Thinking of coming to an ISF from an M3
06-27-15, 07:36 PM
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Thinking of coming to an ISF from an M3
Hey all,
I currently have a 2012 M3 competition PKG, and I'm considering coming to an ISF. I had a huge run in with BMW Canada a month after buying it, where the $15,000 transmission basically decided to stop working. After 3 months of fighting I had them replace it under warranty (they were trying to blame user abuse as the cause... I had only put 2000km on the car since purchase). Anyways... After all that crap, I've got a somewhat bad taste about BMW (and I've had 4 sofar...), and am considering something a bit more reliable, and with 4 doors. I used to also have a C63 AMG, but that also had no end to the problems. I still owe around 17k on the bimmer, and don't want to have money owing anymore, which is also a bit of a factor.
Has anyone here made the switch? I'm not 100% on the front end or interior of the ISF, but I like the power, and from a technical standpoint the 2UR-GSE impresses the hell out of me (almost as much as the S65). I've heard these cars are ultra reliable as well? How are upkeep costs? The M3 is rather nasty, being that it likes 10W-60 at $19/L.
As for modding, I'm not really interested past an exhaust (probably Joe Z, my friend has it and I love the sound), so I'm not too worried about the somewhat restrictive nature.
The other thing I was wondering is how is the 8 speed auto, especially versus a double clutch tranny? Does it revmatch downshifts? (I love the sound of pulling the paddle on my M and getting that revmatch).
Anything else anyone has to chime in would be awesome!
Pic of my M3:
I currently have a 2012 M3 competition PKG, and I'm considering coming to an ISF. I had a huge run in with BMW Canada a month after buying it, where the $15,000 transmission basically decided to stop working. After 3 months of fighting I had them replace it under warranty (they were trying to blame user abuse as the cause... I had only put 2000km on the car since purchase). Anyways... After all that crap, I've got a somewhat bad taste about BMW (and I've had 4 sofar...), and am considering something a bit more reliable, and with 4 doors. I used to also have a C63 AMG, but that also had no end to the problems. I still owe around 17k on the bimmer, and don't want to have money owing anymore, which is also a bit of a factor.
Has anyone here made the switch? I'm not 100% on the front end or interior of the ISF, but I like the power, and from a technical standpoint the 2UR-GSE impresses the hell out of me (almost as much as the S65). I've heard these cars are ultra reliable as well? How are upkeep costs? The M3 is rather nasty, being that it likes 10W-60 at $19/L.
As for modding, I'm not really interested past an exhaust (probably Joe Z, my friend has it and I love the sound), so I'm not too worried about the somewhat restrictive nature.
The other thing I was wondering is how is the 8 speed auto, especially versus a double clutch tranny? Does it revmatch downshifts? (I love the sound of pulling the paddle on my M and getting that revmatch).
Anything else anyone has to chime in would be awesome!
Pic of my M3:
06-27-15, 07:53 PM
#2
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im from Edmonton and the biggest thing I had to do was the breaks at $3300.
as for the 8 speed, I cant really compare it to the m3's double clutch, but if you wanna try it out let me know
Cheers Brandon
as for the 8 speed, I cant really compare it to the m3's double clutch, but if you wanna try it out let me know
Cheers Brandon
06-27-15, 07:56 PM
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Royal Oak Lexus has a really nice 2012 that I'd love to pick up... Bit more then I was thinking of spending though. I was considering a 2008-2009, since they can be had for high 20's-low 30's.
06-27-15, 08:10 PM
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06-27-15, 08:12 PM
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I put 44k on mine before they told me it was time to replace pads and rotors
and yea I have an 09 which is a stiff car (think they have better dampers on the 10s and up) but im planning on upgrading dampers anyways, and the 10s are the last year of the double analog gages which I think personally look better than the one large tech and small speedo
and yea I have an 09 which is a stiff car (think they have better dampers on the 10s and up) but im planning on upgrading dampers anyways, and the 10s are the last year of the double analog gages which I think personally look better than the one large tech and small speedo
06-27-15, 08:13 PM
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I put 44k on mine before they told me it was time to replace pads and rotors
and yea I have an 09 which is a stiff car (think they have better dampers on the 10s and up) but im planning on upgrading dampers anyways, and the 10s are the last year of the double analog gages which I think personally look better than the one large tech and small speedo
and yea I have an 09 which is a stiff car (think they have better dampers on the 10s and up) but im planning on upgrading dampers anyways, and the 10s are the last year of the double analog gages which I think personally look better than the one large tech and small speedo
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06-27-15, 08:17 PM
#10
The isf is really good reliable car. Nothing tops the competetion in reliability like Lexus and Toyota. I can drive it like i stole it with absolutely no problems. I came from E46 BMW M3 that plagued me so much issues. I sold it with the intent to never go back until BMW fixes their reliability issues.
06-27-15, 08:20 PM
#11
First off, beautiful E92 you have there. The switch from the M3 to the IS F is more seen from a track standpoint in my opinion. The M3 is very potent and will carry itself well on a track set up, but with it comes a greater maintenance need as well. The IS F, without seeming biased and having driven it both street and track, is very versatile for what it is. The IS F is a car that you can drive daily without worry and still take it to the track without having anything major happen except replacing tires or brake pads and the occasional oil change. It does take 5W-30, and a full 10 quarts (9.7 from full drain) to replace its oil. Gosh, I'd have to imagine that you can get away with spending $60 total for the 10 qts and oil filter to change your oil yourself, as that is my typical cost when it comes time to change. With the M3, while it is made for street driving, it really excels on the track. Styling is subjective and to the owner's discretion as to which is better.
Having tested both back to back recently (MY12 for both), I would say the upshifting in the IS F is a tad faster and more precise than the DCT, but that has been documented before. Downshifting, I would say they're pretty much the same. The revmatching isn't intantaneous on either, but it's not a total lag.
With any of the competitors in this segment (IS F, C63, M3) maintenance costs will be a lot more than the other vehicles in their respective line. While many of the M3 and C63 owners have been yearning for more reliability and IS F owners wanting more modability or just tuning in general, there really is no finite answer on which is better. All three have their selling factor and detractors, but in the end, if you want something that's still very sporty and powerful and without headache, it is very difficult to beat what the IS F offers. One of my friends who lives in the GTA says his '13 M3 gave him troubles (DCT lag, engine failure, differential issues), and on a recent trip to visit me, he was pretty imrpressed with the IS F's capabilities. I'll never be one to say the IS F is a better car because I do respect what the M3 offers and its heritage, but I chose the IS F specifically so I don't have to deal with issues. And for the most part, that goes for many owners who purchase these vehicles new or pre-owned.
Best of luck!
Having tested both back to back recently (MY12 for both), I would say the upshifting in the IS F is a tad faster and more precise than the DCT, but that has been documented before. Downshifting, I would say they're pretty much the same. The revmatching isn't intantaneous on either, but it's not a total lag.
With any of the competitors in this segment (IS F, C63, M3) maintenance costs will be a lot more than the other vehicles in their respective line. While many of the M3 and C63 owners have been yearning for more reliability and IS F owners wanting more modability or just tuning in general, there really is no finite answer on which is better. All three have their selling factor and detractors, but in the end, if you want something that's still very sporty and powerful and without headache, it is very difficult to beat what the IS F offers. One of my friends who lives in the GTA says his '13 M3 gave him troubles (DCT lag, engine failure, differential issues), and on a recent trip to visit me, he was pretty imrpressed with the IS F's capabilities. I'll never be one to say the IS F is a better car because I do respect what the M3 offers and its heritage, but I chose the IS F specifically so I don't have to deal with issues. And for the most part, that goes for many owners who purchase these vehicles new or pre-owned.
Best of luck!
06-27-15, 08:29 PM
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First off, beautiful E92 you have there. The switch from the M3 to the IS F is more seen from a track standpoint in my opinion. The M3 is very potent and will carry itself well on a track set up, but with it comes a greater maintenance need as well. The IS F, without seeming biased and having driven it both street and track, is very versatile for what it is. The IS F is a car that you can drive daily without worry and still take it to the track without having anything major happen except replacing tires or brake pads and the occasional oil change. It does take 5W-30, and a full 10 quarts (9.7 from full drain) to replace its oil. Gosh, I'd have to imagine that you can get away with spending $60 total for the 10 qts and oil filter to change your oil yourself, as that is my typical cost when it comes time to change. With the M3, while it is made for street driving, it really excels on the track. Styling is subjective and to the owner's discretion as to which is better.
Having tested both back to back recently (MY12 for both), I would say the upshifting in the IS F is a tad faster and more precise than the DCT, but that has been documented before. Downshifting, I would say they're pretty much the same. The revmatching isn't intantaneous on either, but it's not a total lag.
With any of the competitors in this segment (IS F, C63, M3) maintenance costs will be a lot more than the other vehicles in their respective line. While many of the M3 and C63 owners have been yearning for more reliability and IS F owners wanting more modability or just tuning in general, there really is no finite answer on which is better. All three have their selling factor and detractors, but in the end, if you want something that's still very sporty and powerful and without headache, it is very difficult to beat what the IS F offers. One of my friends who lives in the GTA says his '13 M3 gave him troubles (DCT lag, engine failure, differential issues), and on a recent trip to visit me, he was pretty imrpressed with the IS F's capabilities. I'll never be one to say the IS F is a better car because I do respect what the M3 offers and its heritage, but I chose the IS F specifically so I don't have to deal with issues. And for the most part, that goes for many owners who purchase these vehicles new or pre-owned.
Best of luck!
Having tested both back to back recently (MY12 for both), I would say the upshifting in the IS F is a tad faster and more precise than the DCT, but that has been documented before. Downshifting, I would say they're pretty much the same. The revmatching isn't intantaneous on either, but it's not a total lag.
With any of the competitors in this segment (IS F, C63, M3) maintenance costs will be a lot more than the other vehicles in their respective line. While many of the M3 and C63 owners have been yearning for more reliability and IS F owners wanting more modability or just tuning in general, there really is no finite answer on which is better. All three have their selling factor and detractors, but in the end, if you want something that's still very sporty and powerful and without headache, it is very difficult to beat what the IS F offers. One of my friends who lives in the GTA says his '13 M3 gave him troubles (DCT lag, engine failure, differential issues), and on a recent trip to visit me, he was pretty imrpressed with the IS F's capabilities. I'll never be one to say the IS F is a better car because I do respect what the M3 offers and its heritage, but I chose the IS F specifically so I don't have to deal with issues. And for the most part, that goes for many owners who purchase these vehicles new or pre-owned.
Best of luck!
How are they in Alberta winters, in terms of drivability? I know Japanese paint tends to be soft, and Japanese cars tend to be a bit more rust prone.
06-27-15, 08:41 PM
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