3SPKY5U

Being from the other side of the fence (I'm an auto tech), I can tell you dealers themselves might like warranty, but good luck finding a tech who wants to be assigned "guess what's wrong" on a 15k transmission that BMW says can't be serviced, and won't be paid very well for his time (think maybe $25 in pocket if nothing is found). They just hand it off on the new guy, who doesn't find ****, then they charge you for their "wasted" time.

What really grills me, is they know I'm a tech, so they ignore my self diagnosis.

It took me, taking time out of work to lift my own car up, remove a ton of coverings and hunt for a leak. The leak wasn't the problem, but once the DCT has a small leak BMW has to drop the pans (mechatronics housing and DCT oil pan) to replace the seals. From there they discovered a faulty mechatronics unit and finally worked it out.

JDMV8

iTrader: (6)

There's only one criterion, that if satisfied, the switch is a no-brainer: do you like the performance aspect of the ISF? (eg the handling, acceleration, balance)
If your answer is yes, then the switch is a no brainer.
You can beat this car into oblivion and get so much joy out of it and it won't turn its back on you.
I love the e9x M3s, but I honestly would not ever want to own one.
It's not fun to get enjoyment out of the car while simultaneously worrying what's about to go wrong, regardless of the driving experience you get.
I take it easy on my Evo and religiously check fluids once every two weeks. It is, afterall, a car with a reliability pedigree of a bimmer (albeit, it is surprisingly pretty reliable compared).
The ISF--you don't have to bother (although I still make sure my blinker fluid reservoir is topped up).

I8ABMR

I test drove the M3 before I bought my ISf and I though the interior wasnt as nice, but it did handle a little better and the steering felt weighted better, BUT I loved the delicious torque of the ISF. The M3 didnt have the grunt down low that I wanted. Add to that the inevitable issues because of the BMW badge and I said hell NO. I switched to Lexus back in the day from an Infiniti and didnt want to go backwards for 10% handling difference only to have unscheduled visits to the dealership.

semnosNSX

I test drove an ISF and an M3 when I was looking for my car. I personally felt like the M3 performed slightly better, but only slightly (both cars were 100% stock). It ended up coming down to reliability and which car I would worry the least about. I decided to sacrifice the slight bit of performance for peace of mind. Oh yeah, I also liked how the ISF was a bit more rare than the M3. I see M3's many times a week, but spotting an ISF is like spotting a Lamborghini.... It just doesn't happen very often.

I8ABMR

The rarity of the F makes it more desirable

jat0223

iTrader: (1)

If you get a 2011+ you'll get the same or better performance car as well as the reliability and perks that come with Lexus.

hacker_720

I just renewed my plates so I know my exact millage: 276,102 kms. No issues. Every feature works, no leaks, I don't even worry about it. I drive it in the snow, rain, wind, and it parks outside. I can't get over how reliable this car is (it's my fourth Lexus).

I usually get around 16 L/100km but I drive it hard, a few times I got into the 20 L/100km range, but I was really pushing it. I drove about 150km at 120km/h and got to about 10.5 L/100km which I was really impressed with.

Get it, you will be happy.

INTMD8

Very nice, that is great to hear ^^^

teamcalvin

Sweet m3 you have there.. Switching to the ISF wouldn't exactly be a upgrade nor a downgrade... but you wouldn't regret it, thats for sure.

streetx

iTrader: (4)

The car is quite reliable. The most common issue I have seen is water pump leaking and thats on earlier models.

Cost on upkeep. My oil changes consist of motul 5w30 which is roughly 100 bucks for 10 liters + filter and plug crush washer. So not that far off from where you are now with the m3.
Wear items like brakes can be very cheap or expensive depending what you want as there is quite a few options

Transmission wise I have never heard of an 8 speed failing

NYKnick101

M3 vs IS-F to really depends on what you want to do.

If you eventually plan to build an High HP car, the IS-F is NOT your car because of the tuning restrictions so dont expect to get more than what is offered out from factory. Some mods give a little more hp but not much. The IS-F is real reliable power when you want it all the time

the M3 has more upside on power as there is more of a tuning market however you know about the reliability aspect after the transmission job.

With any Lexus, you have to take it as it comes which a lot of the community has learned

2URGSE

Nice M3, my buddy had a white E90 until he got divorced. I got to ride in that car quite often. You should test drive the car for sure before buying, the engine is very different. (Higher displacement, more low end torque, very strong top end as well)

Very reliable vehicle. With intake/exhaust/headers you can get 400RWHP.

Shoot for the 2011, they get Torsen LSD, upgraded interior, wheels etc.

9.8 quartz of RedLIne 5W-30 and you're ready to roll.

2URGSE

Pretty rare, the USB was the "Flagship" color, featured in the first page of the 2008 brochure.

I don't know the exact production numbers on the USB, but the car itself is very rare, so this color is even more rare.

2URGSE

I would say so from driving all 3 cars. The C63 is really a MONSTER MOTOR, the IS-F is next.

You won't have any low end issues.

3SPKY5U

Holy crap. I'd never dream of seeing a performance car that high. That's incredible man.

The plan is actually more of a cost saving initiative. I owe money on the M3, and I'm back finishing up my apprenticeship schooling soon, so I won't have income. I could still support keeping the M, but I figured it would be less worry on me if I had a super reliable car with a similar feel. And ISF's can be had cheaper. That and I'm very partial to V8's (This would be my 5th).

I see one USB car for sale, but it's out in Ontario. There seems to be slim pickings for Alberta cars, a bunch of silver (not a fan).