BMW vs Lexus IS handling
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hey guys, so I'm trading in my x3 for an 07 IS250 awd with fairly high miles (91k). I'm making the trade for a few reasons, one being the cheap interior found in the x3.
But, one thing I'm really going to miss is the tight sporty, somewhat "rough" ride of the bmw. Can anyone chime in on how the IS handles compared to bmws? I'm not much of a speed demon, in fact, I drive like a grandma most of the time. But I can very much appreciate tight sporty handling.
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But, one thing I'm really going to miss is the tight sporty, somewhat "rough" ride of the bmw. Can anyone chime in on how the IS handles compared to bmws? I'm not much of a speed demon, in fact, I drive like a grandma most of the time. But I can very much appreciate tight sporty handling.
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#2
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I'll save everybody the trouble and just recommend buying the Fsport rear sways and if you want also the front sways.
IS def doesn't feel very sporty at stock height without them, obviously if you plan on lowering it'll improve but out of the factory this thing has a bit of body roll when turning at mediocre speeds. I noticed a huge difference just by lowering but alot of people swear by the rear fsport sways as the first mod they do and supposivly makes an enormous difference in the handling.
IS def doesn't feel very sporty at stock height without them, obviously if you plan on lowering it'll improve but out of the factory this thing has a bit of body roll when turning at mediocre speeds. I noticed a huge difference just by lowering but alot of people swear by the rear fsport sways as the first mod they do and supposivly makes an enormous difference in the handling.
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Originally Posted by Deegee
I'll save everybody the trouble and just recommend buying the Fsport rear sways and if you want also the front sways.
IS def doesn't feel very sporty at stock height without them, obviously if you plan on lowering it'll improve but out of the factory this thing has a bit of body roll when turning at mediocre speeds. I noticed a huge difference just by lowering but alot of people swear by the rear fsport sways as the first mod they do and supposivly makes an enormous difference in the handling.
IS def doesn't feel very sporty at stock height without them, obviously if you plan on lowering it'll improve but out of the factory this thing has a bit of body roll when turning at mediocre speeds. I noticed a huge difference just by lowering but alot of people swear by the rear fsport sways as the first mod they do and supposivly makes an enormous difference in the handling.
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#4
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If you really want tight handling, then get a decent set of adjustable coilovers so u can keep the car raised at the hight that u want, u can also put a sway bar in the rear to keep the bodyroll in check, then the car will handle better than a 3 series's dn will embarrass the x3
Don't waste ur time w springs as you'll probably want to upgrade later anyway,
if ur gonna b on CL alot, the mod bug will hit u hard. So do it right from the begining
Don't waste ur time w springs as you'll probably want to upgrade later anyway,
if ur gonna b on CL alot, the mod bug will hit u hard. So do it right from the begining
Last edited by ndk83; 03-29-13 at 10:25 AM.
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Originally Posted by ndk83
If you really want tighandlig, then Get a decent set of coilovers and a sway bar in the rear, then the car will handle better than a 3 series.
Don't waste ur time w springs as you will probably want to upgrade later, esp if ur gonna b on CL alot, the mod bug will hit u hard.
Don't waste ur time w springs as you will probably want to upgrade later, esp if ur gonna b on CL alot, the mod bug will hit u hard.
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#6
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haha thanks for the heads up! as for now, I'm not really into modding. I was looking on getting some insight on how the car handles stock as is? I'm obviously not looking for the super tight steering and suspension from BMW, but do still have decent expectations.
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Thanks for the input! You'd be surprised how well the X3 sticks to the ground, it feels like a big sedan almost. I'll test out the IS tomorrow and give in my 2c tomorrow!
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I also would recommend getting some adjustable coilovers as I'm not a fan of the stock suspension either, though you mentioned you didn't really wanna do any modding. Maybe the handling will be to your liking coming from the x3 even though I'm sure that handled pretty good.
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If you get coilovers, just don't expect to go too low on an AWD model. They HATE low heights. The car will have a weird wobble while accelerating at low speeds. It happens because of stretched front axles, which also leads to ripped CV boots. None of which is evident on RWD models. Good luck!
BTW I had an AWD and now own RWD.
BTW I had an AWD and now own RWD.