IXLRS

I’ll be ordering a new IS 350 soon. I’m willing to wait for whichever options I choose. Most of my driving is in the city with below average to average quality roads. I love the way the 330i Sport handles. I can go either way re: aluminum trim vs wood. To me this is not as important as suspension choice. I test drove a silver/blk sport/navi/ML yesterday and was very impressed. I’m going to drive stock soon.

I’m not as experienced as others on this so I would appreciate your comments to help me to decide which way to go.

Given your experience would you recommend the sport or standard suspension?

I’ve heard mixed reports on the sport suspension. Some say it’s harsher then the 330i Sport and is a track oriented suspension. Others mention the sport suspension “loads” up (not sure what that means) when the roads get real bad. For an everyday driver the sport suspension is “punishing”.

Folks that have the sport suspension have mentioned it handles better than the stock and the difference between the two is significant. The sport has less body roll and feels tighter around the corners.

Comments anyone?

My ears are still ringing!!!

mcfly

It all depends what you're used to driving. Getting out of my S2000 and into an IS350 with the sport pkg, the suspension feels nice and controlled and not the least bit harsh.

But if you're used to driving a big Merc or BMW, you might have complaints. The IS350 sport suspension is a far cry from "track ready".

IXLRS

Thanks, right now I'm driving an 04 TL with summer tires/navi 6 speed. Others?

upbull340

I think this is going to be difficult to answer.

Some will say the sport is not enough and they got the lux pacakge with the intent of adding aftermarket parts. Probably makes the most sense for those that want a significant drop and more control over their suspension and ride.

Some coming from a sedan will find the ride is just right without the sports package. And the 1/2 inch drop to them is not important. I considered the sport and decided I was better off with the luxury package as I wanted the wood (had the alum look in the TT & S60R). Wanted the 1/2 drop but after seeing it felt it wasn't a big deal for me.

If the difference in lateral acceleration (g force) was significant from one to the other maybe I'd change my mind but this is more a luxury car with a little sport than a sports car with luxury in my opinion.

I don't think anyone can completely answer your question. Drive both over and over again if you can before you make up your mind.

edman688

Hell Yeah Go Seahawks!!!! Pittsburgh's Gonna Lose!!!

ianneub

Ive been driving my IS350 w/sport for about a month now and for me, its a bit rough. Rougher than I thought it would be, and more than I want. On the concrete freeways around here I feel like I'm riding on a horse, its so bumpy. When the road is newly paved though its awesome. Too bad we don't live in Germany!

I'm coming from an '02 IS300 btw.

Tony1

the IS with the sports package is def on the rough riding side, but
it's not really unbearable.. I only regret not getting the luxury package
because of the wood and illuminated door scuffs, rear shade not included
with the sports package.. If you don't mind those things not being there,
and dont mind a bit of a firmer ride, then go with the sports package..

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

what freeway are on the most??? some of the freeway here in socal are just not that good

shaolin

iTrader: (2)

why spend the money when the only different on the suspension is the spring??


i wonder how the tire wear with the sport package suspension....

mcfly

Because you get more or less the same stuff you get with the Luxury Pkg/18" wheels for less money:

Luxury Package w/18-in wheels (RWD only) - $4,215 [2]
Sport Package (RWD only) - $3,695 (Automatic), $3,725 (Manual) [2]

And I, for one, don't want wood trim in my car. I also want a firmer suspension than your avg. Lexus owner probably does. Hence, sport pkg.

upbull340

You make a good point. I live in a state with terrible roads and pot holes in the winter. I felt the 18's with luxury was firm enough for these old bones.

Chi-town

If you didn't get either, what type of suspension comes stock? Is it lux or sport?

mcfly

There is no "Lux" suspension. There's the standard suspension that all the IS cars have... and there's the sport suspension you can only get with the Sport pkg.

ianneub

405 mostly, then the 55 and 91 sometimes. Surface roads in OC mostly suck too, at least where I am.

Tony1

I believe the shocks are firmer in addition to the springs being shorter..