Starting to consider BMW
07-05-16, 06:17 PM
#1
Starting to consider BMW
I will be getting my 2017 IS350 next march but I'm starting to have mixed feelings, the only reason I still want the car is for the color (USB 2.0), the looks, and for the fact that I need to keep it for 6+ years, so I need the reliability. But the performance is starting to really disappoint me. I was looking at the BMW 328i for instance and the 0-60 in that is 5.7 seconds, which oddly is in the same ballpark as the IS350... despite the 60 horsepower difference. I really want to stick with Lexus when I get rid of my car, but to keep me here they need to update their engine for the 350 so it can push 325-330 horsepower and torque around the same numbers...
Thoughts? Comments?
Thoughts? Comments?
07-05-16, 06:37 PM
#2
I am going to tell you what I usually tell everyone who is having second thoughts on the IS....... get the BMW......
I also wanted a BMW but after looking around and seeing them around all the time I had second thoughts. I decided to get the under dog and find a way to tune it to my liking. Unfortunately there are almost zero power mods for this car, although I have high hopes for a solid tune soon.
I see your list of cars and you've had a ***** load of Lexus cars, maybe it's time to try something different to see how you like it. BMW's are excellent handling cars and IMO beautiful....
I also wanted a BMW but after looking around and seeing them around all the time I had second thoughts. I decided to get the under dog and find a way to tune it to my liking. Unfortunately there are almost zero power mods for this car, although I have high hopes for a solid tune soon.
I see your list of cars and you've had a ***** load of Lexus cars, maybe it's time to try something different to see how you like it. BMW's are excellent handling cars and IMO beautiful....
07-05-16, 06:52 PM
#3
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I have nothing but good things to say about my BMWs...except they cost more and you really start to look at them hard as warranty expires. Perhaps consider an extended warranty.
The problem with the 328i is once you start adding the things you really want the price creeps up to 340i territory. Then you've talked yourself into a $52k car after negotiation when originally you were looking in the low $40's.
For me I've had several of each of the German marks and Infiniti, so I wanted to try Lexus and not be afraid of keeping a car past warranty. Other than the engine, my 350 F-Sport is at least as good as any of them. 400hp engine is a lot of fun which is what I had in both of my chipped 335i's and a chipped S4. But like all things you get used to it and want more...I did until I was racing bikes running power-to-weight ratios of 1,000 hp cars.
BTW, if you are looking at German cars make sure to consider the C450 AMG.
I agree with you on the IS engine, it needs Sport mode to even feel alive. It could really use another 50HP and 75TQ.
The problem with the 328i is once you start adding the things you really want the price creeps up to 340i territory. Then you've talked yourself into a $52k car after negotiation when originally you were looking in the low $40's.
For me I've had several of each of the German marks and Infiniti, so I wanted to try Lexus and not be afraid of keeping a car past warranty. Other than the engine, my 350 F-Sport is at least as good as any of them. 400hp engine is a lot of fun which is what I had in both of my chipped 335i's and a chipped S4. But like all things you get used to it and want more...I did until I was racing bikes running power-to-weight ratios of 1,000 hp cars.
BTW, if you are looking at German cars make sure to consider the C450 AMG.
I agree with you on the IS engine, it needs Sport mode to even feel alive. It could really use another 50HP and 75TQ.
Last edited by sdiver68; 07-05-16 at 07:05 PM.
07-05-16, 07:04 PM
#6
I have nothing but good things to say about my BMWs...except they cost more and you really start to look at them hard as warranty expires. Perhaps consider an extended warranty.
The problem with the 328i is once you start adding the things you really want the price creeps up to 340i territory. Then you've talked yourself into a $52k car after negotiation when originally you were looking in the low $40's.
For me I've had several of each of the German marks and Infiniti, so I wanted to try Lexus and not be afraid of keeping a car past warranty. Other than the engine, my 350 F-Sport is at least as good as any of them. 400hp engine is a lot of fun which is what I had in both of my chipped 335i's and a chipped S4. But like all things you get used to it want more...I did until I was racing bikes running power-to-weight ratios of 1,000 hp cars.
BTW, if you are looking at German cars make sure to consider the C450 AMG.
The problem with the 328i is once you start adding the things you really want the price creeps up to 340i territory. Then you've talked yourself into a $52k car after negotiation when originally you were looking in the low $40's.
For me I've had several of each of the German marks and Infiniti, so I wanted to try Lexus and not be afraid of keeping a car past warranty. Other than the engine, my 350 F-Sport is at least as good as any of them. 400hp engine is a lot of fun which is what I had in both of my chipped 335i's and a chipped S4. But like all things you get used to it want more...I did until I was racing bikes running power-to-weight ratios of 1,000 hp cars.
BTW, if you are looking at German cars make sure to consider the C450 AMG.
the Mercedes also caught my eye too, but as a 17 year old, I don't think 360 hp is acceptable for me. The IS350 costs $55000 loaded, and the way I would want the 328 would be $57000...
07-05-16, 07:05 PM
#7
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07-05-16, 07:06 PM
#8
You could get a 400 hp 550 for under 40k that is CPO.
07-05-16, 07:11 PM
#9
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Not true in terms of real world, negotiated pricing. But if you don't want power MB has the C300 to consider as well.
07-05-16, 07:40 PM
#12
You could even look at a GLA 45 or a CLA 45
I got my is350 F for 45k out the door with all the options i wanted 51k sticker
Last edited by robert2423; 07-05-16 at 07:44 PM.
07-05-16, 08:00 PM
#13
The pursuit of F
James, love yours and your family's passion and loyalty to Lexus. Oh and that USB 2.0 GS F... 
One opportunity I see for you is no one has owned a 3IS yet, in your family
On a more practical level, a key requirement you mention is 6+ years of ownership. The Lexus is a no brainer choice. If you were to lease for 3-4 years max, sure go for the Bimmer.
Good luck!
One opportunity I see for you is no one has owned a 3IS yet, in your family
On a more practical level, a key requirement you mention is 6+ years of ownership. The Lexus is a no brainer choice. If you were to lease for 3-4 years max, sure go for the Bimmer.
Good luck!
07-05-16, 08:19 PM
#14
3-series have been pretty crappy lately, I recommend 2-series, or ISF if you want performance Lexus (never considered RC-F or GSF since they are out of my price range)
I bought M235i w/LSD
I bought M235i w/LSD
