Welcome to Bimmerfest -- The #1 Online Community for BMW related information! Please enjoy the discussion forums below and share your experiences with the 200,000 current, new and past BMW owners. The forums are broken out by car model and into other special interest sections such as BMW European Delivery and a special forum to voice your questions to the many BMW dealers on the site to assist our members!

Please follow the links below to help get you started!

Go Back   Bimmerfest - BMW Forums > BMW Model Discussions > 3 Series / 4 Series > F30 / F31 / F32 / F33 (2012 - current)

F30 / F31 / F32 / F33 (2012 - current)
The sixth generation 3 series, chassis code F30. 2013 model year 328i and 335i sedans now in production. Read the F30 frequently asked question thread for all your basic question and dive into all the details in the ultimate F30 information thread.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-02-2013, 05:37 PM
luvdabass luvdabass is offline
Registered User
Location: NY
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 49
Mein Auto: Honda
335i or AH3

Both M sport, with basically the same options.

I can get the ah3 slightly cheaper.
What would you pick for a lease? And why?
__________________
'06-present- Honda Civic (166k miles )
'01-Hyundai Elantra
'00-Chevy S10
'99-Nissan Maxima
'97-Chevy S10
'95-Pontiac Firebird
'93-Schwinn 21spd
'91-Huffy 18spd
'86-Kent 5spd BMX
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:23 PM
jacar jacar is offline
Registered User
Location: Honolulu
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 35
Mein Auto: 2013 AH3
I chose the AH3-for same lease cost, it saves around $75/month in gas, Plus:
Very quite at lights and while 'coasting' along under electric power.
If you use Auto Stop Start, the AH3 is much better as it is much smoother (although not perfect, there is a jolt sometimes when just coming to a stop, engine shuts off, light turns green and engine re-starts a second later).
When engine is off at lights the A/C keeps running, you can pre-condition the car from the key fob.
Almost bottom-less feeling of power.
But...if you don't want the auto stop start, it cannot be defeated in the AH3 as it can in the 328 and 335, however by putting the shift lever to Sport Drive the Auto stop start is defeated but now with Sport (or manual) shift points. You cannot have it defeated and have Eco or Comfort shifting.
It's a bit more of a drivers car than a 'put it in drive and go' car. In stop and go traffic, I do a lot of driving in Sport Drive mode with manual upshifts (it auto-downshifts as the car slows down at lights, etc.
I really like it. My wife has not in a month driven it, she's a bit put of by it. I'm a bit afraid to let my college age boys drive it.
Take one out for a long test drive, if you can.
Must haves: the Dynamic Suspension and Variable Steering are absolutely must haves, provides a smooth ride without being overly soft or harsh.
I got the Sports line, mostly for the seats which are great.
The Harmon Karman upgrade is very good.
I can be sanctimonious around Prius drivers and smug when I tell them that while getting 40+mpg on the open road (so far averaging 28 with lots of city driving) I have over 300hp under the road and the car is a blast to drive!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 05-02-2013, 06:30 PM
lezam lezam is online now
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: NYC
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 125
Mein Auto: 2011 335
I drove the AH3 today, it's a wonderful car. There's as much power as my 335, and it's just as fun to drive. You won't feel the switch between electric and gas - there's no jolt like on a 328 ASS.

Its really cool how you take your foot off the pedal on the highway, the engine cuts out and the electric takes over. When you need power again the engine kicks in without you knowing, and no lag!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-03-2013, 01:47 AM
Avpilot Avpilot is offline
Registered User
Location: The States
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 48
Mein Auto: AH3
I was faced with the same decision as you and chose the AH3. Some hybrid-haters on here (everettpa) will trash the AH3 though if you search his posts you'll see that he has no real experience with the car at all. I was doubtful about the AH3 at first but it won me over with its technology and cool factor. Since you are leasing you never have to worry about paying for any maintenance on the hybrid drive system down the road. I think you should give the AH3 a chance. It's a great car. Oh, and almost no brake dust since most of your braking is to recharge the batteries. It only gets into the brake pads when you stop quickly with a lot of pedal force.

Tim
__________________

2013 ActiveHybrid 3 Sport line with every option except Parking Assistant
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-03-2013, 01:58 AM
lakerslive2004 lakerslive2004 is online now
Registered User
Location: Los Angeles
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 50
Mein Auto: 2011 E350
The M-Sport AH3 does not come with the sport suspension so you may want to order DHP. I had to pick between 335i and AH3 and I picked the AH3. A big plus for me was that it comes with the new NBT nav which is supposed to be faster.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-03-2013, 03:32 AM
Kar Don Kar Don is online now
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: USA
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,399
Mein Auto: E70, F04, F10 no mas
nbt nav, better start stop, parked car air conditioning, etc all made it a no brainer for the hybrid.
__________________
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Iridium Silver/Black Leather -- P2/321/881 (leasetraded 1/10)
2002 BMW 325i --Topaz Blue/Natural Brown Leather --SP/PP/HK/CWP/Bi-xenon (Sold 9/06)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 05-03-2013, 06:45 AM
everettpa1 everettpa1 is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 179
Mein Auto: 13 335i M Sp, 13 SubBRZ
Quote:
Originally Posted by jacar View Post
I chose the AH3-for same lease cost, it saves around $75/month in gas, Plus:
Very quite at lights and while 'coasting' along under electric power.
If you use Auto Stop Start, the AH3 is much better as it is much smoother (although not perfect, there is a jolt sometimes when just coming to a stop, engine shuts off, light turns green and engine re-starts a second later).
When engine is off at lights the A/C keeps running, you can pre-condition the car from the key fob.
Almost bottom-less feeling of power.
But...if you don't want the auto stop start, it cannot be defeated in the AH3 as it can in the 328 and 335, however by putting the shift lever to Sport Drive the Auto stop start is defeated but now with Sport (or manual) shift points. You cannot have it defeated and have Eco or Comfort shifting.
It's a bit more of a drivers car than a 'put it in drive and go' car. In stop and go traffic, I do a lot of driving in Sport Drive mode with manual upshifts (it auto-downshifts as the car slows down at lights, etc.
I really like it. My wife has not in a month driven it, she's a bit put of by it. I'm a bit afraid to let my college age boys drive it.
Take one out for a long test drive, if you can.
Must haves: the Dynamic Suspension and Variable Steering are absolutely must haves, provides a smooth ride without being overly soft or harsh.
I got the Sports line, mostly for the seats which are great.
The Harmon Karman upgrade is very good.
I can be sanctimonious around Prius drivers and smug when I tell them that while getting 40+mpg on the open road (so far averaging 28 with lots of city driving) I have over 300hp under the road and the car is a blast to drive!
$75 in gas savings per month over what? A sherman tank. Or maybe you are driving 35,000 miles a year. Check your math again.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-03-2013, 06:49 AM
everettpa1 everettpa1 is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 179
Mein Auto: 13 335i M Sp, 13 SubBRZ
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kar Don View Post
nbt nav, better start stop, parked car air conditioning, etc all made it a no brainer for the hybrid.
Do they still have the eco credit giveaway on it? It only starts to make sense if BMW has to discount the price way down.

Anybody arguing that the ASS (perfect acronym) is better over the 328 or 335 should be put on medicine. That's like arguing the better way to kill yourself.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-03-2013, 06:50 AM
everettpa1 everettpa1 is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 179
Mein Auto: 13 335i M Sp, 13 SubBRZ
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avpilot View Post
I was faced with the same decision as you and chose the AH3. Some hybrid-haters on here (everettpa) will trash the AH3 though if you search his posts you'll see that he has no real experience with the car at all. I was doubtful about the AH3 at first but it won me over with its technology and cool factor. Since you are leasing you never have to worry about paying for any maintenance on the hybrid drive system down the road. I think you should give the AH3 a chance. It's a great car. Oh, and almost no brake dust since most of your braking is to recharge the batteries. It only gets into the brake pads when you stop quickly with a lot of pedal force.

Tim
Hybrid = cool factor. Really? What bank do you work at?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-03-2013, 06:50 AM
lezam lezam is online now
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: NYC
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 125
Mein Auto: 2011 335
Quote:
Originally Posted by everettpa1 View Post
Anybody arguing that the ASS (perfect acronym) is better over the 328 or 335 should be put on medicine. That's like arguing the better way to kill yourself.
The ASS is definitely better on the AH3...
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-03-2013, 06:57 AM
everettpa1 everettpa1 is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 179
Mein Auto: 13 335i M Sp, 13 SubBRZ
Quote:
Originally Posted by lezam View Post
The ASS is definitely better on the AH3...
And maybe carbon monoxide is a better way to go than hanging. Both stink, that is the point.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 05-03-2013, 07:17 AM
bluelectron bluelectron is offline
Registered User
Location: Houston
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 10
Mein Auto: ActiveHybrid3
I drive a AH3 and I am very happy with it. I do not think any of the AH3 owners have any complaints about it. The car does not feel heavy and is super quite and smooth. I have done two autocross events so far and have no issues with handling or lack of power. It is a no brainer if it is cheaper than a 335i.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 05-03-2013, 07:19 AM
Avpilot Avpilot is offline
Registered User
Location: The States
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 48
Mein Auto: AH3
Quote:
Originally Posted by everettpa1 View Post
Do they still have the eco credit giveaway on it? It only starts to make sense if BMW has to discount the price way down.

Anybody arguing that the ASS (perfect acronym) is better over the 328 or 335 should be put on medicine. That's like arguing the better way to kill yourself.
See? I warned you guys. Everettpa1, have you ever experienced in great detail the Auto Start/Stop on the AH3 vs. the 335i or 328i? I have experienced it extensively on all three and the difference is night and day. Everyone who has experience with the AH3 on here says the exact same thing.

Is the car for everyone? Of course not. The Toyota Camry is not for me but you don't see me going on Camry boards and trashing their choice in car with basically no knowledge of the car, do you? But then again I am not a troll.

Tim
__________________

2013 ActiveHybrid 3 Sport line with every option except Parking Assistant
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 05-03-2013, 07:50 AM
arktctr arktctr is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Chicago, IL / Newport Beach, CA
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 176
Mein Auto: ORDERED: ACTIVEHYBRID3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Avpilot View Post
See? I warned you guys. Everettpa1, have you ever experienced in great detail the Auto Start/Stop on the AH3 vs. the 335i or 328i? I have experienced it extensively on all three and the difference is night and day. Everyone who has experience with the AH3 on here says the exact same thing.

Is the car for everyone? Of course not. The Toyota Camry is not for me but you don't see me going on Camry boards and trashing their choice in car with basically no knowledge of the car, do you? But then again I am not a troll.

Tim
Avpilot...do you have any pics of your AH3? I was thinking about European delivery of one spec'd similar to your but didn't know if I would like the chrome trim that comes with the AH3 (except on M-Sport). Thanks!
__________________

2013 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID3
COMING SUMMER 2013
B45 | LCSW | 4DX | ZMM | ZDA | ZDH | ZPP | ZTP | 2PF | 2TB | 494 | 5AC | 5DP | 688 | 8TH | 840
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 05-03-2013, 08:14 AM
Clepto Clepto is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Seattle, WA
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 109
Mein Auto: 328i RWD SportLine F30
If you do go with the AH3, make sure you get the non-LRR tires, I think they're the default ones for the Hybrid but you should be able to specify summer tires.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 05-03-2013, 09:31 AM
luvdabass luvdabass is offline
Registered User
Location: NY
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 49
Mein Auto: Honda
I would be getting an M sport in Estoril Blue, pretty much loaded, and the upgraded suspension / steering.

I don't really see a reason to NOT get the AH3.
The car MSRP is $6k above the 335i, but my lease payment will be less.

__________________
'06-present- Honda Civic (166k miles )
'01-Hyundai Elantra
'00-Chevy S10
'99-Nissan Maxima
'97-Chevy S10
'95-Pontiac Firebird
'93-Schwinn 21spd
'91-Huffy 18spd
'86-Kent 5spd BMX
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 05-03-2013, 09:54 AM
furby076's Avatar
furby076 furby076 is online now
IntarWeb Stalker
Location: 95 Feet Under
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 7,832
Mein Auto: 2013 335xi M-Sport
Quote:
Originally Posted by luvdabass View Post
I would be getting an M sport in Estoril Blue, pretty much loaded, and the upgraded suspension / steering.

I don't really see a reason to NOT get the AH3.
The car MSRP is $6k above the 335i, but my lease payment will be less.

why cheaper lease if car is more expensive?
__________________
"Booberry" -ED 2013 335xi | B45 | ZMM | ZDA |Heated Seats | HK |EBII
My Drive Style

Because I can.
-
Quote:
Originally Posted by cwinter View Post
I agree with furby
Quote:
Originally Posted by guerilla twang View Post
Hahahaha, I like you furb, you like to live dangerously.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ProfessorCook View Post
I started to google to find a picture to match furby's suggestion to Gia, but it quickly became clear it was an inappropriate search to conduct at work.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 05-03-2013, 10:04 AM
tturedraider's Avatar
tturedraider tturedraider is offline
Freedom isn't free!!
Location: Chicago, north shore (via Tennessee & Texas)
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 12,682
Mein Auto: '06 Sonora/Beige 330i :-)
Quote:
Originally Posted by furby076 View Post
why cheaper lease if car is more expensive?
You know why, subsidies and incentives.
__________________
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- Geo. Orwell

Keep Right, Except to Pass

Then & Than usage - "It was hotter than ever (comparison). Then (time) it got cool."

2006 330i Sonora w/ ActiveAutoWerke flash tune - I like it!
2004 330i ZHP Imola/NB - missed
2000 328i TiAg - gone but not forgotten

BMW CCA member #388003 - www.bmwcca.org Use me as a referral, you could win a one day ///M Driving School!
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 05-03-2013, 10:17 AM
everettpa1 everettpa1 is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 179
Mein Auto: 13 335i M Sp, 13 SubBRZ
Quote:
Originally Posted by furby076 View Post
why cheaper lease if car is more expensive?
Subsidies. You know the thing you have to offer on a great car that everybody wants.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 05-03-2013, 10:31 AM
vwvwvw vwvwvw is offline
Registered User
Location: US of A
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 88
Mein Auto: '08 X3, '08 535xiT (gone)
Quote:
Originally Posted by jacar View Post
I can be sanctimonious around Prius drivers and smug when I tell them that while getting 40+mpg on the open road (so far averaging 28 with lots of city driving) I have over 300hp under the road and the car is a blast to drive!
Jacar, are you really averaging 40mpg on the highway? I don't see how this can be, since the 335 is rated for 33mpg highway. The hybrid stuff doesn't contribute to fuel economy on the highway.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 05-03-2013, 11:05 AM
Michael Schott Michael Schott is offline
Officially Welcomed to the 'Fest
Location: Farmington Hills, MI
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,847
Mein Auto: 2011 328i
Quote:
Originally Posted by everettpa1 View Post
Subsidies. You know the thing you have to offer on a great car that everybody wants.
It's hard to respect your opinion when your comments are full of sarcasm. We get it, you don't like hybrids. I don't think anyone cares.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 05-03-2013, 11:29 AM
Avpilot Avpilot is offline
Registered User
Location: The States
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 48
Mein Auto: AH3
Quote:
Originally Posted by michael schott View Post
it's hard to respect your opinion when your comments are full of sarcasm. We get it, you don't like hybrids. I don't think anyone cares.
+1
__________________

2013 ActiveHybrid 3 Sport line with every option except Parking Assistant
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 05-03-2013, 11:34 AM
jacar jacar is offline
Registered User
Location: Honolulu
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 35
Mein Auto: 2013 AH3
Here in Hawaii the speed limit is 55, many roads 45. At that speed and rolling hills, I can start a trip, reset the meter and 60 miles later it reads 40-42mpg.
Add in 30% city driving and it drops to 31-33mpg.
70% City /30% highway it drops to 27-29mpg, average speed showing at 25mph
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 05-03-2013, 11:43 AM
wsr86197 wsr86197 is offline
Registered User
Location: NJ
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 14
Mein Auto: Cobalt
Quote:
Originally Posted by luvdabass View Post
I would be getting an M sport in Estoril Blue, pretty much loaded, and the upgraded suspension / steering.

I don't really see a reason to NOT get the AH3.
The car MSRP is $6k above the 335i, but my lease payment will be less.

If you don't mind me asking, how much cheaper is the lease payment for the AH3 vs 335i? Thank you!
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 05-03-2013, 12:54 PM
vwvwvw vwvwvw is offline
Registered User
Location: US of A
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 88
Mein Auto: '08 X3, '08 535xiT (gone)
Quote:
Originally Posted by jacar View Post
Here in Hawaii the speed limit is 55, many roads 45. At that speed and rolling hills, I can start a trip, reset the meter and 60 miles later it reads 40-42mpg.
Add in 30% city driving and it drops to 31-33mpg.
70% City /30% highway it drops to 27-29mpg, average speed showing at 25mph
Hawaii is so beautiful, if I lived there I wouldn't drive fast either.

Anyway the speed explains your good fuel economy. It looks like the hybrid is giving you an advantage in the city, though, around 10-15% probably.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Forum Navigation
Go Back   Bimmerfest - BMW Forums > BMW Model Discussions > 3 Series / 4 Series > F30 / F31 / F32 / F33 (2012 - current)
Today's Posts Search
Thread Tools
Display Modes

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 On

Forum Jump




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:02 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2011 performanceIX, Inc. All Rights Reserved .: guidelines .:. privacy .:. terms