The Mother of all 335i vs IS350 threads (please read 1st post in thread!)
06-11-07 | 02:51 PM
#721
Personally the only cars i like from BMW is the 6 Series and the M's (not so much the new M3), i know these may not be in your budget but since they are not i would definitely go with Lexus. The IS makes more of a statement and the interior is far more awesome and welcoming than the 3 series. I haven't drove an 3 but the IS350 is pretty powerful, from reading the reviews the 3 series is more powerful but I say you would have to drive both and see for yousrelf. The styling of the IS is also a plus, if you look at BMW, they struggle with the design of the rear of the 3, but that's my opinion. All i can say is if you go with the 350 you wont be disappointed, im not! get what you want everyone's different youll be the one driving the car! the convertible 3 does look nice though!
06-11-07 | 04:41 PM
#722
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
If superior handling and decent looks are your priority, go with the 3 series. If you value your money, enjoy electronic gadgets, and like to keep your car out of the shop, then go with the Lexus. This is ultimately what it boils down to.
The Lexus is not far behind in terms of handling, and the gadgets/interior push it over the top. BMW's interior is very outdated.
Aside from that, if you plan to purchase the car instead of lease, consider the fact that you will getter a better deal on the Lexus, and also consider that the MSRP for a similarly equipped 335i will run you $5K extra.
Is the superior handling worth the extra $5K+, in addition to the unreliability?
The Lexus is not far behind in terms of handling, and the gadgets/interior push it over the top. BMW's interior is very outdated.
Aside from that, if you plan to purchase the car instead of lease, consider the fact that you will getter a better deal on the Lexus, and also consider that the MSRP for a similarly equipped 335i will run you $5K extra.
Is the superior handling worth the extra $5K+, in addition to the unreliability?
06-11-07 | 05:03 PM
#723
Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: ca
These are sport-luxury cars. They don't fully belong in either category but are good hybrids of the two. If you value sport more, go BMW. If you value luxury more, go Lexus. Above all else, go look at them on the lot, sit in them, play with their gadgets and test drive them!
One final note, if you're like me and the "sport" you enjoy is just driving fast light to light on occassion rather than flying around corners and pushing the limits, then the BMW really isn't any sportier (Manual T option aside). Sure it's a few ticks faster, but nothing really noticeable unless you're racing to 130. Plus, the Lexus will be more reliable.
One final note, if you're like me and the "sport" you enjoy is just driving fast light to light on occassion rather than flying around corners and pushing the limits, then the BMW really isn't any sportier (Manual T option aside). Sure it's a few ticks faster, but nothing really noticeable unless you're racing to 130. Plus, the Lexus will be more reliable.
06-11-07 | 05:15 PM
#724
06-11-07 | 06:06 PM
#727
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 11,030
Likes: 7
From: Windward, Oahu
Well... i coulda bought either a 335i or is350 but since it was my hard earned money, the choice was obvious, Lexus. I've been a shade tree mechanic since i started making 75+mph puch mopeds when i was 14 *no big bore kits back then*. If its not my money i'll tell you get the 335i, its a hella fun car.
As a mechanic thou, i'll tell you get the car all mechanics get, a camry, i just went a couple steps up for the is350
As a mechanic thou, i'll tell you get the car all mechanics get, a camry, i just went a couple steps up for the is350
Last edited by llamaboiz; 06-11-07 at 07:07 PM.
06-11-07 | 08:13 PM
#728
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: canada
guys, i went to the bmw dealer today, and boy was i amazed by the 335i engine :| (i test drove the 335i sedan, as the coupe wasn't available). anyways, i also test drove a is350 about 5 days ago, and i was also amazed by how luxury the car is. anyways, my previous car was the amg slk32, and it made me realize i don't need 349 hp for everyday driving. so i'm actually looking for more of a luxury, yet sporty(not slow) sedan/coupe!
06-11-07 | 08:21 PM
#731
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 319
Likes: 1
From: NJ
06-11-07 | 08:24 PM
#732
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 1
From: CA
335i IMO. I've beaten this subject to death though, so I'll mostly just show pictures. For me, the 335i is a much more fun car to drive.
Couple of important questions - Does rear legroom matter much? Do you absolutely need a fold down rear seat? If so, the BMW is the right choice for you. The BMW turbo motor is also much more responsive to mods. The other factors are mostly subjective.
06-11-07 | 08:36 PM
#734
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,378
Likes: 1
From: CA
06-11-07 | 08:49 PM
#735
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: ga
Personally the only cars i like from BMW is the 6 Series and the M's (not so much the new M3), i know these may not be in your budget but since they are not i would definitely go with Lexus. The IS makes more of a statement and the interior is far more awesome and welcoming than the 3 series. I haven't drove an 3 but the IS350 is pretty powerful, from reading the reviews the 3 series is more powerful but I say you would have to drive both and see for yousrelf. The styling of the IS is also a plus, if you look at BMW, they struggle with the design of the rear of the 3, but that's my opinion. All i can say is if you go with the 350 you wont be disappointed, im not! get what you want everyone's different youll be the one driving the car! the convertible 3 does look nice though!