From E46 M3 to ISF and now back to E90 M3...Impressions
03-26-13, 04:22 PM
#47
Well a few good things to report!
After resetting my speed and fuel economy settings, my car is now showing 19.8 average mpg which is a lot better that before. I don't know why it seemed to be stuck at 14.5 mpg prior.
A buddy with a 2012 USB IS-F came over for a diffuser install so afterwards he let me drive it around to see if I can feel the changes compared to my 08 IS-F and the answer is a definite YES! It feels definitely more planted and the steering is crisp / responsive. On highway sweepers the car feels very planted and this is with a stock car besides the rear diffuser piece.
I love the interior trim and new gauges which just look so much more modern than my M3 setup. The steering wheel is thicker than 2008 cars but still lacks the heft of the M3 wheel. I like the sport button on the wheel now which is a huge improvement. The stock exhaust note is a bit weak but that can easily be fixed. The seats seem a bit stiffer than the old IS-F but both are more than up to Lexus spec. It's too bad the IS-F has such little aftermarket support or this car would truly have potential.
I think if I had a choice, I'll take the IS-F for daily driving and the M3 on the track. But both are nice cars for different times
After resetting my speed and fuel economy settings, my car is now showing 19.8 average mpg which is a lot better that before. I don't know why it seemed to be stuck at 14.5 mpg prior.
A buddy with a 2012 USB IS-F came over for a diffuser install so afterwards he let me drive it around to see if I can feel the changes compared to my 08 IS-F and the answer is a definite YES! It feels definitely more planted and the steering is crisp / responsive. On highway sweepers the car feels very planted and this is with a stock car besides the rear diffuser piece.
I love the interior trim and new gauges which just look so much more modern than my M3 setup. The steering wheel is thicker than 2008 cars but still lacks the heft of the M3 wheel. I like the sport button on the wheel now which is a huge improvement. The stock exhaust note is a bit weak but that can easily be fixed. The seats seem a bit stiffer than the old IS-F but both are more than up to Lexus spec. It's too bad the IS-F has such little aftermarket support or this car would truly have potential.
I think if I had a choice, I'll take the IS-F for daily driving and the M3 on the track. But both are nice cars for different times
04-05-13, 10:33 AM
#50
Agreed, we have a silver CT200h that my wife drives and sometimes I wish we got either the Ultrasonic Blue or Metador Red so it stands out more. The Silver is so boring....*sighs
On a good note, the E90 M3 reported 18.3 mpg for my last two tanks which is getting closer to what my IS-F was recording around town. If I can squeeze out 20 mpg I'll be happy but my wife still laughs at me cuz she can get more than double mpg (around 44 average) in her CT200h. Of course I have 3 times the hp which she misses from her old IS-F.
On a good note, the E90 M3 reported 18.3 mpg for my last two tanks which is getting closer to what my IS-F was recording around town. If I can squeeze out 20 mpg I'll be happy but my wife still laughs at me cuz she can get more than double mpg (around 44 average) in her CT200h. Of course I have 3 times the hp which she misses from her old IS-F.
04-06-13, 03:48 AM
#54
Lexus Fanatic
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Why have an m3 or isf if mpg is a concern? 
04-06-13, 05:34 AM
#55
1JZ Single SC400
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I have always been inspried by the M3. The style, the design, the stance, handling capability, all of it. I had the chance to drive the new M3 at the local BMW dealership, drive for cancer. I was just simply amazed and how much torque it had with four people in it still.
