Hi guys I am new and interested in purchasing a 97-00 sc400... I currently drive a 99 BMW 328ic...i was wondering if anybody here has switched over and if they are pleased....I have driven a 97 es300 and a 00 es300 platinum edition both of which my mother owned....they were extremely smooth and you could drive with one finger...how is the handling of a sc400 compared to bmw and how smooth are they ...i have yet to test drive one...thanks

 

Well my brother HAD a '95 525i and it feels a little more assuring around the turns but it's not... We were getting on to the freeway where there was a big 180 degree on-ramp, anyways.... I let him drive my car, he drove mine, he punched it ahead of me and I did the same... POOF! gone... He smoked the BMW... The SC has less road noise, smoother, less creeks and rattles, WAY less problems as well! He sold it not too long ago in hopes of getting an LS400 but has yet to find the right one(we're picky, I waited 3 yr for mine). We both were in '95s so it was an even match(except engine size) but all in all the Lexus wins he fell in love with the SC as well, that's why he sold the BMW for future Lexus plans(he wants the 4-doors though). Good luck! oh and by the way.... get a '98+ more power.

 

The only thing that would hinder me from buying a 98+ SC400 or 300 is the lack of technology. Because it was designed for the early 90's, the interior feels more toyota to me. I know that small misc. things have changed, but not much compared to the technology of the gs's.

As for style, i love the 97+ bodystyle. I have a 98 sc400 and i love the power, it handles decently for its weight, but keep in mind, these cars were detuned (suspension-wise) for the older crowd. I bought my sc with 26,000 miles in april 06, and for some reason i think my shocks have already givin out. The ride is really smooth on the freeway and street. But the rebound is a bit too mild for me on the street.

The es' are prob smoother than the sc's.

If u have any questions about the 98+ sc's gimme a pm or reply on here, im more than happy to help out.

 

I'm really torn on this one.

I've had plenty of BMW's and SC's both. Between an E46 and a 2k SC I'd have to really think hard. The SC is much better built and faster. Nicer too, but man I really miss BMW so it would be a very hard call. The E46 is just a very likable machine.

 

My brother had a 99 540i. Smoked my SC400 back to Vietnam.

 

I think u need to meet up w/ jibby and hook up a nos system in ur car.

 

Yep, I had a '98 540I 6 speed and that car would haul *****.

 

My buddy just got a 2003 540i 6-speed with the M sport package and threw on the Dinan stage 1 kit(chip, headers, full exhaust, intake) and man that thing hauls ***! sounds awesome too.

 

Having owned both, I vote BMW. It's hard to pinpoint, but the Bimmers are just more fun for me personally to drive. They do however, typically have more problems than Lexus though.

 

The BMW vs LEXUS thing is a tough call...both are great cars. you're gonna have to drive it and decide for yourself...

My current daily driver is an 850CI BMW btw......

 

850 is one of my favorite cars in the world. I hear there are alot of problems though. Howz it treating you?

 

its just that when something does happen (and it will) the parts and laber quickly remind you that it was once a 100k car just had new plugs,fuel filter and wires @ 1k recently

Ive got 2. one is 'OEM perfect' in and out, and the other is a 'project' that I bought from someone who didnt (or couldnt ) take care of it properly. just Little stuff like the window gasket sets were $500+ to replace. Id like to find the previous owner and beat tha crap outta him

The only car id rather have is an Astin Martin DB9....But thats out of my price range.

I think the 8 series have the sexiest lines that BMW ever created and are smooth as silk when they're 'right'.


You can balance a quarter (standing up) on the V12 engine cover....... while its running

 

after working all day on BMWs... i am really glad that i get in my SC to go home.

i recently put a compressor in my SC300 along with a new A/C line and receiver/dryer. total cost was about $500.

i put a compressor in an E46 3 series and the total came to about $1100.

you do the math.

there are countless problems with BMWs.... not a lot of major stuff, but minor things that will drive you crazy and pinch your wallet. my SC has almost 160k on it, and its running like a champ.


i would take an SC over an E46 anyday..... not a 540sport or 850csi... thats another story.

 

I love BMW.

 

thanks for the responses guys...thats the reasonwhy i am selling my bmw...too many little b.s. problems that cost a lot to fix...the engine and transmission are good though...my dream car has been an 8-series i would love to own one, but that is a car i would love to own and keep it fresh...not as a daily driver...i could imagine how expensive it is to fix them... how do they drive compared to the sc4??...i am still loking for a 97+ sc4