Hybrid Bimmers

[Kulbiker]

Okay now that I have your attention with the heading......its not what yu thinking. There is no Hybrid bimmers but would you want one? Would you buy a say M3 Hybrid that gives 50 mpg but has 50 hp less or none of the handling? I mean i know none of the Eurocars have come up with Hybrids yet.....but just wanna sounding board regarding what the bimmer drivers think of Hybrids?

[saltshaker185]

i wouldnt buy it... i have faith in bmw that they can make an economical car with out going to electric, some how...

[Hootie]

You might sing a different tune, saltshaker, if gas continues on it's upwards trend. I'm expecting $4/gallon this summer, probably never again dropping below $2.50/gallon unless something drastic happens with the petroleum industry.

If BMW could build a hybrid that drove the same as my current E46, I'd consider buying one. Things I don't want to see in my BMW hybrid:

1) Euro size like Honda and Toyota are releasing.
2) Noticeable loss of power. Keep the HP/Torque to around the 200/200 range.
3) Removal of that fun driving spirit. I like my suspension and handling characteristics.
4) Ethanol optional engines. Ethanol is a waste of energy, literally. Don't waste money on something "trendy".

If they can meet these goals, I'd love to see a Bimmer hybrid.

[Kulbiker]

Well unless those kraut engineers can pull off another motor marvel you have got to assume that a Hybrid Bimmer would have to be smaller, would have to be made of lighter alloy metals (different handling props), the power will have to go (not a whole lot but noticeable to those who care), Ofcourse that famed Bimmer engine will now share space with a gross electronic contraption. So taking all that into account.......why then go for a bimmer...i would prefer to buy the cheaper Toyota or Honda....or would I?...well we never know but with the gas prices I think the euro makers will have to buckle under the demand for a more economical vehicle like the american makers are now doing so under onslaught of the ricer cars.

[drz]

The issue with hybrids is that they are so expensive that making up for it with gas savings takes a while. Furthermore, I am pretty sure BMW wouldn't ever try to market an m3 hybrid. The M division is about power and performance. All their cars are less efficient than non M BMWs. I can see BMW going for one bybrid model in each of a few series, like a hybrid 1,3,5, and x3, maybe. Will it happen? Who knows.

[peterkulesza]

well:

bmw is testing a hybrid, it uses a STEAM !!! engine to help the gas motor. generates steam in a closed circuit form the exhaust heat. more power, less fuel consumption. handling likely unaffectyed, as the system adds weight mid-car.

[Ivan]

Originally Posted by Kulbiker

Okay now that I have your attention with the heading......its not what yu thinking. There is no Hybrid bimmers but would you want one? Would you buy a say M3 Hybrid that gives 50 mpg but has 50 hp less or none of the handling? I mean i know none of the Eurocars have come up with Hybrids yet.....but just wanna sounding board regarding what the bimmer drivers think of Hybrids?

i thought you meant civics and the like that people try to make look like bmws :lol:

[325isBaby]

To hell with hybrids, I feel BMW should continue persuing their hydrogen cars.

[Ivan]

whatever happened to solar powered cars?:lol: :lol: