plex

iTrader: (11)

Good Point I was at a dyno session and saw a lot of dissapointed IS350 owners who weren't happy with their 25X-26X numbers, but I will admit those torque curves were very beautiful. Me personally would take the 335i because of modding possibilities and I like coupes over sedans. I can't wait to see someone do a single conversion on the 335i. The IS350 will need FI to keep up.

Koz

Everyone uses the numbers they like; the fact is the IS350 is as quick (or quicker) then the auto 335. The fact is the IS350 has gotten much better handling numbers with the VSC turned off. The BMW does give you more handling feedback but the actual handling difference is very close. I play with every car that wants to play (on the street) and I have played with several new 3 series (no 335 yet) and none have been able to get by me (except when approaching traffic). I find that the 3 series (other then the 335) are struggling to keep up. I guess I'm getting little tired of hearing/reading about how much better they are over the IS350, when I spank them at every meeting.

Koz

IS_Mine

I don't guess people understand that top end the BMW will PULL away from you. Red light to red light the IS out accelerates alot of things on the road and that is thanks to your gearing. Most factory cars unless dragsters such as the camaro do not come with 4.10 gearing. We did the math.. our IS350 has as much potential power as a Camaro SS with 3.73 gears until you pass your final drive ratio. Maybe someone can call the BS on our math but I know the Camaro SS (2001 Model) is over the 300HP range at the wheels. Off the line I kill my friend simply because he can't get traction.. on slicks its relatively close until he hits midway into 3rd.

This is an automatic SS too.

Xanadu350

I think the more important issue here is the 335i is having some major problems with the fuel pump dying and putting the car into limp mode. But worst yet is the dealer don't have the part to fix it, read any BMW forum and numerous folks with 335 turbos have had fuel pumps breaking, no not just 1 or 2 or 10 or 20 but alot of folks so it's become a larger problem, some new owners have been out of commision for weeks and weeks still waiting. How fun is that, then worst yet is the dealers won't tell the customers if the same defective fuel pump is being put right back on only to break again down the road. Some owners are afraid to drive far away in there new 335i.

I'm getting close to my pre-order for my IS350 so I am praying I won't have any engine issues on the IS350.

OC 335d

BMW has already done it without twin turbos in the E46 M3. There's different ways to achieve power, one shouldn't knock BMW for using bi-turbo. In fact, the car is much more moddable, similar to how the previous Audis were.

OC 335d

You're right about everything except resale and styling is subjective. Resale on 3 series are GREAT.

For me I like both cars and drive an IS250 every weekend. The 335i was the car better suited for me though. I prefer the driving dynamics, the interior IMO isn't as bad in person, and looks of the 335i (Coupe). The IS350 does not offer a fold-down backseat (I snowboard and do not want a roof rack), stick (for those who want it), real time traffic with Nav (Lexus may have a touchscreen but it is crippled and you need to open it up on 07s), the 335i is more responsive to mods being turbo, and there is more legroom. Oh yeah, and there's no coupe available.

While magazine figures show handling to be close, I do not feel the same when driving the 2 cars. The IS does inspire me to push the car. I drove both the IS250 and IS350 (twice) at the Taste of Lexus and honestly did not like the way the car handled. It was a very comfortable car however.

I don't see what the big fuss is with I-Drive. For me it's easy to use and recent program changes have made it much faster than what it used to be. Plus there are programmable buttons now in March Production models.

Of course I am more confident in the reliability with Lexus but hey that's what extended maintenance/warranty are for. I'm not even sure I'll keep this car long term anyways (I generally don't).

RobbieR

And overpriced for what you get. And don't get (oil dipstick, temperature gauge and lack of a spare tire). Those are big negatives there.

OC 335d

I paid $44,xxx on my BMW 335i.

Premium Package
Sport Package
Comfort Access
Steptronic
Paddles
Heated Seats
Navigation
Logic 7 (standard)

I did go the European Delivery route.

Overpriced is relative to how much you make. A G35 owner can call the IS overpriced as well. Which temperature gauge are you referring to? The spare yes, I'd rather have a spare since I will be running aftermarket wheels/tires but for most users the run-flats will be fine.

y2ks2k

The 335 might beat you around the track for the first few laps but when it over heats and shuts down like they do, you'll take em quick. AKA I’d give BMW a few generations of turbo use before I bought one.

That being said, if I wanted a turbo and driving dynamics that is really the only offering of a 335, Id have kept my stock Sti and spanked on the “driving dynamics” of the 335 with the stick 12.9 quarter.

OC 335d

There's a local member that races his 335i and an instructor that does as well. Doesn't overheat.

That's fine but that's a rather absurd comparison. Did you pick the STI over the S2000 simply due to "spanking on the driving dynamics of the S2000 with the stick 12.9 quarter."

There's nothing wrong with either car, they are just cars engineered for different people. I don't understand why some people can't appreciate one without bashing the other.

al503

Actually, you are mistaken. According to KBB, the 335 will lose about 46.3% of it's value in 5 years. The IS will lose 42.1% of it's value.

Resale value on a 3 may be great but the resale on the IS is greaterer.

OC 335d

Hehe. Both are good. I've seen figures were BMW is ahead and I've seen figures where they are behind. I'd expect it from a Japanese car though.

For example:
http://www.vehix.com/(A(XOsrM0-vxwEk...ookieSupport=1

http://www.bmwcca.org/node/6203

For example:
Kelley Blue Book named the 2007 BMW 5 Series the winner of the Luxury Vehicle category in the Kelley Blue Book 2007 “Best Resale Value Awards” and the 2007 5 Series an “Overall Top 10” leader in projected resale value.*

al503

It's all good, friend. BMW's have very good resale, for not being Japanese

OC 335d

p.s. Wifey drives IS250, I drive a 335i.

y2ks2k

Its absurd to compare an Sti 4 door sedan to a BWM 4 door sedan? In fact those 2 cars target the exact same audience. Clearly people not interested in interiors and quality and such... but more so driving dynamics.. and damn the Sti wins that hands down.