BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

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MCST
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Joined: Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:03 pm

BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by MCST »

I have been looking to get rid of my Tesla Model Y. I wanted to replace it with another EV, but I am moving and the new house does not have an EV charger. Adding one will be expensive (a combination of a detached garage, concrete patio, and lack of empty breakers on the main panel).

I am looking at plug-in hybrids, or sedans, but am open to other ideas. Safety is my absolute top priority, and reliability is next. I really don't like Hondas/Toyotas/Hyundai/Kias, so I'm focusing on BMW or Volvo, and possibly Audi.

For the last 15 years, I've driven SUVs or cross-overs, but they they seem like a waste of space. It's usually just me commuting, and sometimes a passenger or two or the dogs.

I've found a few BMW 330e vehicles for a great price, and they seem to be well regarded. Does anyone have experience with this particular model?

I'm also looking at the regular gas 3 series (preferably 2022 or 2023 because I don't like the new refresh), and a small SUV like an X1.

For those who have moved from an SUV to a sedan or small SUV, did you regret it?

Any other vehicles I should look at?
Swansea
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Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2016 4:16 am

Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by Swansea »

Checkout Bimmerfest.org for some feedback on reliability. My two BMWs are 27 and 18 years old, so not helpful in evaluating newer models.
gpburdell
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Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by gpburdell »

MCST wrote: Tue Mar 11, 2025 7:17 am Any other vehicles I should look at?
My brother got a BMW i4 a few months ago and he loves it. I've driven it many times and I like it as well. I will seriously consider an electric for my next car. The i4 is a bigger car than I generally like; I'm currently driving a BMW 2 series. Also, I've never liked Teslas from a quality perspective and they don't feel luxury at all.

Fyi BMW later this year is launching their drastic redesign (Neue Klasse). The first model is a new electric SUV iX3 followed by the new electric i3 sedan. I'd prefer another 2 series but will look at leasing that i3 for a couple years while I wait for a 2 series.

My brother still uses level 1 charging at home and hasn't been an issue for him but he only drives 30-40 miles a day on average.
edge
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Location: NY

Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by edge »

I have a m340i as my daily driver. It has the adjustable suspension and 'ZTK' package (larger brakes, extra oil cooler (not really needed for my driving), larger wheels, and ps4s tires). I prefer this type of car over EV. Has enough power that you would ever need on the road and much better handling and lighter weight than EV. Also gets good gas mileage out of the b58.
HooCares
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Joined: Sat Aug 03, 2024 3:26 pm

Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by HooCares »

Do you drive a lot? I charge my model 3 on a 120/20amp plug that was preexisting in my garage. I can get about 90 miles of range over night.

That said, I would look into the new Audi A5 Sportback that is hatchback but retains the look of a sedan.
Al Dente
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Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by Al Dente »

MCST wrote: Tue Mar 11, 2025 7:17 am
Safety is my absolute top priority, and reliability is next.

I'm also looking at the regular gas 3 series (preferably 2022 or 2023 because I don't like the new refresh), and a small SUV like an X1.
I chose an X3 over a 3 series, mainly for the increased visibility the few inches of height gave me. Safety, for me, is about avoidance vs. crashworthiness.

Looked at the X1/2 briefly but FWD was a no go for me as these are basically a Mini with a BMW body. Solid choice if that doesn't matter to you.

And not sure where you live but the ability to do Performance Center Delivery in South Carolina was a bonus. If you buy new that is.
abracadabra11
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Joined: Sat May 01, 2010 2:09 pm

Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by abracadabra11 »

https://splitvolt.com/

Might be an option if you have a dryer circuit nearby.
robphoto
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Joined: Tue Sep 25, 2018 12:42 pm

Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by robphoto »

I'd recommend to get an actual quote for the charger so you can compare costs-- changing cars is expensive.
fasteddie911
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Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by fasteddie911 »

I went from a SUV to hatchback, no regrets. We often use it to haul our family of 4 no problem. Depends on your cargo and space needs. Driving my wife's Y feels big and bulky in comparison with a terrible turning radius. Can you go back to ICE and/or 2-pedal driving? I know some who can't or won't. Do you need level 2 charging? Wall charging works fine for us. I too suggest the I4. It's a liftback with one pedal driving and seems to be well reviewed and more of a "normal" car.
life_force_prana
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Joined: Wed Jan 31, 2024 2:44 pm

Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by life_force_prana »

Go for it. Of course I am biased as I drive a 430 GC (has lot of cargo space given its a fastback coupe with 5 doors, very fuel efficient, previous gen unlike current gen designs). EV's are appliances to me with no fun/driving real feel. The ultimate driving machine, now that is an experience :sharebeer
MorgansRun
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Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2021 8:07 am

Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by MorgansRun »

I had a '22 BMW 330e and loved it. Phytonic blue over Tacora red. Charging on a regular household plug overnight was all that was needed to fill up the battery for 20-27 miles of range. Only two tanks of gas over 3,000 miles. I shouldn't have gotten rid of it, but voices got in my head that I should get something less expensive, more reliable and cheaper to maintain.

Needless to say, one Mazda CX-5 later, I'm back in a 3 Series, but this time a '22 330i. No issues two years later, but it's still new.

That was an expensive lesson to learn...stick with what you know.
gunny
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Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by gunny »

MCST wrote: Tue Mar 11, 2025 7:17 am I've found a few BMW 330e vehicles for a great price, and they seem to be well regarded. Does anyone have experience with this particular model?
I don't, but I've been researching used cars and BMW tends to score well for reliability FYI. I know you said you didn't like them, but Lexus/Toyota tend to be at the top.
YeahBuddy
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Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2017 12:55 pm

Re: BMW 3 series owners: thoughts on 328i and 330e to replace Tesla Y? Other options?

Post by YeahBuddy »

Since safety is your top pick, I found the following to be some of the safest, per the IIHS and other sources:
Mercedes C Class
Genesis G80
Mercedes E Class
Audi A6
Light weight baby!
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