2019 BMW 330e vs 2018 Mercedes c350e

coil1985

Was looking at a 2018 Mercedes c350e this week but then I just spotted this 2019 BMW 330e below. Seems much better range and I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with the BMW hybrid system?

https://www.carsireland.ie/3375488

joe1303l

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058301355/2019-bmw-330e-vs-2018-mercedes-c350e

530e is a far better car than either of them for similar money, newer models have a slightly bigger battery.

coil1985

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120730141#Comment_120730141

Any you have in mind on market atm?

joe1303l

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120730723#Comment_120730723

Not in particular, a lot of them are UK imports but I’d seek out an Irish car with a full dealer history if possible. Makes life easier if end up having to make a warranty claim at some point. The later models with the 12kWh battery started to appear from mid 2019 and are worth seeking out if still within your budget.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120730141#Comment_120730141

330e interior is fresher and has twice the range of a 5 series, even with the bigger battery.

joe1303l

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120730991#Comment_120730991

Interior is only fresh on the revised model of the 330e but either way it’s a cramped car compared to a 530e available for the same money.

kirving

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058301355/2019-bmw-330e-vs-2018-mercedes-c350e

From personal experience, sell it before it goes out of warranty (or buy extended BMW warranty) is all I'll say.

coil1985

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120734751#Comment_120734751

Because of the car, bmw or this seller?

kirving

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120735252#Comment_120735252

I have no opinion on the seller, but the car is a UK Import, no bad thing in itself, but it does make things harder if you need to make a warranty claim, and checking that the car has a full BMW main dealer service history.

BMW have software locked their battery management controllers, meaning that it's impossible for anyone but BMW to repair them. One of 5 battery modules in my F30 330e will cost €4k to replace. If the remaining 4 modules cannot be balanced to the new cell, it will cost €8k+ to replace all of them at BMW.

It's a rare occurrence admittedly, but it's an expensive risk if it does happen. Once you have A) BMW UK's word that they will honour an Irish warranty, B)full main dealer service history, C) the car has under 100k km, and D) is below 6yo, then you're fine.

coil1985

Just spotted this 330e https://www.carsireland.ie/3377457

Would it be risky with that mileage?

joe1303l

I wouldn’t think so but it would be worth checking if you can get a BMW extended warranty on it for peace of mind. If it’s an ex company car, it’ll likely have done all those miles on petrol.

coil1985

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120738150#Comment_120738150

Is it possible to buy extended warranty where the car might be out of its initial warranty?

joe1303l

I don’t think so but worth a phonecall to a BMW dealer.

Water2626262

Could be fine if mileage doesn’t bother you. how many km will be on it by the time you sell it on though. There probably will be a few things on the horizon at that mileage. Auxiliary battery would go around then on the older ones.

the price of these seem a bit volatile at the moment. You’ve dealers advertising them from low 30s to mid 40s. Seems like you could get a low mileage one at mid 30s now.

coil1985

Might try and get a test drive of this car below at the weekend, are there any things I should look out for.

https://www.carsireland.ie/3318825

Buddy Bubs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120784825#Comment_120784825

Just that the early 530e had a small battery relative to todays phev and even against the 330e 2019 you linked in opening post.

2 years older, much more mileage, older infotainment, smaller battery that has possibly degraded a bit and still 30k for 530e v 35k for the 330e

Granted its a bigger car and the 5 is very hard to beat but a few drawbacks to consider all the same.

Mechanically, I haven't a clue what to look for though

joe1303l

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120784825#Comment_120784825

It could likely be a UK import based on the high registration number. These are complex cars and I’d suggest you get it plugged in and scanned for fault codes before parting with payment in full. High voltage battery would be my primary concern if you intend to use it in electric mode regularly.

kirving

Check out BMW Approved Used too - IMO the warranty is very valuable.

https://approvedused.bmw.ie/vehicle/202305317962872

As an F30 330e owner coming from a W212 E-Class, the F30 is noticeably less refined. The G20 2019 330e is a big step up to bridge the gap in terms of refinement.