smokyis350

iTrader: (21)

Why would you compare a 330i with 220HP? E90 335 did come out in 2007. One year after the IS350.

BMW must be doing something right because they are outselling the IS series nearly 3x. 3 series sedan sold 310k vs 110k for IS series in 2007. BMW sold a total of 555k if you want to include the coupe.

Edit:
From what I remembered in 2008 when I was cross shopping 335 and IS350. I remembered the luxury package with mark levinson as well as the sports package would put it way above a loaded 335. But I may be wrong since it has been nearly 5 years.

vapid2323

IMO BMW has the market for premium sports sedans, Lexus has really only been in that market for a short while. In time Lexus will be able to post numbers like BMW.

Also even when the Lexus might cost more than a BMW in some cases, the cost of ownership still beats out the savings you might get with BMW.

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

I wouldn't, unless you were to compare a next-gen (8 speed) 335i with the IS350, which is what you started out by doing.

At that point comparing the 330, the current model in 2006 when the IS350 came out, would be "fair" by the same standard you compare the current IS350 to the next-gen 335i that just recently came out.

That's what I said in my original post. I just can't figure what that is since they're overpriced with inferior reliability, interior, and resale.



You're wrong.

You need to add a number of options to the 335i to even match base-model 350s. Back in 2010 I ran the exact pricing comparison of a 350 against a comparable 335i (they were basically identically optioned except no vented seats in the BMW since they didn't offer them) and the BMW was over $9000... (when I ran it again just before the 335i Gen change it had dropped to a bit over 7k mainly due to not charging for the automatic I think)

what I recall was the most insane was a 328, vastly inferior to the IS350 in performance, was still like $3000 more than an IS350 once you comparably equipped em.

I'm honestly baffled how BMW sells any cars, let alone so damn many of em, with that pricing... though the fact they supposedly LEASE a lot more than they sell might have something to do with it.


Here's my earlier post on it-


Invoice on a stripped car is already $3500 more for BMW... and that's with a lot less standard features... BMW needs to add the comfort access package, the ipod/usb package, and the premium package to even be comparable to a BASE IS350. That already puts you spending nearly $8000 more on the BMW.

Oh, wait, I forgot to add the automatic and the sport steering wheel with paddle shifters... that's another ~$1400...

So $42,850 INVOICE for the BMW... the Lexus is $33,833. About $9000 more for the BMW.

It gets worse if you want climate seats... about $500 for just heated on the BMW... $236 for heated and vented on the lexus... (and woodgrain too, which BMW wants more for).

sm1ke

iTrader: (5)

I originally wanted a 2008 TL Type S. After shopping around a bit and seeing what I could get for a few thousand more, I ditched the TL and started looking at the C250 4matic. That proved to be out of my price range after factoring in maintenance costs, and the ones that were in my range had higher than usual mileage. I started looking into older Mercs and found a an 03 (I think?) CLK55 that I liked for a decent price. I liked that it would have been really unique in my location. But after thinking really hard about the long term with the Merc, the cost of fuel and the maintenance scared me away. Plus it was an 03, and I was coming from a 99. I felt I needed more of a current car, even though I ended up looking at 07 to 09s.

I then started looking into my options with Lexus, and came across two identical IS250 AWDs. One had about 3000 less kms on the odometer, and had a sticker price that was $3000 less than the other, so I test drove that one and loved it. I still remember how excited I was after turning on the car and seeing the electronic steering wheel come out to meet me while the instrument cluster needles did their sweep. That day, when I got home, I compared the pros and cons of each car I looked at, compared options, mileage, customer reviews, and finally looked on a few forums to see what each car would look like with some nice wheels and a clean drop. ClubLexus.com sold me on the car lol. I went back the next day to negotiate, and signed the papers later that day.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

For those that were comparing the IS to the 330i, that motor had 255bhp not 220. The 325i had 215bhp.

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

Huh?

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/bmw-330i-road-test

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/...tyle=100469134

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I was talking about the 2006 330i which is 255hp. Part of the reason the 335i exists is thanks to the awesome 3.5 DI in the IS350 which spanked the 2006 330i vs 2006 IS350

carlos3366

yes the 135. the only reason I didn't buy was because I have very good reliable lex mechs close to my house. i don't know of any good bmw mechs. near my house.

Allan1

I was a true Merc guy before I tried Lexus.

nosurprise

iTrader: (1)

Yes, I considered the BMW 3-series, but I like the Lexus's interior and exterior better.

namtab09

Lexus all day! Nothing like Toyota's quality..

IS_NIICE

iTrader: (1)

Very funny how everyone states the BMW interior is so bad, yet the next gen Lexus' including my buddys '13 LS seems to go towards BMW and BENZ' styling in regards to navi and control.

MAJOR BIAS HERE!

I am a previous owner of a Lexus IS350 and there's no way you can say the IS interior is superior!



VS.



Although in terms of long term reliability then clearly anything japanese is a better choice....regardless of what vs what.

topspeed55

Used to own an E46 and was looking to upgrade to an LCI E90 335Xi. I loved both of those BMWs but the price was out of my range for the 335. Went to test drive the IS, fell in love immediately and put the E46 up for sale the next day. There was nothing wrong with my E46, just wanted to upgrade and try out something different

Audi, Mercedes, and Infiniti were out of the question except for the FX50 but don't need and SUV right now, so I wasn't interested in any of those. Acura... yeah right FWD sucks .

Ru1K

I bought the 250 because of the reliability and a like everything in that car.
For speed I have a sportbike that is faster that any street car.

Tapangb

I bought my IS350 for reliability, looks, luxury, and the speed was a bonus. I owned a BMW 740iL and had nothing but problems with it after the warranty went out. It was a solid car when there were no leaks or electrical issues but the maintenance on it was just ridiculous. I can't speak for Mercedes but I hear they are nice as well. I'll stick to Lexus.