F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > ActiveHybrid 3 Owner's Review: Thoughts after 600 miles
GetBMWParts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-07-2013, 02:40 PM   #23
cblandin
Private
5
Rep
73
Posts

Drives: 97 M3, Volt, XC60
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Slick - that's actually much better than I had hoped for.
Appreciate 0
      01-07-2013, 09:03 PM   #24
jdong
Lieutenant
19
Rep
503
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

BTW just came back from the service campaign. Forget what I said about the feathering of regen braking being stuttery at low speeds. Tried to make it happen at 15 traffic lights and no luck. Whoooo!
__________________
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 07:59 AM   #25
MSPORTWORLD
Major
MSPORTWORLD's Avatar
United_States
230
Rep
1,481
Posts

Drives: '11 M3 MW/FR - '12 M3 FO/SC
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: California

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
Nice review...bit surprised at the poor gas mileage numbers. Suppose if you really wanted to save gas/money you'd just get a F30 328i.
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 08:00 AM   #26
positiveions
Lieutenant General
positiveions's Avatar
Lebanon
961
Rep
11,722
Posts

Drives: 19 Tacoma, 16 Golf wagon
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Upland, CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Thorough and to the point review. Thank you
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 08:04 AM   #27
Imola.ZHP
Colonel
Imola.ZHP's Avatar
United_States
129
Rep
2,218
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW i3 BEV EE
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Mud Island, TN

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for sharing, congrats on a sweet ride!
__________________

- 2014 CPO i01 BEV Electronaut Edition Capparis White Tera World, '17-
- 2015 CPO i01 BEV Laurel Grey Tera World, '17-
- 2015 i01 REx Laurel Grey Tera World, '15-'17
- 2003 CPO 330i ZHP Imola Red Build 03/03/03, '06-'15
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 08:10 AM   #28
BM635
Private
0
Rep
49
Posts

Drives: E24 635CSI
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Could any AH3 owner tell me how long they can have the car in full electric mode while stationary (stuck in traffic/ waiting at drive-thru) before the battery is drained empty and need the engine re-started to power the electrical stuff in the car? And how long will the engine run before it is turned off & back in electric mode? Thanks
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 08:25 AM   #29
chrisv_335EBII
Second Lieutenant
10
Rep
238
Posts

Drives: 335i 6sp EBII
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

You guys are only seeing 27mpg? I'm glad I didn't pay to get the AH.

I get 24mph on my 335 manual and I am in Sport Mode 99% of the time. I'm sure if I used Eco-Pro (NEVER!) I would get closer to 27mpg.
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 09:42 AM   #30
Bmwbreed
Major
United_States
58
Rep
1,198
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 135i
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Rota Spain (US Forces)

iTrader: (3)

Wow have really enjoyed reading this thread and learning about the AH3. I saw one on a dealer once and when I looked at the window sticker I was like nvmd I don't care about gas mileage that much. But now I'm kinda dissapointed with what I'm seeing in my 135i. Granted its not broken in yet (only 600 miles) but I'm bairly averaging 20 lol and aparently it dosent get much better after break in accordjng to the other 1er guys. Either way I love the car but maybe ill consider a AH next time. Beautiful cars to everyone who posted pics
__________________

2013 BMW 135i Alpine white/coral red JB4 stage 2/ AFE stage 2 sealed intake box/ VRSF 3.5 inch catless dp/ Dinan exhaust/ Alpine V3 6000k HID angel eyes/ JB speed AW rear lip spoiler/ OEM mud flaps. ER charge pipe/ VRSF 7 inch FMIC forge star CF5s 19x8.5 and 19x9
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 10:11 AM   #31
MotoEV
Private
MotoEV's Avatar
United_States
8
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: BMW Active Hybrid 3
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Atlanta Georgia

iTrader: (0)

Depends...

The car is designed to run the air-conditioning from the on-board battery. In stop and go, the battery is being topped off from brake regeneration.

With A/C off, I have been in electric mode for 15-20 minutes because the car was is using no energy standing still. You can go approx. 2.5 miles in electric mode when topped off. From 'depletion', the engine ran for 1-3 minutes to add back battery capacity.

When using navigation, the 'hybrid and navigation system' optimizes when to use electric mode.


Quote:
Originally Posted by BM635 View Post
Could any AH3 owner tell me how long they can have the car in full electric mode while stationary (stuck in traffic/ waiting at drive-thru) before the battery is drained empty and need the engine re-started to power the electrical stuff in the car? And how long will the engine run before it is turned off & back in electric mode? Thanks
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 10:31 AM   #32
MotoEV
Private
MotoEV's Avatar
United_States
8
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: BMW Active Hybrid 3
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Atlanta Georgia

iTrader: (0)

Not sure how you are seeing 27?

The car is essentially a 335i with a hybrid add-in. The car uses a quick replenish battery to recapture regenerated energy and use it for low demand and high demand situations.

For example when driving in the city in traffic with ECO Pro enabled I have averaged 34-37 MPG, lower CO2, none of the start/stop jerkiness,while having full air-conditioning available. On the highway, the AH3 full disconnects the drivetrain and coasts when power demand is low. Driving 70 MPH, I see 34 MPG.

The AH3 is not a BMW Prius and was not meant to be. The car is a lower CO2 alternative for markets where your ECO score and / or tax band is determined by CO2 emissions: Emissions: AH3: 139g/km CO2 335i: 232g/km CO2

I simply love the additional mid-range power reserve you get In Sport + when the engine is supplemented by the hybrid battery

Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisv_335EBII View Post
You guys are only seeing 27mpg? I'm glad I didn't pay to get the AH.

I get 24mph on my 335 manual and I am in Sport Mode 99% of the time. I'm sure if I used Eco-Pro (NEVER!) I would get closer to 27mpg.
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 10:38 AM   #33
chrisv_335EBII
Second Lieutenant
10
Rep
238
Posts

Drives: 335i 6sp EBII
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoEV View Post
Not sure how you are seeing 27?

The car is essentially a 335i with a hybrid add-in. The car uses a quick replenish battery to recapture regenerated energy and use it for low demand and high demand situations.

For example when driving in the city in traffic with ECO Pro enabled I have averaged 34-37 MPG, lower CO2, none of the start/stop jerkiness,while having full air-conditioning available. On the highway, the AH3 full disconnects the drivetrain and coasts when power demand is low. Driving 70 MPH, I see 34 MPG.

The AH3 is not a BMW Prius and was not meant to be. The car is a lower CO2 alternative for markets where your ECO score and / or tax band is determined by CO2 emissions: Emissions: AH3: 139g/km CO2 335i: 232g/km CO2

I simply love the additional mid-range power reserve you get In Sport + when the engine is supplemented by the hybrid battery
Someone posted they were seeing 27mpg per tank on the AH3. If you are seeing 34MPH per tank that would be worth it to me. I was just suprised at the 27mpg.
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 10:58 AM   #34
jhietter
New Member
0
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: BMW 540i sport 6-speed
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: California

iTrader: (0)

Nice write-up and beautiful car, thanks! It would be nice if they could include an electric mode only button as on the Porsche Panamera Hybrid.

I love being able to change between modes like comfort and sport as well, it really makes a difference and changes the car's personality, especially with an m-sport package.
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 11:12 AM   #35
r3dbimmer89
Major
r3dbimmer89's Avatar
331
Rep
1,268
Posts

Drives: P-Car
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

I agree with the N55 being smoother than the N54. But only slightly smoother. You definitely get slightly better gas mileage too which is a bonus IMO
__________________
Past: BMW (22 G20 M340i, 15 F80 ///M3, 12 E92 335i, 08 E90 335i, 02 E46 325i)
Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, VW, Lexus
Present: 24 992 C2
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 12:30 PM   #36
jdong
Lieutenant
19
Rep
503
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisv_335EBII
Someone posted they were seeing 27mpg per tank on the AH3. If you are seeing 34MPH per tank that would be worth it to me. I was just suprised at the 27mpg.
I'm seeing 27mpg AT THE PUMP on my 15 mile commute in traffic where a 2.0T A4 only gets 22 or so mpg. I can see 34-36 on the highway as well but that's not what I usually drive. This is in Comfort as well. In Eco Pro I see a bit over 30 on the same route.

These numbers also include the time spent idling the car waiting to pick up people for my carpool, 3 block drives with 4 people in the car during lunch, etc. There is no way I'd get 27mpg in a 328i. In fact I had one as a loaner and I got 20mpg before I returned it.

Note the guy above who says that he's getting around 20mpg on his 135i -- that's the kind of situation I'm in with my commute. I mean I'd love to artificially drive another route just to inflate my mpg number for you guys, but that's not what I use my car for. I'm not sure what kind of car is going to get 34mpg on this kind of route.
__________________

Last edited by jdong; 01-09-2013 at 12:35 PM..
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 01:24 PM   #37
MotoEV
Private
MotoEV's Avatar
United_States
8
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: BMW Active Hybrid 3
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Atlanta Georgia

iTrader: (0)

Well said...

Plus you have passengers with your daily commute. That MPG # looks good for the type of driving.

When you have a chance, can you provide more information on your wheels and tires that came with your particular car. Needing to purchase a second set and am interested in your experience thus far.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jdong View Post
I mean I'd love to artificially drive another route just to inflate my mpg number for you guys, but that's not what I use my car for. I'm not sure what kind of car is going to get 34mpg on this kind of route.
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 01:44 PM   #38
jdong
Lieutenant
19
Rep
503
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoEV View Post
When you have a chance, can you provide more information on your wheels and tires that came with your particular car. Needing to purchase a second set and am interested in your experience thus far.
Sure. I have the luxury line, and the 18" multi-spoke wheels that come with that. The tires I got were the Cinturato P7 all-seasons. I'm in NorCal, so once in a while I drive into inclement climate where summer tires are like ice skates, but I don't do it often enough to justify buying a set of winters.


I expected them to totally suck given that they're RFTs and all-seasons, but so far it's not been bad at all. They squeal a bit when taking turns fast compared to the ContiExtremeContact DWSes I had on my Audi, but that car also had 19" tires.

The ride quality though is simply excellent -- very little road noise, and bumps are well absorbed.
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 01:49 PM   #39
MotoEV
Private
MotoEV's Avatar
United_States
8
Rep
87
Posts

Drives: BMW Active Hybrid 3
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Atlanta Georgia

iTrader: (0)

I have the same luxury line and tires. I drove them in snow and they worked quite well. Have you posted pictures
of your car?


Quote:
Originally Posted by jdong View Post
Sure. I have the luxury line, and the 18" multi-spoke wheels that come with that. The tires I got were the Cinturato P7 all-seasons. I'm in NorCal, so once in a while I drive into inclement climate where summer tires are like ice skates, but I don't do it often enough to justify buying a set of winters.
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 02:06 PM   #40
jdong
Lieutenant
19
Rep
503
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoEV View Post
I have the same luxury line and tires. I drove them in snow and they worked quite well. Have you posted pictures
of your car?
Glad to hear they work in the snow too. RFT's sure have come a long way.

Here's some pics I took when I just got the car:
https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A4532ODWJErixu
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 02:43 PM   #41
kgroschi
Captain
kgroschi's Avatar
Germany
622
Rep
959
Posts

Drives: 08' M5, '09 335i, '18 M3 MT
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Munich and Los Angeles (O.C.)

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boosted John View Post
very nice review, i just crested the 700 mile mark on mine today. I've had it almost two weeks now and I absolutely love it. I had a modded e90 before this that had close to 400hp and would haul-ass all over the place. I now drive 95% in eco pro and I am up to 27 mpg combined and it seems to keep climbing as i drive. I also Have a Msport with DHP. Its nice to see another hybrid with the Msport. I have sport, perm, hk, dip, sport auto and heated seats.






This thing looks perfect!
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 03:32 PM   #42
Boosted John
Internet Ninja
Boosted John's Avatar
52
Rep
626
Posts

Drives: 13 AH3
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Jax, Fl

iTrader: (0)

thank you... hopefully this saturday the H&R springs will be installed and the BBS CH-R's by the end of the month.
__________________
2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 /// Msport Pkg. M performance fornt lip, Black Kidney Grills, H&R Sport Springs, BBS CH-R

Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 05:23 PM   #43
Ali.K_BMW
Colonel
Ali.K_BMW's Avatar
United_States
111
Rep
2,164
Posts

Drives: 2020 BMW 330i xDrive
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: United States

iTrader: (7)

Garage List
2013 BMW 335i  [0.00]
Great review! I love mine and I actually regret not getting the M-Sport version :/ I can't put the front splitters on, however I am contemplating the rear back gloss spoiler.
__________________
Former BMW Client Advisor
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 07:50 PM   #44
zon
New Member
9
Rep
14
Posts

Drives: EBII Active Hybrid 3
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (0)

Regarding fuel economy and the value proposition...

If you lease an AH3, the monthly cost is almost a wash compared to an equivalent 335i. This is because even a 3-4 mpg improvement saves about $30 a month (if you drive about 1K miles/month). Then, there's the $3500 ECO credit which is still available. Before the ECO credit, the AH3 had higher residuals. Without the ECO credit or higher residuals, it's a harder sell.

Considering the monthly cost is about the same for a lease (or only marginally higher), it's a personal choice.

The positives are:
- Eboost: The extra thrust you get from the electric motor. I haven't fully started indulging in this yet, but I can feel it even in part throttle. Would be nice to see an instrumented test from some magazine on this. For now, it's pure seat-of-the-pants.
- The hybrid aspects are very entertaining. The novelty will probably wear off after a while, but rolling just on battery power feels really nice, even if it's just through a drive-thru.
- ASS is seamless because of the hybrid differences.
- The new Nav/Idrive is available now

The negatives are:
- Extra weight. I think you'd have to be driving at 9/10ths to really feel any difference. For me, it's not a factor, but some might be more sensitive to this.
- Engine mods like PPK have an uncertain future. Don't know if it'll be available for the AH3.

I'm focusing on leasing here. Buying the AH3 would require more thought, as I would be more concerned about re-sale, long-term reliability, etc.

This and other aspects have been discussed by SamS, jdong, MotoEV and others in other AH3 threads.

Last edited by zon; 01-09-2013 at 09:59 PM..
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
3 series f30, 3 series f30 forum, 3 series forum, 3-series forum, bmw 3 series f30, bmw 3 series forum, bmw 3-series f30, bmw 3-series forum, bmw activehybrid, bmw activehybrid 3, bmw activehybrid 3 review, bmw activehybrid review, bmw f30, bmw f30 3 series, bmw f30 3-series, bmw f30 forum, f30 3 series, f30 3 series forum, f30 3-series, f30 forum, f30 forums

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:36 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST