some insight into why the transitions are so seamless. |
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01-12-2013, 12:10 AM | #64 | |
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In a past life I worked as a technical consultant designing hybrid powertrains, and I found this paper quite informative. |
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01-13-2013, 12:41 AM | #65 |
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Was seeing 33mpg today in Comfort on an 80 mile mostly highway trip through the mountains (average speed 45mph). That is the highest fuel economy I've ever completed this trip in.
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01-16-2013, 12:18 PM | #66 |
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80% city / 20% highway
eco pro mode did 37.5 ave mpg ![]()
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