The IS interior is best-in-class...sophisticated and elegant at the same time. I like how the vinyl fits like a glove, and the center stack is laden with technology, yet simple and intuitive. The instrument panel is also very sophisticated...

Overall, the IS interior is one of its strongest points--a sexy interior to match the sculpted sheet metal outside.

The 3-series is strong in other areas; it seems the exterior appearance, and interior design is not its better side.

 

Your impression on the 3 series' interior is unfortunately, deadly wrong. These European babies come with a la carte options for you to put together the interior. My instinct tells me that your eyes haven't laid on a 3 series with "brushed aluminum" pkg.

 

I have a 325 ci coup. Comparing the two, 2IS interior is much more luxurious and modern. 2IS is also a more reliable driving machine.

 

Yes the e90 interior seems simple, but it isnt that bad. I do love the exterior of the e90 especially with clear european headlights as well as blackline taillights. I was wondering about the brushed aluminum combo--is it just textured or is it real aluminum-- I do not remember but I think I've read that it gets real hot when it's been out in the sun.

 

Well, as an E90 owner, I guess I'm qualified to comment on my car's interior. I do not like it as much as the IS350's.. period! Having said that, now you know I did not buy the car for how the dash looks. I drove both the IS and E90 back to back and researched both to death. It basically came down to personal preference on how both cars drove. Not to mention, my family really liked the extra room in the E90's back seat.
As many people here have said, liking or disliking either car's dash layout is a matter of personal taste. Who knows, I might get the IS when it's revised in a few years.

 

i sat in the new 3 series, i really dont' like the interior. somehow it looks very small, and while "simple", it doesn't spell enough class and elegant to me. just weird i guess

 

obviously you are lexus guys and you value interiors and reliability, but most BMW owners will value sportiness and driving feel, plus the fact that the 3 has a roomier interior and a true manual... i personally like the 3 exterior better than the IS... i find the IS rather ugly personally. anyway, to each his own

 

Coming from owning a E39 530i, E39 M5, E46 M3, and currently owns a E60 M5 and about to pickup a E90 335I through ED for the wife. I dispute all the claim above.

How much did all the car above costed me in maintainence and repair? A total of $0. Granted I never keep my car past 4 year period. If you have the ability to flip the car before the free maint. run out. BMW are cheaper to own and to insure as well (same market segment).

Show me any car in lexus lineup that can match any M in terms of handling and vehicle dynamics.

BTW, my two lexus that i had previously costed me to maintain than all my BMW did.

Lexus are generally more reliable that i will agree. But to say that BMW quality is poor is also ridiculous. All my BMW have been quiet solid. There are minor electronic issues here and there (i had more issue with less software E39 navi, then I do with I-drive).

Also, I actually like the I-drive and new BMW interior. It beats the old style navi with difficult to use rotating *****.

Also, who said BMW costs more to buy. Heck, my wife's fully loaded 335i through ED and my CCA rebate is only $45k out of door. Show me a fully loaded IS350 with all the fees included in CA that would cost $37k out of door.

Lexus has its merit. BMW also has it merit. The truth is always outhere. BMW are not more expansive to own and maintain than people at lexus forum made it out to be. BTW, my 530i insurance actually cost less than my IS300 and my wife's TL at that time.

 

As with any BMW, you can choose either aluminum trim or wood trim.

BMW's wood trim is actually better than lexus wood trim.

Personally i think BMW's wood trim is made of better material than their aluminum trim. Although I like the look of the aluminum trims over their wood trims.

 

I shopped the 3series pretty hard before I bought the IS, and I noticed the same difference with the interiors. I'm more of a Lexus/Benz person and could do without the sportiness of the Bimmer. Its a matter of personal taste. The BMW interior is more spartan and refined than that of the Lexus, but I liked the plushness and warmth of the Lexus.

 

I also disagree. I had a E39 540 and personally I like the E60 interior better - also your "over time" comment surely must mean after 4 years or 50,000 miles - cause up till then, you pay nada!

But I do agree, the IS interior is really really nice.

 

What he said!

 

You and chiawei DO do mid-service, 6500 mile oil changes, right? That costs something...

 

thats fine and all but the problem with BMW is since the 3 came out what else does the 3 offer above the IS besides handling etc. Because one can think of many things that the IS is better than the 3 in. Now if handling is that important over those thats the buyers decision. But thats too much of a trade off for me when I can purchase aftermarket suspensions to level the playing field. You cant really do that with a BMW to level it with the IS advantages. The 3 series to me is a one trick pony, its trick being handling, but it doesnt showcase anything else

 

I think all of BMW interiors are ugly