lextex13

I am looking at either getting the Lexus IS250 F sport or the BMW 328i M line. I have always been loyal to the Toyota/Lexus brand, but I am sort of getting bored of driving my Camry and thinking about trying out BMW for a little bit. However, the 328i priced with the comparable options to the Lexus IS250 F sport I was looking at is about $4k greater than the MSRP of the IS. Just wanted to see what everyones opinion is on the situation? The engine in the IS seems outdated vs the turbo 4 cylinder in the 328i. Plus the fuel economy numbers are slightly better for the 3er as well. Also, typically, how much below invoice have people been paying for there F sports (IS250)? What is the typical invoice price?

Dark9t316

For the extra $4k, just go for the IS350 Fsport.

NYKnick101

power wise i would go with the BMW but everything else over all comfort, quality, handling, reliability, cost, the IS is the better option

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

Even with IS350, 328i is 3k more for similarly equipped. Remember, 328i does not come standard for HID, Car Alarm, and rear folding sears, they are standard for IS. Can't believe BMW does not come with alarm as standard.

Dark9t316

You can get the invoice price on truecar.com. Also before I purchased my IS350 fsport, I checked out the 335i, the interior feels outdated and the exterior is uglier than last generation in my opinion. My last car was Toyota Camry but the IS drivers nothing like it. I don't really think people get the mpg that BMW claims, but maybe you can check BMW forums.

natnut

What feature of the ownership experience is most important for you?
Driving engagement? Straightline torque? Fuels savings? Interior appointments/comfort? Brand cachet? etc...

What compromises can you live with long term?

Answering those 2 questions will probably get you your answer as to what car to choose...

spwolf

this! Get IS350 and never look back... best of all worlds.

CtSFox

I have driven BMW 3 series of all stripes extensively over the past 12 years. I just ordered an IS350 F Sport.

As Natnut said, it depends what you are looking for. For max punch, especially at the low end, the BMW 335 gets the nod. For the rest of the factors that go into a pleasurable sporty driving experience, the IS 350 F Sport wins hands down, IMHO. The IS is way more comfortable and certainly should be more reliable.

moose66

The BMW way of doing things provides very little as standard. You pretty much start base and from there, just get the calculator out to add to the base price. This is for many of the goodies which are standard on the competitiion! You just watch that price go up and up.

rayaans

Im sure most on here will agree that the IS is NOT a camry and hence is NOT boring

FE9000

The 328i now comes rear folding seat standard. But agree with other posts, if you can afford the 328i M Sport, just go with the IS350 F Sport.

GriffinCO

You need to drive both and get back to us.

I've been wanting a BMW since my first car in 1999 (went with Audi A4 instead.) Test drove both the M series and newest 328 and I was not impressed. The 350 IS F Sport was sexier, more comfortable, sleeker interior and a LOT more fun to drive.

Have to say, I was pretty surprised.

Just ordered a 350 IS (don't bother with the 250 if you want performance. Seriously, just don't.)

Look forward to hearing about your test drive.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

might as well get the 350, youll get the much stronger engine, 8 speed, and bigger brakes

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

German's have excellent leases and you're not tied to it at the end.