RM 95k buys you a used F30 BMW 330e; here's what to look out for

Depreciation can be a wonderful thing (unless you’re taking the hit of course), what was once beyond means for some is now within reach, like the F30 BMW 330e.

If you’ve searched for one in the used-car market recently, you would’ve found out that a few early units have dipped below the RM 100k mark.

Bear in mind that the F30 BMW 330e was introduced in Malaysia in August 2016, priced at RM 248k, which means the 330e has lost more than 60 percent of its value in less than 6 years.

This is undeniably an effect of the hybrid stigma amongst Malaysian buyers. It’s not without reasons though, phrases like “Poor resale value” and “Battery replacement cost” get thrown around a lot but now you could be a beneficiary of said resale value.

How much is a used F30 BMW 330e going for now?

At the time of writing, early ones from 2016 are averaging around RM 100k to RM 110k. Later models – specifically M Sport variants – from 2017 onwards are hovering in the RM 120k to RM 130k region.

How many variants are there and which should I aim for?

At launch in August 2016, the F30 BMW 330e was available with only the Sport Line trim, priced at RM 248,800. About six months later in February 2017, the BMW 330e M Sport joined the range and went for RM 258,800.

The RM 10k premium netted buyers the more aggressive-looking M Sport exterior kit, lowered and stiffened M Sport suspension (non-adaptive), and M Sport wheels. Inside, the 330e M Sport gets the M leather steering wheel, dark-coloured headliner, and blue highlights on the trim panels. And that’s about it.

Equipment wise they are identical with LED headlights, sunroof, rear-view camera, head-up display, 8.8-inch infotainment display, and a 205-watt 9-speaker HiFi sound system.

Both are powered by the same B48 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, supplemented by an electric motor that replaces the torque converter and produces a combined output of 252 PS/420 Nm. An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission sends power exclusively to the rear wheels.

The BMW 330e has a 7.6 kWh battery sitting on the boot floor, which has a claimed all-electric range of around 35 km. Though realistically, you’re looking at just over 20 km in real-world conditions.

Choosing between the Sport Line and M Sport variant will depend on budget and personal preferences. Seeing that the differences are mostly cosmetic, we would put more emphasis on the condition of the unit itself. But you probably like how the M Sport looks, don’t you?

I’m more worried about the BMW 330e’s battery replacement cost

A full replacement for the BMW 330e’s high-voltage battery pack with 5 cell modules will cost you RM 25,000. But the good news is that the modules can be replaced individually and if only one is needed to be replaced, you can opt to change the faulty cell module which costs RM 5,000.

I’ve also heard complaints from BMW 330e owners

As with any car owner’s group, it’s likely to be filled with complaints because the happy ones usually keep quiet. But it is true that the BMW 330e or plug-in hybrids (PHEV) in general are more sensitive to usage behaviours.

Being a PHEV, the lithium-ion battery prefers a certain State of Charge (SoC) range and extreme ends (less than 10 percent or above 90 percent) put stress on the batteries that may lead to instability. Keeping the battery at low SoC or unused for extended periods is just asking for trouble. Frequent charging is key here.

But what are the common problems for the BMW 330e?

We’ve consulted Munich Precision, an independent workshop that specializes in BMW and Mercedes-Benz, for their expertise in dealing with PHEVs in particular. For context, Munich Precision owns a BMW 330e that serves company duties.

Speaking to Owen Riley, Managing Director at Munich Precision, he says the workshop is fully-equipped to deal with the complex hybrid systems and has a ‘Level 4’ certified technician to work on the potentially hazardous high-voltage systems and components. 

Riley says there are only about five 'Level 4' certified technicians in Malaysia, one of them is employed by Munich Precision while others are in the BMW dealership network. He added that they are likely the only independent workshop with a qualified technician to tackle the high-voltage systems.

But back to the problems, Riley says there isn’t really any common problem specific to the F30 BMW 330e. But there are F30 issues like the wheel speed sensor, which Riley says fails quite often.

If there is a wheel speed sensor failure, the system will prompt a “Driving stabilisation” warning and likely the tyre pressure warning as well. With a faulty wheel speed sensor, driving aids like ABS, stability and traction control systems will not be able to function properly. A replacement would cost around RM 300.

As mentioned in an earlier article, steering rack rattle is a common complaint amongst F30 owners. Replacing it with a new part will cost you close to five-figure, but independent workshops are able to refurbish it for as low as RM 1,300. 

Since the F30 330e is a facelifted model, it uses the newer B48 engine and avoids the common oil leak issue in the older N20 engines.

Also read: F30 BMW 3 Series: Still the best 3, tips to buy good used ones for RM 100k

Owners have also reported low coolant level notification, likely due to the plastic hose that goes from the expansion tank to the radiator becoming brittle. A replacement would cost around RM 200. 

What about the BMW 330e’s maintenance cost?

It’s just like any other F30 model, with the usual fluids and filter changes plus other wear and tear items. At Munich Precision, a normal service (engine oil and oil filter change) will set you back RM 536 while a major service (with spark plugs, various filters, etc.) costs around RM 1,300.

A genuine replacement part for the front brake pads will cost RM 770 while the rears cost RM 642, labour included. Should you opt to replace the front brake pads and rotors in one go, we were told that they can do it for under RM 2,000.

But since the 330e is a PHEV, there’s less wear on the brakes as it uses regenerative braking to slow the car down. Riley says he’s seen an example with 100,000 km on the clock that’s still using the factory brake pads.

While BMW says its automatic transmission fluid lasts the lifetime of the car, Riley highly recommends that it is replaced when the car hits around 80,000 km. Any longer and it will risk complications when fresh fluid enters due to the drastic change in viscosity. The rear differential fluid should be replaced as well.

Also read: Are "lifetime" transmission fluids a SCAM?

And of course, the infamous sticky door handles on F30s. The trims on the inner door handle don’t age well in our weather. Replacing all four inner door handle is easy and costs about RM 250 for each door.

Anything else I should know?

In 2020, there was a warranty programme in which existing BMW PHEV customers were able to extend the hybrid battery warranty to 8-year/160,000 km. If the previous owner had purchased the extension, it would be a plus point for the new owner as hybrid-battery-related issues will be covered by official warranty.

Also read: BMW Malaysia upgrades hybrid battery warranty to 8-year/160k km, also available for existing owners

Don't forget the charging cables. The 3-pin domestic socket A/C charger comes with the car, but many units were sold with an A/C charger (thick blue cable ones) bundled for free.

Lastly, beware of units with tampered mileage, have been tuned/remapped, been in a flood or an accident. A full service history will reveal if the mileage has been tampered and would another plus point.

If you’re looking at a unit and you’re not certain, Munich Precision does provide an inspection service at RM 192 for an overall health check.

Conclusion

The stigma around hybrids isn’t entirely unjustified; they are more sensitive to usage behaviour and if any hybrid-related component does go wrong (like the battery pack, inverter, or AC compressor), it’s going to cost a significant sum.

If you’re stretching your budget to get a used F30 BMW 330e, then it’s probably not a good idea. But if you’re well within your means, you’d be getting the F30 BMW 330e at a much-reduced price.

Look at it this way, a used F30 BMW 330i is averaging around RM 160k right now and for RM 40k less, you’re getting a slightly better-equipped (330i doesn’t even have rear-view camera) and an equally powerful variant.

RM 40k is more than sufficient to change the entire battery pack of the 330e, plus some leftover for wear and tear parts. Not too bad of a deal, right?

Munich Precision is located at Lot 9, Jalan 51A/241, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Contact details can be found here.