I think I’m ready to explore the BMW, their service, and community. All my cars have been Lexus starting 2011 GS350. Since then, I’ve owned 6 Lexuses from RX, to GS(F), LS, and LC. I currently drive LC500 for good weather, and LS460 for the rest of the year, and my wife RX350.
I’m looking to replace the LS460. I was looking at the newer LS500 but I think I want something different. The BMW M340x drive seems very appealing. Anyone here went from Lexus to BMW? Can you recommend some forums to join?
I’m very familiar with Lexus and know where to look for history records, find parts, and buy parts. Is the BMW harder or easier to find parts?

 

I went from a 2nd Gen IS250 to a F30 328. I still have the 328--it's my son's car now with 92K miles. It's a great car. I was looking to replace it a few years ago with a G20 330, but a sedan wasn't the right choice for me at the time, so I ended up with an X1. Bimmerpost and Bimmerfest are probably the most active BMW owner forums.

 

 

BMW is much easier to get parts for and they are cheaper, cars are much faster and are quite reliable these days.

Try a 740i or one Gen older 540i if you want something similar to the LS but with the B58 engine, if you want the full experience but more risk get a V8 car like a one Gen older M5 or the V8 7 series.

The prior Gen 7 also has the V12 if you want to experience the ultimate tier that Lexus never offered.

 

I use Bimmerpost - very active forum and tons of info.

I think the G30 540i xdrive would be a better transition from an LS rather than M340i. It still has the B58 motor but offers a better ride and more luxurious interior. Not a fan of the new 5 series as interior is complete garbage.

 

Switched from Lexus to BMW back in 2006 and never regretted. Still have a Lexus in a family (my daughter's NX). Waiting for my son's M340i X-drive to arrive in two weeks (still in transit). I think M340i X-drive is an excellent choice in terms of performance, but you coming from LS might find 3-series somewhat smaller inside. As far as B58 motor - you will love it. Bimmerpost is one of the most helpful BMW boards with tones of info and cool people.

 

I was a die hard Toyota/Lexus person and got my first BMW in 2020 when the first year M340ix came out. Let’s just say it opened my eyes to a better performing car than my IS350 and it also squashed my fears of everyone saying how unreliable BMWs are. The engine in the M340 is excellent and you would be happy with it.

One thing to think about like others have said is that going from a LS to a 3 series is a big step down in terms of size and luxury but if you want a sporty little car the M340 is a great choice.

 

There is life after Lexus, trust me. I haven't had a BMW personally but am on my second Mercedes and am doing just fine. BMW has a much better reliability track record right now than Mercedes, you will be fine.

I recommend Bimmerpost as well

 

I have an X3 M40i which shares the drivetrain with the M340xi. I think you'll love it. it gets really good gas mileage for what it is, and the performance is much better than what you're used to. It's also very refined, straight sixes are the best when it comes to that. With that said, since you mentioned you were coming from an LS, a 3 series is a significant step down in terms of space and interior materials quality. I know you mentioned wanting something different, but just be prepared for that.

 

Bimmerpost has plenty of info and plenty of Facebook groups to join as well. M340 is a very good car pretty reliable as well. It is a little under tired imo for a car with that much power but nothing after market cant fix.

 

Or just get the Cooling and High-Performance Tire package or get the staggered tires from new. I agree, it is under-tired, and 225 in the rear is kinda sad for any RWD-biased car with more than 350 horsepower. I guess they offer those narrow tires for someone trying to hypermile in their M-Performance sedan?

So far, I have had a very positive experience with the two Bimmers we've owned. Our 330i was a great car to drive and got fantastic fuel economy, too. The X3 has been a really relaxing ride and super practical. Our dealership has been pretty good to work with as well. We've had a couple minor issues fixed on both cars and have been provided loaners and haven't had to pay for anything outside of warranty yet. Yes, the BMWs have been to the shop more than our Lexus cars have, but that's not saying much. Heck... my IS 500 had a check-engine light. But at the same time, they are largely easy to live with.

 

I owned a 2001 Lexus GS430, sold many moons later with 330,000 miles (that car brought me to this forum)

Since then, I've owned 3 BMWs, all M models.

Current models I own (and it's the only 2 cars I own):

155,000 miles on my 2013 BMW M3 convertible (no major issues, and JUST changed the original battery a few weeks ago)

95,000 miles on my 2021 BMW M4 (no issues, and drove across country last summer, out of warranty, was never worried....7,700 miles in 9 weeks)

Enough said

And I'm active on Bimmerpost too, and it's a passionate bunch. There are still some BMW horror stories out there, but less than in the past...especially with cars built after 2015.

 

Not many cars spec’d with that cooling and high performance tire option. But yes 225 width on a 400hp car is nuts to me. Im sure it helps fuel economy but it wouldnt be for me.

 

If/when this happens, this will be a shock to me. Plan on getting the longest extended warranty or trading out

 

I traded my 07 IS350 to a X4M. My RCF is for good weather. I also visit Bimmerpost.