BMW 530e - am I crazy?

Richard571

Looking for advice - have approx €37k to spend a mid size exec and was looking at 2017 530e especially with the talk of increasing carbon tax on diesel.

Drive from a west coast to Dublin approx 3 times a month for work travel from airport so approx 440 km round trip. Outside of this short commute rarely exceeding 30km which in electric range.

Looks not too more expensive than diesel especially with lower VRT with on plug in hybrid.

Alternatively looking at A6 / 5 series diesel.

Any thoughts welcome on this or alternatives.

MarkN

I think the 530e could prove to be a bit of an odd car in a few years compared to a 520/530d. The range is a joke, handling is affected and I just think you’d be better off in a 520d.

Or bring in a 530i. I also wouldn’t need a diesel 5 series if I went for one but I couldn’t see myself going for the 530e after thinking about them and researching them for a long time.

Stallingrad

Early adopters of BMW hybrids seem to be getting whacked with heavy depreciation. Very much a niche buy at the moment in an evolving market, who will want it in a few years when the tech has evolved? I wouldn't do it.

mickdw

I think they are an excellent idea.
Ive not driven one but I have driven the 330e so Id expect its just nicer in every way.


If someone can get by most of the time on electric due to having only a few mile commute, I think its the perfect car.

I do agree that depreciation is nuts so far on the 330e but that was an end of line model really as soon as the hybrid appeared. The 5 is a new model and might not do so bad relatively speaking.

Casati

The boot is a lot smaller than the 520d, check this before buying

It will burn about one litre per 100km more than the diesel version

Other than that the engine is a peach and has plenty of poke

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

I've a 330e which is the same engine/Khw.

Don't do it.

JoeA3

Hunky Monster wrote: »

I've a 330e which is the same engine/Khw.

Don't do it.

Interested in why you say that?

A colleague bought one up north recently. Seemed like great value to me too. He landed it here for around 34k. A 181 with only a few K miles on it. He’s delighted with it so far. Free charging points at work help!

They definitely lose a big chunk of value within the first year but in my colleague’s case, I think he did well...

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

JoeA3 wrote: »

Interested in why you say that?

A colleague bought one up north recently. Seemed like great value to me too. He landed it here for around 34k. A 181 with only a few K miles on it. He’s delighted with it so far. Free charging points at work help!

They definitely lose a big chunk of value within the first year but in my colleague’s case, I think he did well...

Don't get me wrong, its a fantastic drive, it looks great, it has great power BUT the battery range is...pathetic, it's really pathetic. 30k is fine if your commute is 10k or closer and you can charge at home/work. For me, I charge at home, it's just impractical to charge anywhere else because of the charge times and the usual queue that you encounter at public charge points for what...30k? What's that in monetary terms, two euro - at most.

If the range on these was 100k it would be the perfect car. 30k is ridicilous. I pull out of the driveway and 1k onto the motorway and it's already showing 25k, that 25k is still extremely optimistic, it's more like half that.

Richard571

Hunky Monster wrote: »

Don't get me wrong, its a fantastic drive, it looks great, it has great power BUT the battery range is...pathetic, it's really pathetic. 30k is fine if your commute is 10k or closer and you can charge at home/work. For me, I charge at home, it's just impractical to charge anywhere else because of the charge times and the usual queue that you encounter at public charge points for what...30k? What's that in monetary terms, two euro - at most.

If the range on these was 100k it would be the perfect car. 30k is ridicilous. I pull out of the driveway and 1k onto the motorway and it's already showing 25k, that 25k is still extremely optimistic, it's more like half that.

That’s my exact concern - 30k is so little it seems a tunic to avail of tax breaks. I haven’t been on test drive so will also look at boot to see how practical. Thanks for input.

JoeA3

I think the 5 series claims to have a larger range. ~50kms or so? That said, manufacturers claims on range, like with mpg figures, are always optimistic.

mickdw

Hunky Monster wrote: »

Don't get me wrong, its a fantastic drive, it looks great, it has great power BUT the battery range is...pathetic, it's really pathetic. 30k is fine if your commute is 10k or closer and you can charge at home/work. For me, I charge at home, it's just impractical to charge anywhere else because of the charge times and the usual queue that you encounter at public charge points for what...30k? What's that in monetary terms, two euro - at most.

If the range on these was 100k it would be the perfect car. 30k is ridicilous. I pull out of the driveway and 1k onto the motorway and it's already showing 25k, that 25k is still extremely optimistic, it's more like half that.

Is there not value in it for the power alone if you never charged it?
Its cheaper that a 530i is it not?

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

mickdw wrote: »

Is there not value in it for the power alone if you never charged it?
Its cheaper that a 530i is it not?

AFAIK the 530e is 4/5k more expensive than the petrol alone.

bazz26

A 530i is worth looking at as an alternative.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201806267852130?aggregatedTrim=530i&year-from=2017&advertising-location=at_cars&exclude-writeoff-categories=on&make=BMW&year-to=2017&sort=price-asc&radius=1500&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&model=5%20SERIES&postcode=l40th&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201811072213128?aggregatedTrim=530i&sort=price-asc&make=BMW&postcode=l40th&radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&model=5%20SERIES&year-from=2017&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&year-to=2017&page=1

VRT is not as attractive as on the 530e though, coming in at around 9k so 37k to 40k all in.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

I’m not thrashing these cars at all. The one point I’d make is just forget it’s got an electric mode. Overall I’m extremely happy with it.

jhegarty

JoeA3 wrote: »

I think the 5 series claims to have a larger range. ~50kms or so? That said, manufacturers claims on range, like with mpg figures, are always optimistic.

It's a 9.2kWh battery so it would struggle to do 50k.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

I was under the impression 3 and 5 series had the same battery capacity.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Googled it. 330/530 same range.

mickdw

Hunky Monster wrote: »

AFAIK the 530e is 4/5k more expensive than the petrol alone.

I just had a look. Its about 2 to 3k dearer than a 520i, a lot cheaper than a 530i which has the same headline bhp figure, all with 4 cylinder 2.0 petrol engine.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

mickdw wrote: »

I just had a look. Its about 2 to 3k dearer than a 520i, a lot cheaper than a 530i which has the same headline bhp figure, all with 4 cylinder 2.0 petrol engine.

Weird. I got a dollar price on that and the hybrid version is 6k dearer. Just assumed would be the same here.

I suppose the benefits of the hybrid is SLIGHTLY better mpg and the cheaper tax. The torque is also significantly better than the 530i even though the numbers are similar.

Casati

Hunky Monster wrote: »

Weird. I got a dollar price on that and the hybrid version is 6k dearer. Just assumed would be the same here.

I suppose the benefits of the hybrid is SLIGHTLY better mpg and the cheaper tax. The torque is also significantly better than the 530i even though the numbers are similar.

Aside from the boot space, I’m not sure why anybody would pay more for a 520i or 530i (to import). Sure if might only have 30km range on battery but that is 30km more than a 520i or 530i can do!

I see the benefit of a 520d as they are better on fuel overall, plus diesel is cheaper and they drive well and have adequate power plus the option of xdrive

mickdw

Hunky Monster wrote: »

Weird. I got a dollar price on that and the hybrid version is 6k dearer. Just assumed would be the same here.

I suppose the benefits of the hybrid is SLIGHTLY better mpg and the cheaper tax. The torque is also significantly better than the 530i even though the numbers are similar.

€7.5k rebate here is a big help.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Casati wrote: »

Aside from the boot space, I’m not sure why anybody would pay more for a 520i or 530i (to import). Sure if might only have 30km range on battery but that is 30km more than a 520i or 530i can do!

I see the benefit of a 520d as they are better on fuel overall, plus diesel is cheaper and they drive well and have adequate power plus the option of xdrive

Honestly the boot space isn’t an issue. I permanently carry two large electric skateboards with helmets and other bits and bobs, gear bags, footballs and more. The boot space isn’t a factor at all.

Tbh a 520d is really the poor cousin of any 530e/530i. If you like the sound of a tractor and massive turbo lag then go for it. The way the tax is at the moment you’d be better off getting a 530d at a minimum.

MetzgerMeister

Another thing to consider is that it you're on a long journey and after the battery power is gone, you're using the normal engine which isn't just moving the car around, it's moving the batteries and charging them at the same time. That's more weight and more work for it so I would think that the mpg is quite a bit down on a normal 320i.

mickdw

MetzgerMeister wrote: »

Another thing to consider is that it you're on a long journey and after the battery power is gone, you're using the normal engine which isn't just moving the car around, it's moving the batteries and charging them at the same time. That's more weight and more work for it so I would think that the mpg is quite a bit down on a normal 320i.

Yes some extra weight but you are never down to just the engine in terms of power, electric power is always there to give the 252 bhp output for acceleration etc but yes generated from engine and braking etc so there will be an mpg hit for sure.

People tend to have the opinion that these cars are a short range electric and after that's gone that it's a hampered 520i. It's completely wrong. One great advantage also similar to Toyota hybrids which had only tiny electric range is the ability to move in traffic on electric only as this stop start nonsense really wrecks my head.

carsfan2

I don’t think a 530e is a bad choice given your general driving range.
I ran a 330e and now in a 520d.
The 5 is vastly superior in every way except the power and smoothness of the drivetrain. I guess a 530e would be a lovely car as performance is similar to the 3. They are far from like a 520i with batteries weighing them down as there is always electric torque available low down. They’re closer to being a smoother 530d without the diesel noise but ultimately not quite as fast.
Running costs would be very similar based on my experience anyway. Depreciation is a much bigger factor than any few quid you will save by running one over the other.
I was in getting a service with Bmw recently and the sales guy told me that the hybrids are really taking off and getting as sought after second hand as diesel so I wouldn’t worry from that perspective.
Try and test drive one before you decide and see what you think would be my advice.

Shefwedfan

What about c350 Merc hybrid? Battery range seems better

carsfan2

Shefwedfan wrote: »

What about c350 Merc hybrid? Battery range seems better

I suppose c class would be class below and comparable to the 3 series.

bazz26

Volvo have the S90 T8 hybrid too. Looks are very subjective though.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201807318991971?postcode=l40th&exclude-writeoff-categories=on&advertising-location=at_cars&model=S90&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=VOLVO&fuel-type=Hybrid%20%E2%80%93%20Petrol%2FElectric%20Plug-in&radius=1500&sort=price-asc&page=1

Elessar

I wouldn't say your mad OP if you're driving suits it, they are great cars.

I have a 330e. All round a terrific car. Drives great, is comfortable and very quiet. The electric range, as with any electric or hybrid, changes depending on your driving style and the outside temperature. My commute to work is 28km round trip, just on the cusp of the effective real world range of the car. During summer I can get there and back again on electric only, just about. During the colder weather at the moment I'm getting 20km maximum. The heating and aircon take a big chunk of range off, and the cold weather means you lose a portion of the maximum charge. One morning I only got 15km - but that was with heating/seat heaters/back window heaters all on in stop start traffic and some heavy acceleration.

My trip involves motorway at 80-100km/hr so your mileage may vary but expect 20km in the cold and 28-30km in warmer weather. To compare range - I get ~450km to a full tank (which is a small 41L) just using petrol. But that goes to 1200km to a tank when I charge every day. Obviously it depends on your use but I'm delighted with that.

They won't suit everyone but if most of your driving is within the range and you can easily charge it, they are a great option. As another poster said, if they had a 100km range along with the engine they would be best-buys.

Richard571

Thanks for all comments, very useful.

Charging no issue at home with driveway and local round trip less than 20km.

Will I be hammered on the mpg for the 3 times a month I do 420km round trip?

I’m definitely going to test drive and if I can even break even or be close on running costs to the diesel would think of going for the hybrid

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Richard571 wrote: »

Thanks for all comments, very useful.

Charging no issue at home with driveway and local round trip less than 20km.

Will I be hammered on the mpg for the 3 times a month I do 420km round trip?

I’m definitely going to test drive and if I can even break even or be close on running costs to the diesel would think of going for the hybrid

The car sounds perfect for you with such a short commute.

The 420 commute will cost you roughly the same amount as a newer diesel car. I do limerick city to Dublin, a whole pile of driving in Dublin then back to limerick for about €45 which is about the same as my 320d.

mickdw

carsfan2 wrote: »

I
I was in getting a service with Bmw recently and the sales guy told me that the hybrids are really taking off and getting as sought after second hand as diesel so I wouldn’t worry from that perspective.
Try and test drive one before you decide and see what you think would be my advice.

Different story when you were trading in your 330e.

carsfan2

mickdw wrote: »

Different story when you were trading in your 330e.

Isn't it always?!
Salesmen are like Jekyll and Hyde depending on if you are buying or selling. Don't think it would have been any different if I had been trading a 320D though.
I think hybrids have become more "mainstream" even in the last six months and buyers are more receptive to them.
All those diesel corolla drivers constantly hearing on those relentless Toyota ads how good "self charging" toyotas are and how they will save the planet and end world hunger etc. is having some effect.

Shefwedfan

Richard571 wrote: »

Thanks for all comments, very useful.

Charging no issue at home with driveway and local round trip less than 20km.

Will I be hammered on the mpg for the 3 times a month I do 420km round trip?

I’m definitely going to test drive and if I can even break even or be close on running costs to the diesel would think of going for the hybrid

Go the hybrid

Petrol more fun that diesel to drive
Petrol/electric even more fun

Diesel is so noughties

bazz26

carsfan2 wrote: »

Isn't it always?!
Salesmen are like Jekyll and Hyde depending on if you are buying or selling. Don't think it would have been any different if I had been trading a 320D though.
I think hybrids have become more "mainstream" even in the last six months and buyers are more receptive to them.
All those diesel corolla drivers constantly hearing on those relentless Toyota ads how good "self charging" toyotas are and how they will save the planet and end world hunger etc. is having some effect.

Sheep will always need to be guided. It's about selling stuff and convincing the sheep what product is best for them. They convinced people 10 years ago that diesels were trendy and best for them, where were all the diesel haters and friends of the earth back them? Funny thing is that most people's moral principles and obligations tend to be dictated by how much it can save them financially.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

bazz26 wrote: »

Sheep will always need to be guided. It's about selling stuff and convincing the sheep what product is best for them. They convinced people 10 years ago that diesels were trendy and best for them, where were all the diesel haters and friends of the earth back them? Funny thing is that most people's moral principles and obligations tend to be dictated by how much it can save them financially.

It’s all well and good what you’re saying but the truth is that petrol is and will ever be better than diesel. Combine that with an electric motor and it’s endless fun.

I’ve been there, I’ve had almost 300bhp diesels. The petrol/electric combo is infinitely more fun.

galvo_clare

If you don’t charge it you only have the power from a 2.0 litre petrol.

mickdw wrote: »

Is there not value in it for the power alone if you never charged it?
Its cheaper that a 530i is it not?

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

galvo_clare wrote: »

If you don’t charge it you only have the power from a 2.0 litre petrol.

For the last time.

No. Wrong.

carsfan2

galvo_clare wrote: »

If you don’t charge it you only have the power from a 2.0 litre petrol.

That’s incorrect.

Idbatterim

Why not just get an electric that can do a trip to Dublin without stopping ? You have the budget for it ...

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Idbatterim wrote: »

Why not just get an electric that can do a trip to Dublin without stopping ? You have the budget for it ...

What car will do that?

Richard571

Idbatterim wrote: »

Why not just get an electric that can do a trip to Dublin without stopping ? You have the budget for it ...

I don’t think a car could do a return 440km and no charging point in Dublin where I normally go....and if It was in use I’d be screwed coming back. If there is an exec car that could do 440 round trip I’d be interested at that price

Idbatterim

The Tesla model 3 would do it, I reckon ? If you get reimbursed for fuel on your work related trips , then go for a diesel ...

mickdw

galvo_clare wrote: »

If you don’t charge it you only have the power from a 2.0 litre petrol.

Jesus. No. It always keeps a battery reserve to have the full 252 bhp available. It maintains this reserve by charging the battery while driving either from energy recovery from braking/ coasting or directly using engine power.
If you never plug, it will still have the same power available and all seamlessly managed.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

Idbatterim wrote: »

The Tesla model 3 would do it, I reckon ? If you get reimbursed for fuel on your work related trips , then go for a diesel ...

81k for poverty spec

bazz26

Hunky Monster wrote: »

81k for poverty spec

And about a 2 year waiting list..

ShaneOC

Richard571 wrote: »

Looking for advice - have approx €37k to spend a mid size exec and was looking at 2017 530e especially with the talk of increasing carbon tax on diesel.

Drive from a west coast to Dublin approx 3 times a month for work travel from airport so approx 440 km round trip. Outside of this short commute rarely exceeding 30km which in electric range.

Looks not too more expensive than diesel especially with lower VRT with on plug in hybrid.

Alternatively looking at A6 / 5 series diesel.

Any thoughts welcome on this or alternatives.

I have been driving a 530e for about 3 months now. Commute is about 16km each way and have charging points available at work. Still using the granny cable at home. So almost all of my regular driving is on electric only.

Done a few long trips 800km (with a charge in the middle) and got a figure of 44.91mpg for the trip.

Shefwedfan

Idbatterim wrote: »

The Tesla model 3 would do it, I reckon ? If you get reimbursed for fuel on your work related trips , then go for a diesel ...

The Tesla Model 3 maybe would do it.....only problem is you can't buy it....maybe in 2021 you will be able to walk into Tesla and buy one,....for the moment you give them 1k and get onto a waiting list that has no timeline or no pricing......

I very much doubt as well the Model 3 when it finally does arrive will be 37k, add another 10k to that and then you will be talking

jesus_thats_gre

mickdw wrote: »

Yes some extra weight but you are never down to just the engine in terms of power, electric power is always there to give the 252 bhp output for acceleration etc but yes generated from engine and braking etc so there will be an mpg hit for sure.

People tend to have the opinion that these cars are a short range electric and after that's gone that it's a hampered 520i. It's completely wrong. One great advantage also similar to Toyota hybrids which had only tiny electric range is the ability to move in traffic on electric only as this stop start nonsense really wrecks my head.

Sorry to bump an old thread but I wouldn't mind some extra information on this.

I am loosely considering a 530e but it will be a while before I have a charging point at home. If I am not working from home, the car will either be parked in the office (8km commute - charging points here) or airport (35k commute - think there are options?). Only do about 15k mileage a year too.

If I was to get one, I would be accepting that the battery regularly wouldn't be getting a full charge by being plugged in. Based on the post above, it sounds like you still get the benefit of the hybrid in terms of power but would mainly just lose out on a battery powered commute. One of the major reasons I am considering the car is the increased horsepower but without the associated import costs from the UK that comes with a 530d/i.

bazz26

You should consider a 530i also, doesn't need to be plugged in nor are you carrying the 530e's batteries around.

mickdw

jesus_thats_gre wrote: »

Sorry to bump an old thread but I wouldn't mind some extra information on this.

I am loosely considering a 530e but it will be a while before I have a charging point at home. If I am not working from home, the car will either be parked in the office (8km commute - charging points here) or airport (35k commute - think there are options?). Only do about 15k mileage a year too.

If I was to get one, I would be accepting that the battery regularly wouldn't be getting a full charge by being plugged in. Based on the post above, it sounds like you still get the benefit of the hybrid in terms of power but would mainly just lose out on a battery powered commute. One of the major reasons I am considering the car is the increased horsepower but without the associated import costs from the UK that comes with a 530d/i.

Yes the car does its best in all situations to keep battery power in reserve for max hp output when needed. So even if you never plug in, the car will take any opportunity to store power to retain that reserve - it will use engine to charge the battery or will charge from regeneration on braking / coasting etc, all intelligently and seamlessly.
In short, if you don't plug in, you still get 250 hp.
I think its the perfect car if your usage suits it. I would only have one with bmw warranty though.

Prices appear firm though second hand.