BMW M340xi
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,396
Likes: 362
From: Las Vegas
I do wish I'd gotten the adaptive cruise and the premium sound.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 4,800
From: GA
Agreed. Just came back from my RX350 service and while I was waiting, I checked out the IS and the ES. Now I remember why I never bought the IS and went through 3 GS. The ES is a good size but I’m not sure about the FWD. Maybe it’s just fine and it’s just me being prejudice about it. I didn’t ask for a test drive as I’m not really serious about it and they also didn’t have the ES300H available.
I think the 340i is actually bigger than the IS. It certainly felt that way when I was in the 340i.
The 540i does seem to be the right vehicle. It’s just hard to find one that is optioned with executive package and ventilated seat and 360 cam. These leased returned that I’ve checked out are very lightly optioned.
I think the 340i is actually bigger than the IS. It certainly felt that way when I was in the 340i.
The 540i does seem to be the right vehicle. It’s just hard to find one that is optioned with executive package and ventilated seat and 360 cam. These leased returned that I’ve checked out are very lightly optioned.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 940
From: MA
I've owned both a G20 330i and two ISes recently. I can confirm the 330i is larger inside, mainly in the back seat. Up front, it's a negligible difference, but if you plan on having rear seat passengers often, probably a deal-breaker. Thankfully my car is a glorified two-seater most of the time.
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,375
Likes: 614
From: IL
Current G20/G80 3-series is almost exactly the same size as the E39 (1997-2003) 5-series.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 3,958
Likes: 409
Agreed. Just came back from my RX350 service and while I was waiting, I checked out the IS and the ES. Now I remember why I never bought the IS and went through 3 GS. The ES is a good size but I’m not sure about the FWD. Maybe it’s just fine and it’s just me being prejudice about it. I didn’t ask for a test drive as I’m not really serious about it and they also didn’t have the ES300H available.
I think the 340i is actually bigger than the IS. It certainly felt that way when I was in the 340i.
The 540i does seem to be the right vehicle. It’s just hard to find one that is optioned with executive package and ventilated seat and 360 cam. These leased returned that I’ve checked out are very lightly optioned.
I think the 340i is actually bigger than the IS. It certainly felt that way when I was in the 340i.
The 540i does seem to be the right vehicle. It’s just hard to find one that is optioned with executive package and ventilated seat and 360 cam. These leased returned that I’ve checked out are very lightly optioned.
I do need to fit a booster seat and a full size car seat(rear facing) in the rear. With the 340i, I can get them both. But I think the IS is a little tight for the rear facing. I can make it work if I put the rear facing behind the front passenger and the booster behind me but I don’t want to work for it.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,560
Likes: 279
From: Illinois
The Executive Package includes Automatic High beams, Icon Adaptive LED Headlights, Digital Instrument Cluster, Soft Close Doors and Power Rear Sunshade & Manual Side Window Shades. I have it on mine and appreciate all of them except the sunshades which for some reason, I never use
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 906
Likes: 1,348
From: Greater Toronto Area
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 906
Likes: 1,348
From: Greater Toronto Area
Yeah, go with the 5 series if you want that extra space - otherwise hit up the M340i. Get some variety in there. You won't be disappointed with BMW. Those two are great cars. You already have an LC500. Don't even know why the IS500 is even in consideration here.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 940
From: MA
Lol. Yeah. After seeing the IS yesterday, it's off the list. There's a reason why I haven't bought one after 15 years and 6 cars with Lexus.
I'm working on getting a 540i. Debating whether I want a very lightly optioned low mileage one(<5k miles) or fully loaded with 25k miles. I'm a little concerned with fully loaded options and features that will break and have issues. Massage seats, power rear window shades, adaptive LED, soft closed doors, etc.
I'm working on getting a 540i. Debating whether I want a very lightly optioned low mileage one(<5k miles) or fully loaded with 25k miles. I'm a little concerned with fully loaded options and features that will break and have issues. Massage seats, power rear window shades, adaptive LED, soft closed doors, etc.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,320
Likes: 1,788
From: Ohio
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,396
Likes: 362
From: Las Vegas
The Executive Package includes Automatic High beams, Icon Adaptive LED Headlights, Digital Instrument Cluster, Soft Close Doors and Power Rear Sunshade & Manual Side Window Shades. I have it on mine and appreciate all of them except the sunshades which for some reason, I never use
Ah. Mine has the Automatic high beams, Icon Adaptive LED Headlights, and Soft Close Doors.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 687
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
