Meanshyguy

iTrader: (11)

Hello everybody, well first of all I currently own a 95 SC400 so I'm not new to Lexus, I also own a 09 BMW 335i sport package, I've been thinking about the BMW reliability in the long run and how costly it would be to replace anything, turbos for example, I'm not saying the Lexus would be cheaper to repair but at least with my SC I can do a lot of stuff myself and well it's a Toyota. My question is how reliable are the IS models, any recalls? I'd like to get an IS350, something sporty that compares to the power that my BMW has, so any input would be really appreciated.

anthrax144

The 350 is very comparable straight-line performance wise to your 335 with an improved interior (IMO) and much better reliability. There are no long term ownership issues with the IS like what you'll find in the BMW. Any "recalls" are covered by Lexus, in warranty or outside of warranty, so that shouldn't be an issue at all. Nearly all of the service bulletins (not covered after the warranty expires) are for annoyances more that faulty parts (rattles, stereo feedback, mirror vibration, cam gear grinding on start-up, etc...) The biggest drawback from a BMW to a Lexus is the muted steering feel of the IS due to the electronic steering. Even so, actual handling performance are near dead equal (assuming your first upgrade is F-sport sway bars.)

Of course, asking in a Lexus forum is not going to get you the most unbiased answer but IS350 > 335i in nearly every aspect (handling "feel" being one of the few negatives).

Meanshyguy

iTrader: (11)

Awesome info, I'm gonna look into getting one now! thanks!

650IS350

iTrader: (1)

u having lots of issues, recalls etc in regards to that engine. IE' fuel pump, valves, etc??? cause a bunch of my friends that have 335 and 535 don't like em.

smokyis350

iTrader: (21)

Is your 335 causing a lot of problems right now?

If it isn't, I wouldn't bother selling and buying a IS350. They are similar cars that are direct competitor, with the 335 having more aftermarket potential.

rookieIS

iTrader: (8)

OP's car is relatively new since its from 2009, it shouldn't have any major issues unless it isn't properly maintained.. the IS350 is indeed a reliable car, but I would rather keep the bimmer if i were you

Menthol

I almost got the 335i, and I wouldnt sell it just to get a IS350. 335i gives me an option for manual transmission which I extremely miss not having in this car. 335i has great handling, but Lexus gives the best comfort and straight line wise its about the same. Unless your 335i is causing major problems for you right now, I would not recommend a change in this early stage.

MamadIS

hmmm since your car is 09 i wouldn't bother either unless it is a lease and you are returning it and looking to purchase a car. i suggest keeping the bimmer till the warranty/extended warranty ends and then sell it (which is what most bimmer owners do). by that time the third generation IS is out. i came from a 2002 bmw 330ci and i couldn't be happier with IS350. the only thing i didn't like was the non sport suspension which i swapped it with BC coils . other than that is one sexy looking car and wonderful all around car for my needs. HOWEVER if 335i was as reliable as IS350 i would have definitely go for that due to its huge aftermarket parts. my friend's 08 335xi is making 383 AWHP with 405 AWTQ with bolt ons only. so to sum up keep the car till the warranty ends

mixa86

i would say keep the bmw ))) how many miles on your bmw?

Buya02

iTrader: (2)

My gf had a CPO 08 335 54,XXX miles. She had so many issues with the car, it was in the shop every month. It is out of warranty and the dvd player went bad, tcu bad, brake light fuses out, seat belt extractors broke, tranny leaking, fuel pump bad twice, etc. I ended up doing the lemon law. Got her a 06 is350 and she loves it. You will never have issues like that with a lexus. Oil change, plugs, filter, brakes, tires, and details.

Buya02

iTrader: (2)

I do however love the sounds of the 335 and the imola red interior. It was a very sexy car, but not worth the trouble or the $$$ IMO

Meanshyguy

iTrader: (11)

My beemer has 51k miles, I got it when it had 40k on the clock, no issues yet, I went to the Lexus dealer today, didn't find what I wanted, I'll keep looking, I got time, I wish I could keep the beemer if it wasn't for it's long term cost.

E36Andy

I come from the BMW world myself. I've been driving an E36 (1993 325i) since 2007. My honest unbiased answer to this question is as follows:

The feeling you get when you drive a BMW is unmatched by any other car in my honest opinion. The way my car handles puts my is250 as well as pretty much any other car I've ever driven to shame. The power is very smooth and the handling is amazing.

However when it comes to maintenance, I have finally cracked and wan't to get rid of my car. I'm currently 21 and I've been driving the bimmer since I was 16. In high school I enjoyed working on the car and had some money for repairs cause I was working. Now that I am in college I neither want to constantly be under the car, nor do I have the money to be constantly throwing at it. (the IS was my cousin's car so I inherited it)

The random electric problems like window regulators, brake light sensors, coolant sensors, etc. drove me CRAZY. Everytime I got in the car and saw "break light failure" I would go crazy.

I'll stick to owning a Lexus as my daily, and maybe when I'm older i'll buy a BMW to work on again.

Menthol

The new 335is actually dont have that many problems. The majority of the problem comes from the HFFP, other than that there are only minor problems that doesnt occur with most people.

PURECARO

iTrader: (3)

I went from a e90 to a is250 and i love my lexus so much more!!! I dont think you'd regret the 350 one bit.