ARB

hmmmm, that's actually a very good idea!

LexRX

As long as you can handle the insurance and maintenance cost of the two.

ARB

With the $15k-$18k in savings over buying a new GS430 I think he could easily handle the insurance & maintenance of the two cars .

lexguynj

Everyone up the creek here in NJ has a 3 series. In the past I also wanted a 330i with Sports Package, they look sweet but I realized every one has a 3 series and they all look very similar whether it's a 325 or 330 series. If you want BMW, step up to the next generation coming out soon and go for a 545. I look forward to seeing that. The new E class E500 model also looks sweet.

Now the GS430 is a more unique car and not everyone has that one. Go with the GS430, you'll be happy.

mooretorque

To further confound your thinking, don't forget about the rumored AWD GS4 in the next generation.

Shinchan

I have both.. I know exactly how both car behave. After 3 month of owning the 330i, I start searching Internet on modding my Y2KGS400. I could no longer stand the float feel that Lexus gives.. Hate it.. HATE IT... Nothing compare to the drive feel of the BMW.. at least thats what I thought until I found CL.

Working on modding my Lexus to out handle M5.. two more mods to finish.. I love to drive my GS.. more than BMW. BMW 3 is build for petite people... maybe German miget? hahahaha the rear room is so small... try sit in the back yourself!

Fun Factor? My mod GS4 out handle, out perform than BMW330. Plus, you can have fun mod a BMW. Maybe body kit and rim.. I was talking to a BMW sales last night. (Getting my car fix) German car not not mean for mod... small engine bay.. in 3 series.. almost left no room for anything.. we discuss about Cold Air Intake..and he did not recommand that...( no room to get the cold car.. hahahaha) by the way.. he used to be a manager of a turner shop.. so He know...what can a BMW doooooo....

I have a 21 month toddler.... and let me tell you, sometimes my wife has to set in the back to keep the toddler happy in the long road trip.. can you imagining ur wife spending 8 hour in the back of the BMW?

whitels

I don't know if your friend (former BMW mechanic) is the same person as my cousin. He always tells his wife and relatives not to buy BMW and points them to go buy a Lexus. He works for a Lexus dealership now, some sort of a head mechanic.

tod071

Probably not the same guy. He's now a cop, in Hawaii.

Need For Speed

If I were you, O would g owith the GS430, I have a GS430 and my brother has a 325i stick. Granted the stick shift is fun 2 drive, but as faar as room is concerned, there is none in the back seat whatsoever. If you plan on having a family your going 2 need something more practical, so go w/ the GS430.=-)

omegadoug

I had a 3-series. Great car. The small trunk drove me insane.

I got a GS300, chosen over a 530, for a few reasons, but mainly because there was more cargo space. With a child, a GS is a no-brainer.

Once BMW comes out with a car with a decent trunk, I'll consider them again. Let's face it, the BMWs have got merit.

Doug

Toog4me

why not think about a 540 six speed???

Jimmy_GS430

Please check out this web site :
http://members.roadfly.com/jason/m3engines.htm

Forget about the BMW and go get GS430

Iceman

Yikes! I KNEW there was a reason I didn't even look at BMW this time around for my new car...

lazybrain

and the answer is LEX.

sport and luxury.

Toog4me

I have a question:

The gs400 and 430 have the same times pretty much, only .1 seconds apart... the only diff. is torque... so why do so many people buy the 430??? Is it for exclusitivity??? i bought the 430 cuz it was the right price, cheaper than any 400 i found fully loaded.