lexus is vs. bmw 3 series coupe
02-08-11, 09:33 PM
#17
Before I bought my IS250AWD, I test drove some 3-series xi. The leather of the BMW was beautiful. The interior was overall nice, but I didn't like the dash. Even though the BMW didn't have Navi and the IS I bought did, I just couldn't stand the way everything was laid out in the BMW. Performance was nice. But I felt the steering in the IS was a bit more firm. With 5+ year old cars, I think the more important factor is the price and condition of the particular car you have. BMWs can have "a lot" of issues as a brand. But what if the previous owner took very good care of it, only drove it on the weekends at the speed limit, while the IS owner never changed the oil?
02-08-11, 09:40 PM
#19
heres another, "Big Money Wasted"
id get the 335 over an is250 but for now, the is350 over any BMW.... costly repairs are a killer. i own a mercedes and it has its problems, so far, nothing too big. *knock on wood*
id get the 335 over an is250 but for now, the is350 over any BMW.... costly repairs are a killer. i own a mercedes and it has its problems, so far, nothing too big. *knock on wood*
02-08-11, 09:48 PM
#20
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Great driving experience as mentioned by others... but reliability after the warranty period
02-08-11, 09:52 PM
#21
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I went from several euro cars to Lexus and haven't looked back. my latest was a A4 Quattro and had nothing but problems with it. i'm assuming BMW's are the same way being that they are both built for the driving experience like others have stated before. Although fun to drive, it doesn't outweight the cost of repairs IMO
02-08-11, 09:56 PM
#22
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Stay with the Lex
02-08-11, 10:58 PM
#23
I really like the 335, not just its potential with a tune and aftermarket parts, but it's a nice feeling sitting driver side. I'll agree with willfxp- I really wasn't fond of the dash or how the center cluster was built. But it is a great ride. That being said, it will be out of warranty if you decide to get it. If that's not a problem for you, then I'd say go with it. Othewise, the Lexus for long term reliability and less hassle to deal with when it comes to unforeseeable maintenance. Best of luck either way!
02-09-11, 10:02 AM
#26
02-09-11, 11:45 AM
#27
^^^
No doubt... just make sure you don't say that you're looking at an '06 335. They'll eat that up, as a previous poster did accurately state that the 335 wasn't on the product line until MY2007. Prior to that, the 2006 4-dr 330i was a pretty much identical-looking sibling to it's 2007 version, except for the twin exhaust on the left side vs. dual single pipes on each side. I actually pondered buying the 335 (or possibly a low mileage 330) prior to getting my IS350 - because I LOVED the smoothness of my IS300's inline 3.0 6-cyl. Still, I am now glad that I did what I di and have ZERO regrets!!
My vote is to go with the '06 IS350, but obviously I'm biased!
No doubt... just make sure you don't say that you're looking at an '06 335. They'll eat that up, as a previous poster did accurately state that the 335 wasn't on the product line until MY2007. Prior to that, the 2006 4-dr 330i was a pretty much identical-looking sibling to it's 2007 version, except for the twin exhaust on the left side vs. dual single pipes on each side. I actually pondered buying the 335 (or possibly a low mileage 330) prior to getting my IS350 - because I LOVED the smoothness of my IS300's inline 3.0 6-cyl. Still, I am now glad that I did what I di and have ZERO regrets!!
My vote is to go with the '06 IS350, but obviously I'm biased!
02-09-11, 12:57 PM
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man i was in the same boat as you a couple years ago. i decided to get the is to save some money and you see less of them where i live compared to the 3 series. my friend has a 3 and it is constantly in the shop. He is looking into getting a new because of the repairs
02-09-11, 01:13 PM
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If the car is CPO I would not worry about anything you would have a 6 year/100k warranty.
335i>ISXXX all day everyday. No comparsion. The N54 turbo engine is pretty reliable the only problem is the HPFP and you are covered 10 years/120k for that. The amount of tuning options for the N54 are overwhelming. From stock the 335i>ISXXX if you chip the engine then it will >M3/M5/ISF. Driving experience is like apples to oranges when comparing a BMW to a Lexus.
Reliability is not bad for BMW its just earned a bad rep from people that just speak negative of german cars. I own 2 Lexus and 2 BMW and my BMW are more reliable then my Lexus and cost far less to maintain. The key is if you go to the dealership to get your out of warranty car serviced then you will pay big time. Find a small indy shop and you will be set. Things such as oil you can do yourself for a fraction of what the dealer charges.
335i>ISXXX all day everyday. No comparsion. The N54 turbo engine is pretty reliable the only problem is the HPFP and you are covered 10 years/120k for that. The amount of tuning options for the N54 are overwhelming. From stock the 335i>ISXXX if you chip the engine then it will >M3/M5/ISF. Driving experience is like apples to oranges when comparing a BMW to a Lexus.
Reliability is not bad for BMW its just earned a bad rep from people that just speak negative of german cars. I own 2 Lexus and 2 BMW and my BMW are more reliable then my Lexus and cost far less to maintain. The key is if you go to the dealership to get your out of warranty car serviced then you will pay big time. Find a small indy shop and you will be set. Things such as oil you can do yourself for a fraction of what the dealer charges.