We look into the possibility of buying a used unit today
In August 2016 BMW Malaysia launched this latest version of the popular 3 Series with the order books filling up as fast as their factory could assemble them.
Take note that this was a high specification BMW 3 Series and its retail price at the time (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Group Malaysia’s 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Program and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) ‘should’ have been RM368,800.00 ‘Before Government Approved Hybrid Incentive’, however with the ‘Government Approved Hybrid Incentive’ included which was a cool RM120,000.00 tax incentive (discount), the final showroom selling price was just RM248,800.00.
Plug-In Hybrid
The 330e, being a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), came with an electric motor which added 87hp and 250Nm of torque to the petrol engine’s 184hp and 290Nm of torque. The same award winning engine and gearbox of the 320i made a return. BMW also included in larger 18″ tyres with Pirelli Cinturato P7 run-flat tyres in place of the Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres, but this advantage was offset slightly by the weight of the batteries and motor, which added about 200kg to the whole package.
BMW 330e 2016 Model Specifications
Engine: Inline 4 cylinder, twin-scroll turbocharger, electric motor
Capacity: 1998cc, 5700kWh
Gearbox: 8-speed ZF Automatic
Max power: 184bhp @ 5000rpm +87hp
Max torque: 290Nm @ 1350rpm + 250Nm
0-100 km/h: 6.1 secs
Top Speed: 225km/h
Selling Price in 2016: RM248,800.
On Sale
Today you see many owners enjoying the drive dynamics and also the luxury appointed cabin of this BMW 330e. However, there are some who have decided to sell their 330e PHEV and this is why we are looking at its used value today. Scanning the classifieds, we found dozens for sale and the asking prices are quite inviting.
Used Value
A 2018 unit (2-year-old) still under manufacturers warranty and with full dealer history available was asking just RM125,888 which gives it a huge 50 percent depreciation in just 2 years. There was another low mileage unit asking for RM123,000 with just 65,000 mileage on it. With warranty still running you can ask for a hybrid battery health check report and you will find the interior still in good condition with no melted plastics, broken bits and little drivers side wear (to confirm the low mileage).
Ownership of any plug-in hybrid comes with the replacement battery costs after the manufacturers warranty ends and this is why used hybrid values are low.
Latest Version
In October 2020, the latest BMW 330e PHEV was launched and its selling price had moved up a little to RM268.800. The classic kidney grille was now notably larger and wider. Its twin headlights were fully LED-equipped and boasted Bi-LED technology.
A 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, the most powerful of its kind was fitted generating a top speed of 250km/h. Its output was 258hp with a peak torque of 400Nm from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm. It accelerated from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.8 second and it consumed 6.4 litre of fuel for every 100km.
Owners can look forward to a lighter, more rigid vehicle as the total weight has been reduced by 25 kilograms (kerb weight of 1,545kg), which can be accredited to its intelligent lightweight construction. With a drag coefficient of 0.23, the vehicle boasts best-in-class aerodynamics. The rigidity levels of the body structure and suspension attachment have been greatly enhanced as well, with a 50:50 axle load distribution and a low center of gravity.
The appearance of the All-New BMW 3 Series exudes strength and athleticism while still maintaining an air of elegance in its precise lines and taut surfaces. It is 76mm longer (4,709mm), 16mm wider (1,827mm) and just 6mm taller (1,435mm) than its predecessor, improving the comfort of passengers in the rear seat. The wheelbase is also longer by 41mm (2,851mm). In about 2 years from now, this car will be in the used car lot at about RM130,000 or so which will be the perfect time to buy it.
Decision Time
It is clear that buying a slightly used 330e hybrid makes economical sense if you want to enjoy the 3 Series experience and PHEV torque delivery for about 2 years. Yes, before the car reaches its 5th year you need to sell it and take a possible RM50,000 depreciation. Yes, the possible loss for the next two years will be about RM25,000 or so a year which is about RM2,083 loss a month. Better than the RM120,000 loss that the first owner took (which is about RM5,000 a month).
