Active Hybrid 5

I am about to jump the gun on ordering an Active Hybrid 5 prior to driving it.

There seems to be an absence of posts talking about the car.

Has anyone driven it or own it? How does it compare to the 535i?

How quiet is the car when only the electric engines running?

I've seen one at BMW of The Woodlands, and one back in VA before I moved but never driven. I think that stock on the ground is extremely rare.

I'm also not quite sure of the point, as the MPG's aren't all that much better. Having said that, I think it's kind of cool and would probably order one if it weren't for the massive loss of trunk space. Not as bad as the M35h, but the F30 loses no trunk space for the 3 Active Hybrid so it's a bit disappointing.

Under normal circumstances, I would agree that there is no reason to buy an Active Hybrid 5 besides one-upping reasons.

However, I was given the opportunity to buy one for a slightly better deal (but not cheaper) than that of a 535i. When I added all the options that I want on the vehicle, I will only be paying $800 more for an Active Hybrid 5 as opposed to a 535i. The Eco Credit of $4,500 really helps!

There is a big chance that I will only be keeping my car for a year and a half. When it comes time to sell my car, I would imagine that an Active Hybrid 5 with an MSRP of $8,500 higher would fetch more than the $800 to the 535i.

If you can live with the trunk, go for it!

now that you mentioned it.. that is kind of scary...

I usually have a stroller and a golf bag in my trunk (Lexus GS460) and still have some extra space to spare....

Originally Posted by bolaber

Under normal circumstances, I would agree that there is no reason to buy an Active Hybrid 5 besides one-upping reasons.

However, I was given the opportunity to buy one for a slightly better deal (but not cheaper) than that of a 535i. When I added all the options that I want on the vehicle, I will only be paying $800 more for an Active Hybrid 5 as opposed to a 535i. The Eco Credit of $4,500 really helps!

There is a big chance that I will only be keeping my car for a year and a half. When it comes time to sell my car, I would imagine that an Active Hybrid 5 with an MSRP of $8,500 higher would fetch more than the $800 to the 535i.

It seems you just answered your question. Hybrids are still pretty much a gimmick. Toyota has the Prius which is basically a $10k car with $15k in batteries/motors and so no real cost savings for 10-20 years when you do the math. So now everyone is jumping on band wagon in the name of GREEN.

One has to ask why BMW hybrids don't sell well even with steep discounts. I think BMWs are problematic enough without the additional hybrid headaches.

There is a post on the board where someone got a 7 series hybrid lease for less than a 5 series lease. I would focus on why they are not selling more than the selling price itself.

I am not familiar with the AH5, but I almost bought an AH7 before this and I would have if they offered me the deal they did after I took delivery of this. The 7 series hybrid was a freakin rocket ship. The hybrids generally produce more HP because of less stress on the engine from the AC motor and the like. The AH7 has 50 more HP than the base. They offer really good incentives like the eco credit and the hybrid models come with some goodies standard that you would have to special order (like alcantara head liner). As far as i know, they are only rear wheel drive.

The trunk space wasn't a huge issue in the 7, but I would see it be one in the five.

Don't plan on great resale value in a year and a half for any of the f10's. With all the steep discounts resale value on these cars has tanked. I bought a leftover 2011 for almost $15k off sticker...granted it was a 6mt but still affects the overall resale value of the f10 lineup.

Originally Posted by bolaber

I am about to jump the gun on ordering an Active Hybrid 5 prior to driving it.

There seems to be an absence of posts talking about the car.

Has anyone driven it or own it? How does it compare to the 535i?

How quiet is the car when only the electric engines running?

Try it by yourself. It definitely feels different than 535: extra 50hp instantly available make it drive very different. Basically those 50hp can compensate little bit turbo lag and make auto start/stop little bit less annoying.

Pure electric: well, it's pure electric, like on any golf-cart but its hard to keep it in electric-only mode - little push of the pedal and engine starts. So I stopped bothering quickly.

MPG: I am getting very close to EPA estimates on it, but you need to assist it by letting nav know where you are going even if you don't need guidance.

IMHO if you want features which come on ah5 standard (nav with bigger screen, rims) and can live without options which are not available or not-built (like tech package/on-screen projection, auto-park), can deal with smaller inventory of ah5 on lots, it may be quite compelling due to Eco-credit.

P.s. trunk is still big enough.

Originally Posted by chuck92116

Hybrids are still pretty much a gimmick. Toyota has the Prius which is basically a $10k car with $15k in batteries/motors and so no real cost savings for 10-20 years when you do the math. So now everyone is jumping on band wagon in the name of GREEN.

Totally agree. It seems like the term "Hybrid" has some magic marketing behind it.

Originally Posted by Decboy

Totally agree. It seems like the term "Hybrid" has some magic marketing behind it.

You took it wrong. Hybrid in case of BMW is not about saving MPG. It's about getting better performance of 535 without having to bump to v8 and halving MPG.

Originally Posted by bolaber

now that you mentioned it.. that is kind of scary...

I usually have a stroller and a golf bag in my trunk (Lexus GS460) and still have some extra space to spare....

Not sure in town where you are, but BMW of The Woodlands still has theirs listed in inventory.

The trunk reduction is significant. About 1/3 gone, if not more.

Diesel....

Originally Posted by Emilner

Diesel....

Yes, I wanted diesel, but didn't want to wait for another year.

Congrats to your order! I have x5d and AH5, all I said is both of them are honor Bimmer's character "Ultimate Driving Machine". Love them with just two different eco-friendly technology without sacrifice the driving pleasure (Like MB blueTec & Toyota Hybrid). I was about the get the 535i and Greg Poland got me a awesome deal (similar monthly payment with Hybrid technology). AH5 delivered to my home last Sunday and drove a week. I fall in love of this, average 26 mpg (65Hwy/35City). I'm can do Costco shopping with AH5's trunk.

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

The trunk reduction is significant. About 1/3 gone, if not more.

Plus you lose the folding seats capability in the back, which I find essential with skis for example...

Originally Posted by lek

Congrats to your order! I have x5d and AH5, all I said is both of them are honor Bimmer's character "Ultimate Driving Machine". Love them with just two different eco-friendly technology without sacrifice the driving pleasure (Like MB blueTec & Toyota Hybrid). I was about the get the 535i and Greg Poland got me a awesome deal (similar monthly payment with Hybrid technology). AH5 delivered to my home last Sunday and drove a week. I fall in love of this, average 26 mpg (65Hwy/35City). I'm can do Costco shopping with AH5's trunk.

Congrats! Which one did you get?
(The only problem with AH5 from Greg was that he had very few of them in stock)

Originally Posted by copello

Plus you lose the folding seats capability in the back, which I find essential with skis for example...

Folding seats is optional on the other cars anyway, so that's not a guaranteed loss unless you are ordering.

Originally Posted by Emilner

Diesel....

I can't wait.

I got the Space Gray with HUD/Tech Package, Heater Seat, Camera, Parking Assistant, Parking Distance, Comfort Access. Love the HUD and can't wait to get the ENET cable for coding it

Originally Posted by wildvlad

Congrats! Which one did you get?
(The only problem with AH5 from Greg was that he had very few of them in stock)

Originally Posted by lek

I got the Space Gray with HUD/Tech Package, Heater Seat, Camera, Parking Assistant, Parking Distance, Comfort Access. Love the HUD and can't wait to get the ENET cable for coding it

Good stuff

Originally Posted by lek

I got the Space Gray with HUD/Tech Package, Heater Seat, Camera, Parking Assistant, Parking Distance, Comfort Access. Love the HUD and can't wait to get the ENET cable for coding it

what can you code with an ENET cable?

Fold mirrors when lock, Enhance HUD, DVD in motion, same ringtone as my phone...

Originally Posted by bolaber

what can you code with an ENET cable?

Possibilities are endless....

I just coded my AH5 last few days like crazy, tried many different options to enhance the driving experience. I even activated and changed the iDrive with different UI (user interface), but the Nav will disable since can't input English as address. Finally goes back to English UI with different language on others. Too much fun like the kid in the Lego Store!

Thanks Bimmerfest, learn a lot from you guys! LOL