328i vs. IS350

[primecut]

I'm helping a friend who is in the market for the IS/3/C. He is leaning towards a BMW, so I helped him build a 328i on BMW's website. Here's what I have:

My 328i Sedan
3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine
Rear-wheel drive
See all standard features
Base MSRP $33,600
Space Gray Metallic $550
Black Dakota Leather $0
Aluminum Trim $0
Premium Package $3,350
STEPTRONIC automatic transmission $1,325
Comfort Access keyless entry $500
Fold down rear seats $475
iPod and USB adapter $400
Anti-theft alarm system $400
Xenon headlights $900
Destination & Handling: $825
Total MSRP as Built $42,325

I know that BMW nickels and dimes for everything, but yet I was a bit shocked at the final price. So I went over to Lexus and built a IS350 with the standard $5k package, which comes out to $42,725.00.

I didn't look through every single line item, but it looks like the IS350 has all the amenities/features of the 328 for around the same price, plus it has a much better engine to boot. So my question is, what are some of the advantages of getting the 328i besides styling preferences and maybe handling? He's definitely not an auto enthusiast, and I'm not really looking to sway him one way or another, but I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything here.

Thanks.

[montgb]

BMW does have the free maintenance, which is nice.

[IS-SV]

As an enthusiast, I chose the IS350 over both 3 series sedans. Some key advantages of the Lexus, include better styling (sedan only), luxury, interior finish, reliability, horsepower (only when comparing 350 vs 328). The free service is only worth about $1K within the warranty period which wasn't enough to sway me. Almost a year later, still very happy with decision. That's just my opinion.

[rominl]

maintenance is free during warranty period. also, if you lease, you will likely get much better deals on the 328 than is350

[pagemaster]

I am not really a BMW guy. I prefer the Lexux IS....while I do like the IS250awd I would choose a IS350 over the BMW....what I really like is the new ISc convertibles.

[werewolf]

I always thought Lexus apples to apples was 3-5k less when compared to a German brand (MB/BMW) b/c more options were built into the base price / product.

I think the butt test is in order (drive'em)

[Och]

Test drive both back to back. I'd take the Lexus.

[EZZ]

The BMW handles way better. I test drove a 335 and IS350 back to back and the IS just wasn't as planted. It was surprisingly quick though.

[gs400998]

Since I keep my cars for many years, reliability is on top of my list. Lexus is my pick.

[RXSF]

does the 3 still use the old idrive? thats enough for me to choose the IS

[Allen K]

If it's a new 3 the iDrive has been updated. Isn't there more haggling room on the 328?

[Phiber]

Tell him to get the IS350 if it was a 328 vs IS350.

I got my 335 for $43k fully loaded..And my IS350 for 39k.

[I8ABMR]

Originally Posted by IS-SV

As an enthusiast, I chose the IS350 over both 3 series sedans. Some key advantages of the Lexus, include better styling (sedan only), luxury, interior finish, reliability, horsepower (only when comparing 350 vs 328). The free service is only worth about $1K within the warranty period which wasn't enough to sway me. Almost a year later, still very happy with decision. That's just my opinion.

I agree . The IS350 is a better car when you compare the interior quality , power, and service quality. Its faster than a 328 as well. IS350328

[bad co]

The power plant in the IS is amazing but the bmw is a bmw. But a word of advice to the op do not tell your friend to buy the is over the 3 or the 3 over the is. If he/she buys the car you recomended and he/she dosent like something he/she will blame it on you.

[Phiber]

Originally Posted by I8ABMR

I agree . The IS350 is a better car when you compare the interior quality , power, and service quality. Its faster than a 328 as well. IS350328

What's up with your username?