Omnivor

I'm gonna assume you already looked at the Infiniti E/F35s and didn't like them? Their styling is very much a hit or miss, but I'd say Infiniti's reliability is somewhere between a Lexus and BMW and they do offer both power and practicality.

cc16ue

iTrader: (1)

yes but the value of their cars drop quicker similar to his dismissal of the A4

albert_23

iTrader: (2)

if u need space, go for BMW, if not go for the 2IS. 2IS has got better reliability. most of my friends have bmw, and they've been going to the dealership every now and then (not long after they got their cars). IS350 gives u the extra power which i really appreciate. it's really nice to have that extra 100hp. as for the navi, i don't know what it's going to be on the 09, but i believe it's not touch screen (which sux a lot). 2IS has one of the best nav i've ever used other than honda/acura. as for the xenons/HID, i agree that BMW has brighter xenon. anyway, test drive them and see which one u like more. good luck on ur purchase!

TwiBlueG35

Actually I don't think 328xi wagon is even big enough for lots of Costco stuff. If your family is the kind who shop once a month and one full cart of products coming out of the store, hehe, I think you better directly get a SUV instead. Look at the all new Subaru Forester, it comes with turbo and has a nice(but not exceptional like Lexus's) interior. And not every one has one like IS and 3-series lol. But sure it lacks the prestige feel. I found a black one very attractive. I don't know if it could come with HIDs or not though. But if handling is very very important for you, then 328xi should be a great choice. 3-series is comfortable in my opinion, an exceptional sports sedan. IS is perfect in every department except the rear seat room. Currently you could get a super great deal(at or below invoice for IS250 and a few grands off IS350) especially when 09 is coming out soon, so great time to get a leftover 08, not much change between 08 and 09.

huddleston

iTrader: (3)

get the IS..... bmw generally have higher maintanence costs as they age. keep in mind that lexus is tops for quality and longevity.

FKL

The BMW is a better driving car. It'll feel more poised at high speeds, it's steering is weighted much better, there is more feedback, it handles better, etc. BMW puts their money where their mouth is when they tout their cars as the "ultimate driving machine" - They are some of the best driving vehicles on the road. There is a reason they are benchmarked by every other auto maker for driving dynamics, even their German foes Mercedes and Audi.
Their interiors however, especially on the 3-series 328 models, look drab, dark and boring.

Personally I would say go look at a Passat 2.0T or 3.6 VR6 wagon. They hold their value extremely well and are just as well made as the 3-Series or IS (I'd even argue better). They are fast to boot. The 2.0T reaches 60 in 7 seconds flat, WITH the 6-Speed Tiptronic automatic, the 3.6 can do it in nearly 5.8 seconds. It may not handle as well as the smaller cars you're considering, but the luxury quotient is certainly fufilled. There is a 500watt Dynaudio stereo, navigation, an electronic parking brake, hill hold, rain sensing wipers, umbrella holders in the doors, automatic rear liftgate, rear window sunshade (in addition to pull up sunshades for the rear windows), dynamic and auto leveling bi-Xenons, FULL LED tail lights, etc, etc. The best part is, the car tops at about $38K, and that's WITH 4-motion. This car, especially in it's top trim levels, is more reminiscent of an Audi than a regular VW. The exterior and interior fit and finish are in GS/E-clas territory. It's funny to think this car actually competes with the Honda Accord.

Read this review:

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Vo...oad-test/1952/

It would be foolish not to look at this car, especially for the needs you list. It has a nice blend of high-end luxury features, impeccable VW/Audi build quality, and a price that seems like a relative bargain compared to other, smaller sedans/wagons in it's class. There is nothing "skimpy" or "cheap" about this car, in any way. Go look for yourself. The interior alone is a step above the 328 and IS250.