belyzel4

So I finally got my F-Sport Rear Sway Bar and Steering Damper installed this weekend and I am really starting to enjoy the car more. I feel like I am a third of the way there to getting my heavy steering with good feedback (like a BMW 335i with sport package). I am driving a 2009 IS350 with NO sport package, so I think I need a new suspension.

What I have read after looking through many forums for factors that give BMW the heavy steering effect and why my Lexus is lacking:
1) Hydraulic Power Steering on the BMW
2) Wider Tires on the BMW
3) Lack of Sport Suspension on my Lexus
4) Lexus has too much Power Steering Assist
5) 2008 ISx50 was changed to have heavier steering, but not sure about 2009 models

I know I am going to get some responses that tell me to go get a BMW, but I love every other aspect about my IS350. I tried the 2011 F-Sport IS350's and their steering doesn't feel any different than mine. What is the best solution? Will Coilovers + the Steering Damper give me what I am looking for?

ISF_GG

iTrader: (2)

Do yourself and your car a favor, and get some coilovers, and the front F-sport sway bar. Those two items greatly helped the steering feel of my IS350.

isthrizzy

I have had an 07 328, so I'm familiar with the steering feeling you are looking for. I can tell you that changing your suspension will not get you to where you want to be. A new suspension will help the car to handle better, but the actual feeling you get at the steering wheel will not be different.

The biggest contributors are items #1 and #4 in your list above. You cannot change those things on the IS, so that's about the best you'll get in terms of how "heavy" the steering wheel feels.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Get an IS-F. The wife complains all the time about how heavy the steering is compared to the IS350 we had.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Want more steering feel/effort? Find a way to change your kingpin inclination angle. Then again you'll be trading off a lot of things..

belyzel4

I had a feeling that was the case. I guess it was wishful thinking that getting better suspension would give me what I wanted. Now I just have to deal with it until my next car <.<

I was about to get the BC Racing coilovers until I realized that installation for those things costs as much as the coilovers themselves!

I test drove an IS-F before I got my IS350, but for some reason back then I was keen on getting a fast and comfortable car. The IS-F felt rougher than my 2nd choice 335i, which was rough enough lol. Now that I have a change of heart for my driving preferences I might have to go check one out again!

The kingpin inclination angle sounds too dangerous for me to tinker with ;p

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Where in CA are you? Most places will charge about $250 if you take it to an independent mechanic shop. Or find someone around the area and offer $100 or so

The job isn't hard.