doug_999

Yep, I should have remembered that. It is true BMW charges $ for things that they really shouldn't (like the metallic paint on a $40K car) - but as you point out, they do make a bunch of stuff standard that is really nice (and of coruse is in the base price). I also like the fact that on most of their cars you can get folding rear seats -and I'm fine paying for this as not everyone needs them and they cost more to make/put in. I have yet to use them in my 5 but that one day when I'm at Home Depot and pick up the 8' shelf ... I will be very happy I got them.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I think $40K base for the 335 is a great price. Most of the critics thought the price would start at least $42K so that is 2K cheaper, and only about 2K more than the old E46 I believe. Too bad I can't fford one right now as I'm really liking this car. Well, the good thing is maybe when the 2nd or 3rd year run is out I can afford one again

spwolf

a bit more if you even out equipment...

doug_999

Really? The IS got the ability to play MP3s ?

edit: and a standard sport suspension?

STIG

also WMAs and DVDs.

doug_999

Ok, the unoffical number is either $4,415 or $4.126 (if the 335 comes with cargo net, trunk mat, wheel locks)

Both cars have pluses - the 335 has sport seats, the IS has cooled seats - but apples to apples, that's the price dif.

spwolf

Ok,

so the pricing:
IS350 Base w/AT - 36,030
+ Luxury Package - $3495
+ Nav/ML w/ bluetooth- $3,990
Total- $43515

335i Coupe - 40,600
+ 6 speed AT - $1,275
+ Paddles - $100
+ Power Sunshade - $350
+ Heated Seats - $500
+ Comfort Access - $500
+ Metallic paint - $475
+ Navigation - $2,100
+ Premium PCG - $2450
= $48350

So its more like 5k. Sure cars are very different, but price is also different. Also, sport seats come with sports package/wheels and are $1,000k more. You used to be able to get M3 for that price.

My opinion is that if you like an car, there is no reason not to pay few k extra for it. I do find it funny how heated seats are not part of premium package in BMW, or you still have to pay for "comfort" start and even for paddles.

picus

Every manufacturer has their quirks, why are HIDs an option on the IS? Bottom line is that the two cars (which aren't even really comparable, since one is a sedan and the other a coupe) are about 5k apart base and loaded. When/If Lexus releases an IS350 coupe I am sure it will be 2-3k more than the sedan, which will bring the prices more in line. How they compare outside of price is anyones guess at this point.

foofighter

I think the pricing is to fill the void where the e46 M3 left because we all know that the M3 will move up in price as well.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

damn, now i feel like the is350 fully loaded is cheap..... almost 50k msrp for a car of this size (and being one of the lower models in the bmw lineup), that's an hefty pricetag i have to say....... as nice as the engine and performance would be, not sure how i would justify the price

foofighter

i think like most cars they eventually grow up in size and move up market...the civic is a perfect example although the price of civic is still within people's reach.

maybe this is why BMW is considering bringing in the 1 series over here to fill that void of an entry level sport sedan?

r4z0r3ck

i dont understand y ppl are comparing the premium price on a coupe vs a sedan (335 v IS350). if lexus comes out with an IS coupe then im pretty sure the price difference would be much smaller. But the only option rite now for us Lexus fans is a SC430, and I would definately get a 335i over a SC430.

spwolf

yeah, and engine performance would be about the same as well, since 330i is considerably slower than IS350.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i still remember when the is350 first came out, eveyrone was bashing on the high price tag (including me, thinking it's sooo expensive considering the is300 was nothing more than 35k). but looking at the new 3 series it's really killing me.....

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I think it is simply because many like to find fault with a BMW. The 335 is still a good price considering it didn't go up that much over the E46 Coupe which people thought might happen. The 335 BMW Sedan when it comes out will also be under $40K MRSP. For BMW to build these new cars with that much better an engine and performance and only raise the price a few thousand compared to the old model is pretty good. The Price jump in the IS350 compared to the old IS300 is subtantial. The other fact is not matter how good the Lexus IS350 is, the BMW 3 series is still in a different class than the IS so directly comaring the prices is not easy. In a perfect world where both these cars were equal I as well as many would still pay a slight premium for a BMW 3 over a Lexus IS. The BMW 3 is still king of its class and can demand a higher price. Not so with the 5 series IMHO where I'd probably choose the GS430. But that is just me.