Hey,

My family is about to get a new car and its come down to either the Lexus IS 350 or a BMW 330i. We'd be getting an automatic transmission in either one, so the fact that the IS has no option for a manual doesn't really matter.

After driving both I'm a bit torn. I think the Lexus looks better inside and out. The interior of the BMW just struck me as a bit drab, even with a cool black and brown interior. They both have good brakes but the BMW felt like it had a slight edge. We took them both on curvy roads and although they both handled extremely well the Beamer seemed to feel better doing it. Is this the X factor that consisently makes the 3 series the number one drivers car? I'm not sure. It simply could have been the fact that it felt more like the car I was used to driving.

The Lexus may be a bit behind on braking and handling, but on power it schools the BMW. 300 hp, 277 ft-lbs of torque compared to 255 hp and 220 ft-lbs of torque. When both are equipped with automatic transmissions the Lexus gets to 60 in about 5.4 seconds while the BMW scoots in at about 6.3 - almost a whole second difference. I'm not one to care THAT much about inline speed, its a pretty signifigant difference.

Performance and looks aside, with all the options we want the BMW costs about 3k more but doesnt have air conditioned seats like the Lexus or a back up camera. The camera is alright but those seats feel so nice when your car has been sitting out in the hot sun for hours.

Anyways, what do you all think?

Michael

 

I've been doing a lot of research into the 350 as well, and taking a look at its direct competitors. To me, you just can't do too much better than that. The only thing I think may be close is the new 07 G35s. Those will be very close competitors. In your situation, I'd have to say go for the 350.

 

i vote 330i. If you just want a nice luxury car, with some sportiness, the IS is a great car. Powerful and loaded with features. I like the interior as well. But the 330i imo is the drivers car of the two.

So just figure out what more important- more creature comfort with less drive feel, or vice versa.

People will say the lexus can't handle and stuff like that, but truth is, im sure its fine for everyday driving. But if you want a car that you can push more than get the 330i.

Of noting is that the new 330is (and all BMWS) will be able to show your IPOD screen on the Nav screen. While many cars have ipod integration, this is cool cause you can actually see the image from your IPOD on the screen. Check out the e90 forums for links to the articles regarding this as its fairly new stuff.

I like the style and heritage of the 330i also. That something the Lexus can't touch. In 10 years, you can still say you have an e90. Whereas if you get the Lexus in 10 years no one is gonna care much about your IS350.

good luck

 

Buying or leasing? As good as the new IS might be, I don't think it holds value like the BMW's.

 

Just at first glance, I like the looks of the IS better, plus it's got more power.

 

I choose the IS, I think the IS has direct injection as well as some other new tech advances, while the BMW does not have some of these things. Could be wrong though, but still love the look of the new IS's. Now if you hold out for the new twin turbo 6 that BMW has coming, that might be the best option yet.

 

Buying. They both hold their value pretty well so its not a huge issue.

I also keep hearing the Lexus cant handle but we pushed them both pretty well on some nice turns. Certainly no powersliding or anything like that but they both held grip very well at high speeds with little body roll.

Both have ipod integration and that feature on the BMW sounds really good, but it does remind me of how much I hate idrive lol. I couldnt get the voice activation stuff to work for anything also. Maybe it need to be programmed? It worked fine in the RL and M35 we looked at...

The lexus has voice activation but it definately hadn't been programmed so I dunno.

 

Simple choice(or not, haha)...you want the most conviniences, get the 350, you want the ultimate driving machine, get the 330.

The 350 will always make up for what it lacks in driving experience by having more features.

The 330 will always make you sacrifice some of the things other cars in class offer by offering superior driving experience.


In a perfect world i'd have lexus design the interrior of the 3-series, haha...until then, it's sophie's choice!

 

Is350

 

I'd go with the IS. Faster, cheaper, better features, no annoying computer that makes you want to go on a killing spree. Lexus will be much more reliable repair-wise than a BMW. Also, I wasn't all that impressed with the 3 series. Of course, it's a great car, but it doesn't live up to the hype. I test drove one directly after my 8 and just had this big scowl on my face..haha...maybe the 8 was just too fun.

Oh yeah, and everyone and their uncle has a 3 series.

AND Lexus dealers almost always provide excellent service, and treat you very well.

 

IS350 all the way....every article i have read comparing the two, the outcome was always the IS beats the 330 in nearly every class, but because the BMW is a BMW, they say that some intangible makes the BMW better. Last article I read (believe it was in Motortrend), stated that the BMW was breaking down and couldn't be tested in certain things so they substituted old data, but the BMW was still #1?????

I am a BIG fan of BMW's, but hate when previous reputation affects a review....and in this case, I think the IS has it beat!

 

Again, I like both cars, but pick the 330i. More heritage, the drivers car. The IS is not much cheaper and can be more depending on options-

Keep in mind you get 4 years free service with the BMW. Free everything.

If you want to go super aggressive, you can turn off the traction control, unlike the Lexus (you can, but it involves more steps than launching a nuclear weapon)

Of the sporty sedans I've drivien, the 330 comes closest to the rx8 in terms of balance in my opinion.

 

my wife has looked at both these cars also, she wants a manual so the choice is pretty simple, but it really comes down to what your looking for.

If your more comcerned with the comforts then 350, if your looking at a drivers car, then BMW.

Some other concerns:

The bimmer has more back seat room, 50/50 weight balance, better connected to the road feel, and will probably hold it's value better.

The lexus has more power, a floaty feeling when driving, more comforts, less money, better warranty (7yrs compared to 3), probably more reliable, and service is outstanding.

I wouldn't be embarrassed by either of the 2 cars, but the question you have to ask yourself is

Do you want a lux. car that acts like a sports car or do you want a sports car that gives you some lux?

 

is this the new 3 series? if so, I'm much more fond of the IS350. it is a tough choice though. reason I got the 8 was cuz of uniqueness and handling. uniqueness outta the IS350 since there aren't much out there... (yet). and handling outta the 330i.
I would say get the IS350 because if you stomp on it, it will get you where you want to go quicker. and since this is a family car?? the family won't be putting it through hard corners where the 3 series would succeed.

 

330=more luxury IMO
350=speed
BTW, i have DRIVEN an IS 350 in manual (i vallet park)

I would go with the BMW

 

Lexus

I dont like bmw's

 

the 350 does not come in 6 speed. You must have driven the IS250.

the 350 only has a paddle shifter manumatic.

 

EDIT: ^ beat me to it Oh, and the automatic is a 6speed...very smooth in my opinion, but I still prefer a manual (thus me buying the 8 instead of the Lexi)

 

Choose the lexus. Better reliability, nice look inside and out. (and i'm a bimmer guy)


Now when the 335 comes out, my opinion will probably change.

 

BMW 335i

although its so obvious that they are running up the hill to catch the IS in HP rating, so thay had no time developing a new engine they just put in a turbo to meet the 306bhp rating of the IS350.

 

If you just think they slapped on a turbo you should go and read up on the design.

 

Read Autoweek's review... The BMW 330 outperforms and is more comfortable than the IS.

There is a reason why BMW's new 3-series won a lot of awards. If you're looking to save a few thousand dollars, the IS is probably a better value. But, the 3 series is the superior car of the two.

 

IS 350 is a lot more unique and unusual right now, 3 series BMW are EVERYWHERE. I would definitely go for the IS my daughters BF's mother has one and he is always driving it, it is quite the hot rod.

 

ok maybe the new IS came a long way .....but i just cant really see it as the i see the 3 series. anyway i wouldn buy either of em. so who cares.....

 

ive driven both at taste of lexus where they let me drive both cars around an autox course, i even broke their is350

IS350 is WAY more luxurious than the 330i, interior is not even close. better material, more electronics, way better sound deadening. ventilated seats, touch screen voice activated nav.

330i handles much better and is a drivers car while is350 isnt. is350 has soft suspension and result in a lot of bodyroll, it the computer also forces upshift for you even in manual mode. VDC kicks in even after you turn it off. I would buy the 330i because it handles much better and feels much more sportier. however im not you make your own decision god damnit