jonboy10

Hello everyone!
I may be new to this forum, but I am not new to online forums. I come from M3Forum.net and before that Acurazine.com

I currently have a 2004 BMW M3, but i'm looking to move into a 2011 IS350. The main reason being that I am just finishing up college (my final presentation is today actually) and I just started working with a company that is 60 miles from my house.

I need a commuter car to help ease the 600+ miles I currently drive every week. In the future (when my lease is up) I will be moving closer, but I still need a car better for commuting. The IS 350 seems to fit the bill because-

- I can get close to 30MPG's on the highway
- Much more reliable than a 11 year old BMW
- Lower maintenance costs
- only two pedals (I'll miss my manual, but not in traffic)
- I'll still have rear wheel drive
- more luxurious
- still fun to drive
- probably a lot of other things too

Anyway, I do have a few questions to ask you all-

1. Do the 2011's have any recalls so far? I know the earlier ones did, but did they sort it out by the 2011 "face lift"?
2. I currently have my eye on a car that is 2,000 miles from being out of warranty. Is it worth it to extend the 48mo/48,000 mile factory warranty? Basically, are there any big problems people are having around 90k or so?
3. Are the factory 18's (not the F-sport) the same width front to back? I currently run my M3 staggered and I do not want to do that in the IS so that I can rotate tires.
4. Is the luxury package worth it? The one I am considering has the Premium Value package, and the Navigation, but no sunshade, memory seats, etc. Is it really that necessary?
5. How many have heard both the premium and Mark Levinson sound systems? I cannot seem to find many cars that have the ML system in them, so I don't think it is a big concern but Id like to receive input.

Thank you all very much!

Bichon

The factory 18" rims are staggered; 8" up front, 8.5" in the rear.

jonboy10

The car I am looking at has 225 tires all around. Is this a red flag or is this common?

Bichon

Stock 18" is 225/40-18 in front, 255/40-18 in back for the RWD model.

jonboy10

Yes that is true, but I'm asking if some owners go to a more square setup and just put 225's all around. Is this a common thing on the forums, or is this a way of telling that the previous owner cheaped out on tires?

darkdream

Expect closer to 21 mpg unless you are one of those who drive the optimal speed, coast to the red lights, etc. IF you are in traffic expect a little less than 21 mpg.

jonboy10

I was more of talking on my commute where i stay around a constant 80mph. I drive the opposite direction of traffic, so I can usually keep the speeds steady. I know around town I will be in low 20's for sure.

355F1

Are you sure it is NOT an AWD? The AWDs DO HAVE the same size wheels all the way around.

jonboy10

It is definitely not AWD.

jonboy10

Can anyone answer a few of these questions? Im wanting to go see this car over the weekend!
Thanks
1. Do the 2011's have any recalls so far? I know the earlier ones did, but did they sort it out by the 2011 "face lift"?

2. I currently have my eye on a car that is 2,000 miles from being out of warranty. Is it worth it to extend the 48mo/48,000 mile factory warranty? Basically, are there any big problems people are having around 90k or so?

4. Is the luxury package worth it? The one I am considering has the Premium Value package, and the Navigation, but no sunshade, memory seats, etc. Is it really that necessary?
5. How many have heard both the premium and Mark Levinson sound systems? I cannot seem to find many cars that have the ML system in them, so I don't think it is a big concern but Id like to receive input.

Wunko

I have a 2011 IS350 F-Sport. There are three recalls for it so far. I only had two of the three done so far: the windshield wiper nut replacement and emergency trunk release handle replacement. The one I haven't had done yet was the VVT actuator gear recall.

DarkSeph

I think the luxury package is a waste of time if you're the main one driving the car, it's definitely not necessary.

My sound system is bone stock (2012) and it sounds great, I can't imagine needing more than what it provides. I've never had it even close to max volume.

I personally wouldn't extend the warranty, but it really is up to you depending on what it costs to pay for the warranty.

OrangeDino

1) I'm not too sure about the recalls, sorry.
2) The only common complaint I've heard about this car is the leaking water pump, but they revised that in 2009.
3) Yes, my '08 IS350 (non f-sport) came with a staggered setup.
4) I've never used the memory seats, or sunshade in my car... It's just a fancy feature that my friends keep complimenting.
5) Mine came with ML sound, and it does sound fantastic. I haven't heard stock audio, but most sources say it's very good.

Warchant

Not yet an IS owner but I can weigh in on two of these.

4) A rear shade I can't really imagine using unless you had a baby in the back seat? And as for memory seats...I've had my 1998 ES300 since 2007 and literally just realized about a week ago that I had memory seats. I'm sure I knew of it when I bought the car, but never cared enough to set them up or even remember I had them.

That may be different if you shared a car with someone, but that doesn't sound like the case for you.

BrownPride

I also switched over from a BMW to a Lexus. The Bimmer never had any issues but I'll need a solid, reliable car for a good 7-10 years (just finished college as well) and I didn't have a lot of confidence in the Bimmer being able to handle that responsibility. Got a '12 and while it's no BMW to drive it's an overall great car. I don't think that Luxury package with the memory seating/rear sunshade/ML Audio is worth it. I'm the only one driving my car so I see no need for memory seats. I'm single and will rarely be taking people around so there's no point of the sunshade. And the stock audio system is fine as it is. It sounds like you're in the same boat as me.