jrock65

I guess the "value" is more in the IS250 vs. the 325i. Similarly equipped, the IS250 is probably about $3000 less.

The 325i is significantly faster though. Just got timed 6.1s 0-60. I'd be impressed if the IS250 can pull off a 7.1s 0-60.

picus

I agree - $35k base isn't a terrible price, but is too much considering their packages range from $2-$4k, along with a slew of other options. The configurations most folks on these boards have been playing with (sports + lux package, 18 inch wheels, NAV+ML+park assist) are going to be in the 43-45k range. If that's what you expected, rock on - it's too much, imo. That's acually over the available price of a 330i, and something like 6-8k more than an A4, CTS, G35. I've been flirting with the idea of trading in both my cars on an M3 or Cayman S, maybe I will just do that.

(edit to add I think the IS250 (non awd) looks like a good value)

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I have tried the "Build Your BMW" on the BMW website, and for complete factory installed options similar to that of a completely loaded IS350, the 330i totals more than $48k.

2006 330i Sedan
$36,600
Premium Package
$2,200
Options
On-Board Navigation System w/iDrive
$2,000
Park Distance Control (rear)
$350
Active Cruise Control
$2,200
Power Rear Sunshade/Rear Manual Side Window Shades
$575
Heated Front Seats
$500
Comfort Access
$500
STEPTRONIC automatic transmission
$1,275
Active Steering
$1,250

Total: $48,620

Now, prices will be similar for a while, but the IS fully loaded should be around $42-44k, which is $4k less than a fully loaded 330i, as per BMW website.

Lexus3oi

i too was seriously considering an ED of a new E90 until i heard about the IS350

when you say "42,445 (including dealer profit of 1k)", you're working up from invoice....but you're comparing that to the Lexus MSRP

now the real question is when/if Lexus will start selling below MSRP....i have no problem waiting a few months

main negative to not going the BMW/ED route, no driving of my brand new car in europe

XeroK00L

Great pricing overall except for the AWD which had better include more than just the perforated leather and wood trim.Lexus only offers the 5000-mile service free of charge. If you want true free scheduled maintenance, pay another few grands and get a BMW.

saabfan

To be fair, you shouldn't include Active Steering when pricing out a full-loaded 330 since that is not an option on the IS.

Agni88

I dont think the Active Cruise is popular option, just as Lexus PCS is not very popular. So its more like 45-46k loaded

Lexus3oi

and why include Steptronic when one may prefer a MT?

chiawei

Not really. Is250 does not have benefit of ED program on the 325i. If you can take the trip out to munich (you don't have to stay overnight, the ticket is about $300 to $400 at off peak season, hotel through priceline is about $60 to $80). 325i will probably be cheaper than IS250, same holds true for the rest of line up. And if you are smart and invest in BMWCCA membership for over a year, there is another $1k rebate to be had on the 3 series. Then taken the free maint. and brake into consideration. BMW is actually cheaper to buy and own for the 1st 4 years.

Also at $45k large for a loaded IS350. It is actually within 1k of a loaded 530i through ED as well.

A 530i with automatic, PDC (parking sensor), sport pkg, premium pkg, and navigation with voice control, and 1k dealer ED profit is only $46,745. Minus the 1k BMWCCA rebate. That would bring the 530i ED pricing down to $45,745. Depends on package price on the IS350, you are looking at a spread less than $4k.

Eventually, lexus will start and have to discount on the IS and the pricing gap will grow. But for earlier adapter to IS, the GAP is really too small.

No taking away anything from IS. But why would you buy an loaded IS if you can get a mid size BMW for about $1k to $4k more???

IMHO, lexus should have at least try to undercut true E90 pricing by $3k. May be lexus simply ignore the fact that BMW's great ED program discount and hope that general public would only compare stickers rather than true numbers. IMHO, this is dumb pricing structure. Anyone has any automobile buying skill would see through this.

VitB6

I apologize. My bad on the free maintainence. Thought Lexus did that as well.

But base pricing is worthless without options pricing as well. Where are the prices on the options?

XeroK00L

Yes, and fold-down rear seats too.

But then again, BMW doesn't have ventilated seats or illuminated metal scuff plates either.

chiawei

Here is what you don't know.

When negotiating ED cars, you work from ED invoice + dealer profit.

ED cars do not come from dealer allocation. Any car that dealers sells through ED is extra sales for the dealer. (except the M car, which comes out of dealer allocation).

A lot of dealer will do ED for profit of $1k on bread and butter car such as E90, since all they have to do is to submit ED paper work and they are done.

ED invoices on the 330i is as follows (using my wife's new car).

330i $30,975
automatic $1,210
comfort acess $455
rear sunshade $525
PDC (parking sensor) $320
Active cruise control- $2,000
Navigaion with voice control- $1,820
premium pkg (leather, power folding mirror, BMW assist with bluetooth) $2,000
Sports pkg- $1455
destination- $695.
Dealer profit $1,000.
Total $42,455. ( you can add another $430 for metallic paint, but my wife want alpine white this time around, so no metallic paint charge).

I have been BMWCCA member since 2001. If you have membership for more than 12 month prior to purchase of the BMW, you can get additional $1k rebate.

So my cost on the BMW is $42,455 +TTL ~$46,700 (thanks to alameda 8.xx% tax) minus 1k rebate for a total out of door price of $45,700.

If by chance IS350 comes in at MSRP of $43k. Adding 10% for TTL. You are looking at $47.3k out of door. BMW free maint through out 4 years along with brake job is worth about $3k.

Which means through out the 4 years, I will spend $45,700 on the 330i vs $50k for the IS350.

Granted number will change if one switches cars after warranty expires. But resale value on the BMW and IS within this 4 years is actually about even.

Hence, there really is no way for you to recover the extra $5k if you change car within 4 year period. Subjective preference aside, financially IS does not bring any value to the table as it did in the last generation. Can you realistically expect that lexus will discount a fully loaded IS350 $5k???

Mr Bond

Tthe European prices for the new IS :

A fully loaded IS250 RWD auto costs about 57 700 USD here in Europe.
The BMW 325i auto fully loaded (2.5 liter engine 215 hp) about 58 000 USD.

I must move to USA.

LexIS350

I am extremely happy with the price of the IS350. I love this board.

Lexus3oi

ummm, i DO know that...like i mentioned earlier, i was seriously getting ready to ED an E90

and i don't know how Lexus dealers negotiate with new cars....but if one could eventually work up from invoice on an IS350, the price may not be as bad as they're looking right now