Hameed

I just came across this thread and several BMW owners said a lot of positive things about the new IS. Some even compared it to the 530 - http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=15596&st=0

Kudos to the maturity of the Bimmer owners!

plex

iTrader: (11)

Good comments overall a little bit of bashing in there though

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

both cars are nice.

STIG

I like how he said " what if there's no cornors" lol. That was a good one.

Payam

It seemed like those guys were getting scarred of the IS.

Chi-town

BWM's are so overrepresented...everyone has one. I do admit, "they" are fun around "cornors"; however, the honeymoon is over after the warranty expires. Around here 3 Series are as common as Hondas; most Beemers are leased. And if memory serves me correct, only 20 percent of 3 Series come in Manual, the true "enthusiasts" weapon of choice.

No offense to BMW owners, but, to me BMW owners come off sounding like snobs...I can't stand that; I would pass on the roundel based on my current sampling of owners sheer snobbery alone.

Give me something fun and (here's the kicker) "reliable" that I can use on a daily basis and in return I will give loyalty. Kudos to Lexus!

**Disclaimer: I used to own a late 90's 5 Series.

spwolf

p.s. did anyone try to take a corner in IS350?

:-)

For some reason BMW owners think their cars are the only ones that can corner... Now, saying that to an Mustang owner sounds ok, but to IS350? Funny.

STIG

that's funny.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Ahhh, Gene's daily search for 'BMW' on CL

Gene, you got facts on tap to back up that they're wrong Seems to be the same issue if you don't (and you usually do but not in this case... yet )

spwolf

it doesnt really matter what the % is, since we are talking about actual owners. For example, we could say that in 2004, over 70% of 3 series were sold with 2.5l engine (fact). That certainly shows what kind of drivers bought those 184hp ultimate drives, but it really doesnt matter if you are talking to the M3 owner does it?

But in general, % of people buying 325's show that most people buy it because of brand, not performance. And no, anyone worried about performance would spend k more for 330i. Again, it is really not important, until an BMW owners tries to convince you that he is ultimate.

Gojirra99

A local BMW sales manager told me that LESS than 20 % of the 3 series are manuals, that's why you usually have to custom order them here. Their dealership only order automatics for their inventory since the vast majority of what they sold are auto's.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

I know about that resale link, you've posted it several times before but that's not what you were questioning about leasing... and doesn't address the stick vs auto question you posted about either.

Just saying it isn't fair to keep calling out the BMW posts in fact-checker-mode unless you're prepared to search the details to back up the discrepancies you may find

You know we like to keep it fair, balanced and detailed; but if there is a bias here it will obviously be towards Lexus vehicles and their owners. If anyone cares to dispute what they say thats fine, just bring the facts please rather than the accusations

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Nah, IMO we need manufacturers details... forums are a very different enthusiast population vs the mainstream and polls can be skewed and voted on by anyone (even non-owners). Or even polled about MT's that don't exist

61% of GS owners would like manual transmissions

69% prefer a manual IS350 over an AWD IS350

Apples to oranges of course, but my point is that forum polls aren't exactly scientific or representative of reality.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Right, it was his memory / recollection as the reference. Just asking that maybe a little less challenging approach be taken OR bring the details that prove otherwise yourself.

Members should be welcome to post about what they heard about another brand without being challenged to do the research to 'prove it'.

Let's take this offline if you want to discuss further.

mkaresh

Not necessarily. A 325 buyer might simply be more interested in handling, not acceleration. In some ways I personally prefer a less powerful engine with a stick, as there is then more opportunity to work the powertrain at somewhat legal speeds. Alas, the IS 250 is an exception, in part because its stick doesn't feel particularly good.