[teddo]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to quickly share my 1st week (ish) experience with the 2023 330e rwd (m sport package) that I picked up earlier this month. For reference, we currently have a 2022 x3 m40i, previously had a 2021 x3 30e and 2020 330i for comparison's sake (both cars sold during this insane car market).

I picked up my car evening of Nov 3 and have since driven ~300 miles on it without charging (other than initial full charge from dealer) to break in the engine and will do so for another full tank. My daily commute is ~25 miles about 40/60 city highway with patches of moderate traffic here in the Bay Area, CA.

DRIVING
The car is definitely "zippy" and feels great off the line and in city driving. You won't really feel the extra weight in city driving and the EV torque might even make it feel quicker than the 330i. It obviously doesn't pull like the m40i but it has more than enough passing power even in comfort mode for freeway driving. On fast corners, you definitely feel a little bit of that extra weight but you can get some fun out of it as long as youre not expecting miata like nimbleness.

I think the 330e is a great in between model for those that want the bmw 3 series driving experience but want to sound like an UFO at times. I don't miss anything about the 330i and I feel like the 330e is better suited for the power vs the x3 30e (identical numbers). It of course lacks in comparison to the m40i but I bought this as a daily commuter and it fits my needs perfectly. We will probably take our x3 on our (multiple times a year) road trips down to LA but the 300 gallon tank is a non issue for us as we always stop 1-2 times for our dog to take a break and food anyways. I don't see the 10 gallon tank as a negative. Sure it would be nice having a 12ish gallon tank but once again, it fits our needs without us having to change how we drive/travel.

MPG/Efficiency
I ran the car exclusively on gas after the first charge ran out and drove it 308 miles before I filled up. Other than the initial drive home from the dealer, I didn't "baby" the car but also didn't rev high or floor it on on ramps. I think my driving the past 2 weeks reflect the average driver.

Assuming my first charge gave me the estimated 24 miles of range, I drove 285 miles using 9.09 gallons of gas (~$5/gal at costco). This comes out to ~31.3 mpg. I expect long freeway road trip mpg to be closer to 36/38mpg. Current winter PGE electricity costs are ~.29/kwh and .36/kwh in the summer. I am seeing posts of owners using ~11kwh (on their meters) for a full charge accounting for losses.

COST
Gas: $5/gal / 31.3 mpg = .161/mi
Winter EV: .29/kwh x 11 kwh / 24 mi = .133/mi
Summer EV: .36/kwh x 11 kwh / 24 mi = .165/mi

Note that the EV range is shown as the advertised number of 24 miles. This number could be greater or smaller depending on driving habits and weather. With solar panels at my house, I think it's pretty much a wash charging at home vs filling up in gas. I know places like PNW has electricity costs 1/3 of CA so it might be better to exclusively charge in low charge rate areas. Could get into credit card cash back for gas and whatnot, but I will probably start charging after 500 miles just so I don't have to make as many gas stops.

VS 330i?

I really don't think you will miss anything on the 330i by going with the 330e unless you are constantly doing 100+ mile trips. The drive, handling, acceleration, are all comparable within reason and if these minor differences bother you, you should've sprung for the m40i. The 330e definitely shines on shorter trips and commutes and its nice to pull out of the garage in EV mode and not announce my departure like our x3 m40i does every time it starts up (especially early in the morning!).

The $5836 tax credit definitely tips the scale towards the 330e if you qualify for only a $1000 increase in MSRP. I was able to get 9% off + OL + rebates on my 330e (I bring in lots of referrals) whereas I could've gotten maybe a couple % more on the 330i. With me planning to sell the car in 3-4 years, the lump sum tax credit with the 330e was a no brainer.

I hope this helps some of you make a decision, and I'd be glad to respond to any questions you may have about the 330e!

Thanks for reading.

[Galex999]

Great review! I also picked up my 2023 330e about 10 days ago in the Bay Area and highly impressed with it so far.

I also considered driving without charging to break in the engine. However BMW manual clearly states that "..Use hybrid mode, i.e., drive alternating between the combustion engine and electric motor...during first 1,200 miles break-in period". And my sales rep and service manager also highly recommend to use Hybrid mode as the manual states.

As a mechanical engineer, I agree with this and the fluid interaction between ICE and motor is critical part of the initial break-in period. We have to remember that it's not just the ICE that needs to be break in, but the entire powertrain package of ICE/motor/transmission and there are so much going on in between them.

If you think about it, the genius at ZF developed an amazingly compact motor that has the nearly exact same size of the torque converter used in the regular 330i. Not only this motor powers the wheels during EV mode, but starts the engine at an instant and also regenerate electricity during slowing down. Often it's much more difficult to "design in" something to an existing architecture than designing something entirely new due to so much more design restrictions.

[bensanford]

Interesting article, and I can see why you feel that the 330e meets you needs as compared to the 330i. I recently completed an extended road trip in my '21 330i and measured 36 mpg for the portion of the trip where I was traveling at ~75 mph. Mileage dropped to 33-34 mpg when I was in South Dakota and could travel at ~87 mgh on their interstates with the 80 mph speed limit. I guess the 330e might be slightly less for trip mileage due to the extra weight, but better for short city driving trips.

From what I read about the changes in the Electric Vehicle Credit due to the "Inflation Reduction Act" passed in August, is that the Credit will not be available for automobiles that don't have a sufficiently high "made in America" percentage - which is going to increase every year.


I think BMW plans to make some production changes so that they will meet these requirements at some time in the future. There are also newly imposed limits on the buyer's income that may also limit the potential tax credit.

[SLO-Flat4]

We've had our 330e for a week and a half. So far, the first fill up was at 400 miles, and we're now at 500 miles with 92% of the tank still full (per the myBMW app).


We also have solar on our house, and generally been a net producer.

[teddo]

Originally Posted by Galex999

Great review! I also picked up my 2023 330e about 10 days ago in the Bay Area and highly impressed with it so far.

I also considered driving without charging to break in the engine. However BMW manual clearly states that "..Use hybrid mode, i.e., drive alternating between the combustion engine and electric motor...during first 1,200 miles break-in period". And my sales rep and service manager also highly recommend to use Hybrid mode as the manual states.

As a mechanical engineer, I agree with this and the fluid interaction between ICE and motor is critical part of the initial break-in period. We have to remember that it's not just the ICE that needs to be break in, but the entire powertrain package of ICE/motor/transmission and there are so much going on in between them.

If you think about it, the genius at ZF developed an amazingly compact motor that has the nearly exact same size of the torque converter used in the regular 330i. Not only this motor powers the wheels during EV mode, but starts the engine at an instant and also regenerate electricity during slowing down. Often it's much more difficult to "design in" something to an existing architecture than designing something entirely new due to so much more design restrictions.

Great information! Let me clarify, I am running in Hybrid mode, I'm just not actively charging up the battery, but according to mybmw ~15% of my drive is still in EV mode, my commute has a bit of a hill so I get some regen along the way and can squeeze out a couple miles of EV only mode here and there. I am also planning on charging it a couple days a week from here on out to work that battery up a bit too.

To the other poster: It's made in NA not specifically US. The 3 series are made in Mexico and will fully qualify till end of the year. Battery requirements will come into play starting 1/1/23.

[Galex999]

Originally Posted by bensanford

Interesting article, and I can see why you feel that the 330e meets you needs as compared to the 330i. I recently completed an extended road trip in my '21 330i and measured 36 mpg for the portion of the trip where I was traveling at ~75 mph. Mileage dropped to 33-34 mpg when I was in South Dakota and could travel at ~87 mgh on their interstates with the 80 mph speed limit. I guess the 330e might be slightly less for trip mileage due to the extra weight, but better for short city driving trips.

From what I read about the changes in the Electric Vehicle Credit due to the "Inflation Reduction Act" passed in August, is that the Credit will not be available for automobiles that don't have a sufficiently high "made in America" percentage - which is going to increase every year.


I think BMW plans to make some production changes so that they will meet these requirements at some time in the future. There are also newly imposed limits on the buyer's income that may also limit the potential tax credit.

I agree 330i offers such an amazing MPG and range, especially during highway long distance driving. 330e likely can't match 330i for long distance highway MPG/range due to its added weight and significantly smaller fuel tank.

I believe most people who buys 330e clearly understand this ahead so that's not new information to us. 330e really shines during regular daily driving in the city, especially if your daily commute is around 20 miles or so.

I've been driving my 2023 330e since early November for total of ~500 miles and I have not gone to the gas station yet. In fact, I haven't even opened the fuel cap door. Of course I've been charging it nearly daily using my 110V wall plug in my garage overnight when the electricity rate is lowest, and also by free EV charger at my work. And I occasionally drive in Sport Mode that completely transforms the car, and I swear 330e feels much faster than 330i during spirited driving. I test drove the latest 330i too and it cannot match the immediate and smooth powertrain of 330e. Period.

I also think the added weight of 330e improves and refines its overall ride, and I can feel that the optional M Adaptive Suspension definitely helps too.

This unique dual-personality is that made me to buy 330e and I'm paying less $40k for it after the ~$7k total federal/state EV credit (100% confirmed that 2023 330e will get this credit as it built in NA). This is something no 330i can match.

[CGSNJ59]

I too liked the 330e.

My main reservation was the very small gas tank - only 10.6 gallons - which is similar in size to the gas tank on some BMW motorcycles.

And the trunk loses space versus the 330i.

Why so much trunk space and gas tank space is lost by a battery that only gets about 20 miles of range is a complete mystery to me.

Other than that, I thought the 330e is a good choice, especially if you only drive short distances and have a home charger.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...t-test-review/

[Galex999]

Originally Posted by CGSNJ59

I too liked the 330e.

Why so much trunk space and gas tank space is lost by a battery that only gets about 20 miles of range is a complete mystery to me.

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...t-test-review/

I believe there are many other components needed for PHEV beside the obvious motor and battery. And the battery itself is pretty huge! Check out the battery photos and video link below. Well, something gotta be reduced to fit that huge battery, so the fuel tank and trunk are paying the price.

What if 330e offer all of ~21 miles of EV range, over 75 MPGe combined, ~$6k EV tax credit, same or even slightly better performance than 330i, smoother/quieter ride, nearly same MSRP of 330i AND no reduction to trunk space & fuel tank size? Then there is very little reason for BMW to offer 330i. Instead BMW should just cancel 330i as most people will just end up buying 330e.

To me, smaller gas tank and trunk size are just minor drawback as other benefits outweigh these two shortcomings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVSa-aiBU70

[LambsBecomeLions]

My drive to work is mostly 45-55 with multiple lights along the way. I have been getting insane numbers and the ice hardly ever turns on during my drives to work.

The largest reason i got the e is i live in the back of my community and they decided to put speed bumps. so i had like 7 speed bumps and a couple stop signs every day. It literally took off 3-4 mpg off my last bmw.

Oh and the best thing about the e is i like the idea of start stop but in florida you can't ever use it on a regular ice car because it would become way too warm way too fast. also that little micosecond it takes ice engines to start back up is annoying sometimes but dont have to worry about that at all in the e.

[PierreBMW]

I absolutely love my 330e xdrive.
I received it from the dealer in Phoenix (altitude 1.086') with an empty battery and I drove it home Northeastern Arizona to 7,300'. For a good portion of the trip I was going at 65mph+. I averaged over 36mpg. I was driving conservatively due to the absence of my radar detector.
Since, I have redone the trip but with a full battery when leaving phoenix and did average 46mpg beside driving a lot more aggressively.
On the freeway, the mpg definitively drops but beside driving at really good speeds, I still yield a 38mpg average on a round trip to Flagstaff, az. I left home with a full charge and I was able to replenish to 50% before leaving.
Because I get really good range out of the battery, I have an average of 80mpg+ after 7,000 miles with the car. That is a lot of gas saving.
I really love the 2sd trunk, it is so practical when shopping. The trunk space does not speak well by the number on this car but in practicability, that trunk is amazing.

[Giaolover]

Does anybody know why my 2023 330e car play got lag between phone and car system, and how to fix it, thank you guys!

[tracythorne]

Originally Posted by Giaolover

Does anybody know why my 2023 330e car play got lag between phone and car system, and how to fix it, thank you guys!

You might need to flush this question out a little bit, and you may want to post it in one of the other sub-forms dealing with electronics

[ayv_g20]

I picked up my 330e in mid-November as a daily/commuter. For a car that weighs around 4,000 pounds that's on 225 tires all around, the handling is pretty good. I'm still within the break-in period (still 200 miles left to go) but I've done a large majority of it in Sport Xtraboost.

Please correct me if I'm wrong for doing this but here's my stance: Although I'm aware that the owner's manual recommends doing break-in period in Hybrid mode to utilize both the ICE and electric motor, hybrid mode only uses the gas engine when you need extra power. Xtraboost uses both no matter the circumstance. I've kept it below the safe limit of 4,500 rpm and 100 mph, I even let the engine warm up before using it.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by ayv_g20

I picked up my 330e in mid-November as a daily/commuter. For a car that weighs around 4,000 pounds that's on 225 tires all around, the handling is pretty good. I'm still within the break-in period (still 200 miles left to go) but I've done a large majority of it in Sport Xtraboost.

Please correct me if I'm wrong for doing this but here's my stance: Although I'm aware that the owner's manual recommends doing break-in period in Hybrid mode to utilize both the ICE and electric motor, hybrid mode only uses the gas engine when you need extra power. Xtraboost uses both no matter the circumstance. I've kept it below the safe limit of 4,500 rpm and 100 mph, I even let the engine warm up before using it.

I think 330e sport mode does uses ICE as primary with electric motor assist(Xtraboost is just extra HP from electric motor), so your practice is likely ok within break-in period, or u may toggle between hybrid and spot.

[ayv_g20]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

I think 330e sport mode does uses ICE as primary with electric motor assist(Xtraboost is just extra HP from electric motor), so your practice is likely ok within break-in period, or u may toggle between hybrid and spot.

It's possible to even feel whichever one is doing the most work. I haven't pressed the accelerator pedal past ~40% yet but from my driving so far, this is my experience; the ICE and electric motor seem to alternate loads depending on which of the two can provide power the best in any given scenario

The electric motor is most active at low speeds and low load (light highway cruising, maintaining speed, coasting) and the ICE is involved in most of the acceleration past 15 mph, especially when I push the car a bit more.

[TakeshiJin]

Originally Posted by teddo

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to quickly share my 1st week (ish) experience with the 2023 330e rwd (m sport package) that I picked up earlier this month. For reference, we currently have a 2022 x3 m40i, previously had a 2021 x3 30e and 2020 330i for comparison's sake (both cars sold during this insane car market).

I picked up my car evening of Nov 3 and have since driven ~300 miles on it without charging (other than initial full charge from dealer) to break in the engine and will do so for another full tank. My daily commute is ~25 miles about 40/60 city highway with patches of moderate traffic here in the Bay Area, CA.

DRIVING
The car is definitely "zippy" and feels great off the line and in city driving. You won't really feel the extra weight in city driving and the EV torque might even make it feel quicker than the 330i. It obviously doesn't pull like the m40i but it has more than enough passing power even in comfort mode for freeway driving. On fast corners, you definitely feel a little bit of that extra weight but you can get some fun out of it as long as youre not expecting miata like nimbleness.

I think the 330e is a great in between model for those that want the bmw 3 series driving experience but want to sound like an UFO at times. I don't miss anything about the 330i and I feel like the 330e is better suited for the power vs the x3 30e (identical numbers). It of course lacks in comparison to the m40i but I bought this as a daily commuter and it fits my needs perfectly. We will probably take our x3 on our (multiple times a year) road trips down to LA but the 300 gallon tank is a non issue for us as we always stop 1-2 times for our dog to take a break and food anyways. I don't see the 10 gallon tank as a negative. Sure it would be nice having a 12ish gallon tank but once again, it fits our needs without us having to change how we drive/travel.

MPG/Efficiency
I ran the car exclusively on gas after the first charge ran out and drove it 308 miles before I filled up. Other than the initial drive home from the dealer, I didn't "baby" the car but also didn't rev high or floor it on on ramps. I think my driving the past 2 weeks reflect the average driver.

Assuming my first charge gave me the estimated 24 miles of range, I drove 285 miles using 9.09 gallons of gas (~$5/gal at costco). This comes out to ~31.3 mpg. I expect long freeway road trip mpg to be closer to 36/38mpg. Current winter PGE electricity costs are ~.29/kwh and .36/kwh in the summer. I am seeing posts of owners using ~11kwh (on their meters) for a full charge accounting for losses.

COST
Gas: $5/gal / 31.3 mpg = .161/mi
Winter EV: .29/kwh x 11 kwh / 24 mi = .133/mi
Summer EV: .36/kwh x 11 kwh / 24 mi = .165/mi

Note that the EV range is shown as the advertised number of 24 miles. This number could be greater or smaller depending on driving habits and weather. With solar panels at my house, I think it's pretty much a wash charging at home vs filling up in gas. I know places like PNW has electricity costs 1/3 of CA so it might be better to exclusively charge in low charge rate areas. Could get into credit card cash back for gas and whatnot, but I will probably start charging after 500 miles just so I don't have to make as many gas stops.

VS 330i?

I really don't think you will miss anything on the 330i by going with the 330e unless you are constantly doing 100+ mile trips. The drive, handling, acceleration, are all comparable within reason and if these minor differences bother you, you should've sprung for the m40i. The 330e definitely shines on shorter trips and commutes and its nice to pull out of the garage in EV mode and not announce my departure like our x3 m40i does every time it starts up (especially early in the morning!).

The $5836 tax credit definitely tips the scale towards the 330e if you qualify for only a $1000 increase in MSRP. I was able to get 9% off + OL + rebates on my 330e (I bring in lots of referrals) whereas I could've gotten maybe a couple % more on the 330i. With me planning to sell the car in 3-4 years, the lump sum tax credit with the 330e was a no brainer.

I hope this helps some of you make a decision, and I'd be glad to respond to any questions you may have about the 330e!

Thanks for reading.

Do you have a picture of your car to share? I crossed paths with a 2023 330e in TB II in Palo Alto today lol.

[DrivenByE]

I suppose I’ll join this thread, as a newbie.

I have a 2023 Brooklyn Gray 330e (RWD) with M Sport, blue M sport calipers and blue contrast stitching, black interior leather, SensaTec dashboard, aluminum rhombicle Anthracite trim, etc.. Hoping to get some pictures up soon when the weather is warm(ish) and I have a free chance.

Mine is still in its break-in period. I’m in around ~300 miles. Most of my commutes are local and are 95-100% electric. I’ve tested a few limits within reason. This is my first BMW, and certainly PHEV, but it’s quite zippy and fun to drive. I also have the adaptive suspension and it’s handled acceleration and cornering quite well.

[RCook]

In July, I was just about ready to pull the trigger on a 330e would have been the last of the current model on the factory list. I didn't like the new interior display, so didn't want a 2023.
And, the EV rebate + CA credit made it a much better deal than a new 330i

But, what killed the deal is the size of the trunk. We could barely get too carryon sized suitcases in. Since much of the travel would be to visit kids about 400 miles away, that was a deal breaker.

I ended up with a CPO 2019 330i, couldn't justify another US$20K for new when the CPO was so clean. Likely not an issue for many to most people, but it was for us.

My only complaint was how poorly BMW thought though the addition of the batteries. You buy a sedan because you need a trunk....

[Norra Norra]

Originally Posted by RCook

In July, I was just about ready to pull the trigger on a 330e would have been the last of the current model on the factory list. I didn't like the new interior display, so didn't want a 2023.
And, the EV rebate + CA credit made it a much better deal than a new 330i

But, what killed the deal is the size of the trunk. We could barely get too carryon sized suitcases in. Since much of the travel would be to visit kids about 400 miles away, that was a deal breaker.

I ended up with a CPO 2019 330i, couldn't justify another US$20K for new when the CPO was so clean. Likely not an issue for many to most people, but it was for us.

My only complaint was how poorly BMW thought though the addition of the batteries. You buy a sedan because you need a trunk....

Really because I just picked my parents up at the airport and easily fit two oversized roller bags that had to be checked, along with a duffel and another backpack. All in the trunk and still had room in the car for a 4th person or additional bags. This is also with the parcel shelf up so the trunk was flat. But I guess you must have those really huge ginormous bags that only a 330i can hold.

[CGSNJ59]

RCook - you are right. The trunk in the 330e is absurdly small, as is the gas tank.
There is no way the 330e trunk takes much more than 2 suit cases, if that.

It’s a very very good car for short trips and you’ll probably save a few bucks with hybrid charging.

But beyond that it’s hard to justify a tax credit when you give up a lot of trunk and gas tank space.

When I looked at the specs a while back the 330e had one of the smallest 4 door sedan trunks. Maybe one if the smallest ever made in a modern day sedan.

Going with the gas engine you’ll never have to justify getting a 330e and whatever positives the 330e may have , when the car you got has a real size gas tank and trunk.

330e is a fine hybrid. But I think bmw needs to be more transparent about the small tank and trunk that many don’t even realize until they get home from the dealership.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by Norra Norra

Really because I just picked my parents up at the airport and easily fit two oversized roller bags that had to be checked, along with a duffel and another backpack. All in the trunk and still had room in the car for a 4th person or additional bags. This is also with the parcel shelf up so the trunk was flat. But I guess you must have those really huge ginormous bags that only a 330i can hold.

Check out this thread, 330i@480L trunk space is ok but not that bad compared to competition. It is doubtful the 330e@375L can fit these(which are somewhat typical of my road trips/airport runs).

"Let's get to the luggage. As always, I use two midsize roller suitcases that would need to be checked in at the airport (26 inches long, 16 wide, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that just barely fit in the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that fits easily (23L x 15W x 10D). I also include my wife's fancy overnight bag just to spruce things up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D). "

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/04/17/...-luggage-test/

I think in your usage, u can hinge down the front part of the floorplan to get extra space for your roller bags, but the rear part loses 3-4 inches of height and can't fit much other than duffel and backpack.

[CGSNJ59]

"It is doubtful the 330e@375L can fit these(which are somewhat typical of my road trips/airport runs)."

Agreed!

and what is so wrong is that BMW does not really make any effort at informing prospective buyers of a 330E that the trunk and gas tank are significantly smaller than that of the 330I.