The car connection IS350 vs 330i

amdmaxx · 03-17-2006, 07:33 AM

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehi...84.A10149.html

Summary:
Danke, und guten nacht
As it stands today, though, the 3-Series trounces the Lexus in terms of driving satisfaction. The two cars are in different dynamic leagues and that, right there, is the reason that Lexus sells so few cars in Europe. The IS is an extremely well presented and polished product but that's not the same thing as being a great car. I have no doubt that Lexus will sell every car they can build because a fine appliance like the IS350 is exactly what many people want to meet their transportation needs. But for those folks who sometime go for a drive when they really have no place to go, the BMW 330i is the easy choice. It's infinitely more fun than the Lexus and while it might seem like poor value compared to the faster, better equipped Lexus, ask yourself this: Who ever went on vacation to save money? Not everything in life can be quantified in dollars and cents. If pleasure is your measure of value, then the BMW 330i is a steal.

My Sumamry:
I can't wait for 335i

lux.sh · 03-17-2006, 07:46 AM

they have the knee airbag!!!

IS wins!

aranjha · 03-17-2006, 07:51 AM

My girlfriend has an IS350. I drove her car, and she drove mine. We both concluded that the E90 has way more driving satisfaction. And I only have a 325i which is far less powerful than the IS350. You just can't beat the handling of my car. We punched our cars at a stoplight last week and the IS came out in front but when there was a turn she had to slow down because she said she felt like it was going to tip over...lol... So I got ahead and ended up winning our little race.

One thing I definitely think is that Lexus has a far better navigation system...but that's about it. Traditionally (correct me if I'm wrong) Japanese were always ahead with regard to electronics.

But when they're parked next to each other in the garage, the E90 just looks far better. I dunno what it is - maybe the huge wheel arches of the IS or just the back design in general that doesn't float my boat. The front of the IS in my opinion however is quite sexy.

Just my opinion though.

aranjha · 03-17-2006, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lux.sh

they have the knee airbag!!!

IS wins!

lol haha

e90driver · 03-17-2006, 08:11 AM

I test drove an IS350 last weekend. It was a blast to drive, especially with the shifting paddles, and the navigation screen is the clearest I've ever seen. But there was something missing. I was happier in my 325. The salesman really wanted to sell me the car- at full price! It had 1100 miles on it! My gf thought they were nuts.

aranjha · 03-17-2006, 08:48 AM

True. They don't like to negotiate the MSRP. They think that they have the upper hand because we want their car. It's actually the other way around - I'd take the car only if the price is right because my 325i is so much better. lol

Bimmerista · 03-17-2006, 09:39 AM

And I think they got the accelration numbers wrong I believe that 6.3 for BMW is 0-100km/hour, it is in the 5.7 range to 60 miles per hour.

ksfrogman · 03-17-2006, 09:52 AM

That article is one that most closely reflects my thoughts.

Frank@work · 03-17-2006, 09:53 AM

..I think it's the closest one yet.

voltron1011 · 03-17-2006, 10:57 AM

Lexus designed the IS350 for one purpose... To beat the pants off the 330 in 0-60 & 1/4 mile acceleration tests. That's all... Europeans could care less about 0-60 numbers. It is very rare that you are able to blast from a red light to anything faster than 35-40 mph there. Most people in Germany want torque from diesel motors (320d, 330d, 335d)... Torque is what kicks you in the pants on the autobahn and gives you shear pleasure without having to downshift all the time.

gscone · 03-17-2006, 11:02 AM

The IS350 at the moment is very hard to get anytrhing off msrp. Most NY dealers i've approached are selling the car at or slightly above msrp, which is BS. Even more ridiculous is that if you were to order a car, you will have to wait 3-5 months..

younghov85 · 03-17-2006, 11:08 AM

It seems like everyone here would take a 330i/325i over an IS 350, so if u had to have a second car what would it be, G35 coupe or an IS 350? I personally prefer the Infiniti!!

tonee8519 · 03-17-2006, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aranjha

My girlfriend has an IS350. I drove her car, and she drove mine. We both concluded that the E90 has way more driving satisfaction. And I only have a 325i which is far less powerful than the IS350. You just can't beat the handling of my car. We punched our cars at a stoplight last week and the IS came out in front but when there was a turn she had to slow down because she said she felt like it was going to tip over...lol... So I got ahead and ended up winning our little race.

One thing I definitely think is that Lexus has a far better navigation system...but that's about it. Traditionally (correct me if I'm wrong) Japanese were always ahead with regard to electronics.

But when they're parked next to each other in the garage, the E90 just looks far better. I dunno what it is - maybe the huge wheel arches of the IS or just the back design in general that doesn't float my boat. The front of the IS in my opinion however is quite sexy.

Just my opinion though.

my sister has an is350 an i have a 330i.

BMW F22 · 03-17-2006, 12:15 PM

honestly, the IS is a girly car.

mmeads · 03-17-2006, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by younghov85

It seems like everyone here would take a 330i/325i over an IS 350, so if u had to have a second car what would it be, G35 coupe or an IS 350? I personally prefer the Infiniti!!

g35 hands down! Until the g37 comes out.

akhbhaat · 03-17-2006, 03:49 PM

Most of you would probably consider the Miata "girly," despite the fact that the Miata is far more of a performance car than a bloated box like the Lexus IS or BMW 3 series. Well under 3000 lbs, available LSD, RWD. I'd probably buy the new Miata in a heartbeat if it had a bit more power.

Bimmerista · 03-17-2006, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akhbhaat

Most of you would probably consider the Miata "girly," despite the fact that the Miata is far more of a performance car than a bloated box like the Lexus IS or BMW 3 series. Well under 3000 lbs, available LSD, RWD. I'd probably buy the new Miata in a heartbeat if it had a bit more power.

Your wish will come true apparently Zoom Zoom is considering Mazdaspeeding the new Miata (sorry, the Mx5)

Muttley · 03-17-2006, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lux.sh

they have the knee airbag!!!

IS wins!

Like the e90 needs one...

According to www.iihs.org - Intrusion into the driver's space was minimal, and all leg and foot injury measures were low.

I guess Lexus is all about safety at the moment. They won't even let you turn off DSC.... LOL

What they really need is a knee airbag for the rear seat in the IS350. There is no leg room in the back.

Imperial · 03-17-2006, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksfrogman

That article is one that most closely reflects my thoughts.

Here here. I agreed with almost all of that article.

so basically, E90 >> new IS.

ABR · 03-17-2006, 05:07 PM

Too lazy to read...

I was not impressed with IS250 test drives and I didn't even try BMW at that pont. The moment I started moving in 325i demo, I knew -- that is it.

ChineseGuy · 03-17-2006, 05:53 PM

Love the part where cars are not measured in $$$........man....totally agree

hate how people say they pay less $$$ than a E90 to get a IS350 with 306hp.....51hp. more than my E90...........god....y don't they jsut get a mustang.......

aranjha · 03-17-2006, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChineseGuy

Love the part where cars are not measured in $$$........man....totally agree

hate how people say they pay less $$$ than a E90 to get a IS350 with 306hp.....51hp. more than my E90...........god....y don't they jsut get a mustang.......

agreed.

03-17-2006, 07:33 AM	#1
amdmaxx My gift Registry: M2 119 Rep 1,432 Posts Drives: Future Mowner of Monster Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	The car connection IS350 vs 330i http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehi...84.A10149.html Summary: Danke, und guten nacht As it stands today, though, the 3-Series trounces the Lexus in terms of driving satisfaction. The two cars are in different dynamic leagues and that, right there, is the reason that Lexus sells so few cars in Europe. The IS is an extremely well presented and polished product but that's not the same thing as being a great car. I have no doubt that Lexus will sell every car they can build because a fine appliance like the IS350 is exactly what many people want to meet their transportation needs. But for those folks who sometime go for a drive when they really have no place to go, the BMW 330i is the easy choice. It's infinitely more fun than the Lexus and while it might seem like poor value compared to the faster, better equipped Lexus, ask yourself this: Who ever went on vacation to save money? Not everything in life can be quantified in dollars and cents. If pleasure is your measure of value, then the BMW 330i is a steal. My Sumamry: I can't wait for 335i
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03-17-2006, 07:46 AM	#2
lux.sh missing two turbos. 577 Rep 4,859 Posts Drives: fast around corners. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Curves iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [0.00]	they have the knee airbag!!! IS wins! __________________ 06 AW E90 330i ZPP/ZSP/Step/Expired Warranty : Prior Design Front : ACS Rear : ACS Roof : BlackLines : Simota Intake : Carbon Fiber Interior Trim : : MTEC V3 : 24% Charcoal : V1 Hardwired : Solaris Invisibulbs/LED interior :
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03-17-2006, 07:51 AM	#3
aranjha Private 10 Rep 60 Posts Drives: BMW 325i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	My girlfriend has an IS350. I drove her car, and she drove mine. We both concluded that the E90 has way more driving satisfaction. And I only have a 325i which is far less powerful than the IS350. You just can't beat the handling of my car. We punched our cars at a stoplight last week and the IS came out in front but when there was a turn she had to slow down because she said she felt like it was going to tip over...lol... So I got ahead and ended up winning our little race. One thing I definitely think is that Lexus has a far better navigation system...but that's about it. Traditionally (correct me if I'm wrong) Japanese were always ahead with regard to electronics. But when they're parked next to each other in the garage, the E90 just looks far better. I dunno what it is - maybe the huge wheel arches of the IS or just the back design in general that doesn't float my boat. The front of the IS in my opinion however is quite sexy. Just my opinion though.
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03-17-2006, 08:11 AM	#5
e90driver Lieutenant 14 Rep 502 Posts Drives: 06 325i, 08 328xi Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	I test drove an IS350 last weekend. It was a blast to drive, especially with the shifting paddles, and the navigation screen is the clearest I've ever seen. But there was something missing. I was happier in my 325. The salesman really wanted to sell me the car- at full price! It had 1100 miles on it! My gf thought they were nuts. __________________ see ya 06 325i. IT'S HERE!- 08 E92 328xi, Premium, Auto, Cold- Montego Blue
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03-17-2006, 08:48 AM	#6
aranjha Private 10 Rep 60 Posts Drives: BMW 325i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	True. They don't like to negotiate the MSRP. They think that they have the upper hand because we want their car. It's actually the other way around - I'd take the car only if the price is right because my 325i is so much better. lol
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03-17-2006, 09:39 AM	#7
Bimmerista Major General 82 Rep 5,732 Posts Drives: superstock Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	And I think they got the accelration numbers wrong I believe that 6.3 for BMW is 0-100km/hour, it is in the 5.7 range to 60 miles per hour.
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03-17-2006, 09:52 AM	#8
ksfrogman Major General 576 Rep 6,750 Posts Drives: E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (12) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00]	That article is one that most closely reflects my thoughts. __________________
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03-17-2006, 09:53 AM	#9
Frank@work Enlisted Member 6 Rep 32 Posts Drives: '13 650i xDrive Coupe Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Fairfield County, CT iTrader: (0)	Although the conclusion is the same as most other comparos... ..I think it's the closest one yet.
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03-17-2006, 10:57 AM	#10
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	Lexus designed the IS350 for one purpose... To beat the pants off the 330 in 0-60 & 1/4 mile acceleration tests. That's all... Europeans could care less about 0-60 numbers. It is very rare that you are able to blast from a red light to anything faster than 35-40 mph there. Most people in Germany want torque from diesel motors (320d, 330d, 335d)... Torque is what kicks you in the pants on the autobahn and gives you shear pleasure without having to downshift all the time. Last edited by voltron1011; 03-17-2006 at 12:04 PM..
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03-17-2006, 11:02 AM	#11
gscone First Lieutenant 23 Rep 349 Posts Drives: 2016 Porsche Turbo, 2017 BMW M Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	The IS350 at the moment is very hard to get anytrhing off msrp. Most NY dealers i've approached are selling the car at or slightly above msrp, which is BS. Even more ridiculous is that if you were to order a car, you will have to wait 3-5 months..
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03-17-2006, 11:08 AM	#12
younghov85 Captain 65 Rep 889 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 black 325 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lanham, Maryland iTrader: (0)	It seems like everyone here would take a 330i/325i over an IS 350, so if u had to have a second car what would it be, G35 coupe or an IS 350? I personally prefer the Infiniti!!
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03-17-2006, 12:15 PM	#14
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	honestly, the IS is a girly car.
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03-17-2006, 03:49 PM	#16
akhbhaat Captain 181 Rep 883 Posts Drives: ///M318ti Type-R Turbo S Join Date: May 2005 Location: T1 run-off iTrader: (0)	Most of you would probably consider the Miata "girly," despite the fact that the Miata is far more of a performance car than a bloated box like the Lexus IS or BMW 3 series. Well under 3000 lbs, available LSD, RWD. I'd probably buy the new Miata in a heartbeat if it had a bit more power.
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03-17-2006, 05:07 PM	#20
ABR First Lieutenant 29 Rep 379 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Too lazy to read... I was not impressed with IS250 test drives and I didn't even try BMW at that pont. The moment I started moving in 325i demo, I knew -- that is it. __________________ 94' Opel Vectra Manual 96' Opel Vectra Manual99' Honda Accord Auto01' Toyota Sienna 06' BMW 330i Step
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03-17-2006, 05:53 PM	#21
ChineseGuy QuickShifter 137 Rep 1,500 Posts Drives: Black E90 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: North Pole iTrader: (2)	Love the part where cars are not measured in $$$........man....totally agree hate how people say they pay less $$$ than a E90 to get a IS350 with 306hp.....51hp. more than my E90...........god....y don't they jsut get a mustang.......
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