01 bmw 325 vs is350 handling question

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07-21-06, 09:32 AM

#16

ff_

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bichon

This isn't, after all, a video game where mistakes have no consequence.

So true!

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07-21-06, 09:38 AM

#17

Cleric

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bichon

I have to give credit where it is due: the driving dynamics in the BMW are an order of magnitude better. What you heard about the steering is true; it's a bit too light, with too little feedback, and it periodically reacts with some odd sensations mid turn. Driving an IS350 back-to-back with an '06 330i, I felt the BMW was more fun to drive, despite the huge power deficit.

However, the IS is MUCH quicker than your car, is built from more luxurious materials, is FAR more reliable and cheaper to maintain, and is available with some really well executed electronic toys. While styling is subjective, I like the styling of the Lexus much better, both inside and out. In short, the Lexus offered a much more "well rounded" package for the kind of driving that I do.

I also notice this odd sensation in mid turns as well. I only notice it when I am on the highway with moderate turns. It like the resistance felt in the steering wheel changes all of a sudden. It is a bit annoying at times. Luckily it does not happen all the time.

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07-21-06, 10:23 AM

#18

diablo1

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Quote:

Originally Posted by eddo1

Oh, one more thing. The IS350 has horrible blind spots. The 330i was a bit better but not by much and is much worse compared with the 325 and way worse compared to my E36 M3.

I've found that I was able to adjust the mirrors such that there isn't much of a blind spot, however, you have to set the mirrors up in an unintuitive way. Someone else on here posted a link to the "proper" way to configure your mirrors - do it so that there is no overlap between what you see in the center mirror and what you see in the side mirrors. The side mirrors will point much farther away from the car than you are used to, but it is the safest configuration.

I agree that just looking out the windows (front, sides, and rear) will lead to huge blind spots. But I've had pretty good luck when using those massive elephant-ear side mirrors. I definitely use the mirrors more than I have in other cars though (you can thank small rear window, high trunk lid, and huge rear pillars for that).

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07-21-06, 10:41 AM

#19

Maximus350

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My last car was a 2001 330I w/sport package and I can honestly say that it was a better handler than my IS350. Does that make it a better car? I'd say no. However, when I pushed the BMW around curves, it felt far superior and in control over the IS.

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07-21-06, 11:44 AM

#20

Bichon

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Cleric

I've had it happen on back roads, too, always under light to moderate cornering loads, never when pushing hard. The resistance becomes noticably lighter for a brief fraction of a second, and then returns. It doesn't happen very frequently, but when it does it is very disconcerting.

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07-21-06, 11:44 AM

#21

Francis

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I think the handling of IS350 with sport will probably be the same as 01' 325 w/o sport. If I had 01' 325 w/o sport, I would go for IS350 with sport myself. I have 01' 330i and Eibach spring. And I love hard cornering it, it feel great.

99' RX
01' 330ia Eibach spring, 18x8 ASA AR1, Axxis brake pad