LSs1Power

I agree until the new engine gets in the 5 series. It will be called 535 and it will be faster than the GS350 for sure (More power than a 545 on a dyno and less weight than GS350). I think the 535 is what going to turn the market upside down. I can't wait for a 6spd 535 with M sport package.

LexFather

Well why not post YOUR CHART with YOUR PROOF then. Until then, shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

turn your wallet upside down too, if the 525 is pretty much as expensive as the GS350 can you imagine how much a 535 is going to be when the 550 is 57k

BMW owners should be glad the new IS/GS350 engine existed anyways, without it I believe the x35 engine wouldnt have been created or at least wouldnt have been priced competively to the competition

AlexusAnja

I remember in the mid '80s when MB and BMW prices were rising faster and faster with each model year, not just model cycle. There was no stopping the asking price for their vehicles. Then came competition, BETTER competition at that, and they realized they couldn't just put out anything and charge a premium. So, by keeping prices competitive, they now needed to 'cut corners' and their quality suffered in the meantime. Everyone needs to thank the Japanese for making both the Germans and Americans realize that they can't put sub-par cars on the market anymore because their are equal, if not better, choices out there.

Look at the GS300 and GS350, increase in performance... same price. Can any other luxury make do that? In some weird way, maybe the Japanese makers are dumb for making cars that last too long because most consumers obviously are happy having a vehicle go 100K with some problems.

LSs1Power

I understand its going to be more expensive than a GS350, but before x35 engine i would have never thought i'd buy a BMW. I was shopping for a manual 4 door turbo car that is comfy, sporty, fun to drive and safe for a daily driver. I was looking at GS350 as my best option until i saw the new engine from BMW. Anyways until now BMW didnt really release a due date for the 535 so I might have to downgrade to 335 or get the GS350 if BMW is going to take along time to come up with it. The price increase on the 328-335 is around $1500 so i expect the same on the 535 too.

1wickedgs

If it luxury you are lookin for its the LS you need Im waitin on that one. And I would like to get the LS 600h L but thats not til 08 dont think I can wait that long

jrock65

2007 IS350 (Luxury Package, ML/Navi, Headlamp Washers): $43,880 MSRP

2007 GS350 (ML/Navi, Headlamp Washers, AFS, Ventilated seats, Rear sunshade): $49,410 MSRP


In the above comparison, the cars are equipped exactly the same, i.e., no difference in features. The GS350 is $5530 more expensive.

That's quite a chunk of change for some extra backseat room in the GS350. The IS350 trunk is actually a bit larger. Also, personally, the IS350 interior (with wood and navi) is a bit nicer.

So, unless you really need that extra backseat space (or AWD with the 3.5L engine), the IS350 is the way to go.

AlexusAnja

$5000? I look at it like for just $5000 more, why NOT get a larger more comfortable vehicle? This is like why spend $8000 more for an Accord when you can get a Civic which is basically the same. Why get a 5 series when you can get a 3 series that's comparabily equipped?

Then again, with sales of GS having slid and IS rising, maybe people are saving the $5000 and saying "screw the GS" ha ha...

I would take the GS and the extra six for the $5000K.

INHOCJP

Why would someone choose the GS over the IS? The same reason why some would choose a E-class over a C-Class, or a 5 series over a 3 series, etc.

jrock65

Sure, that's why many people choose the E, 5, GS, etc.

One difference that I see, however, is that the E350 offers at least some stuff that is not available on the C350. Same thing with the 530i vs. the 330i.

However, other than AWD, I can't think of a single feature/option that the GS350 offers, that the IS350 doesn't. If you load up the two cars, they have exactly the same stuff.

Don't get me wrong though. There's nothing wrong with getting the GS350 over the IS350. In fact, the GS350 will most likely continue to outsell the IS350.

LSs1Power

You are forgetting one important factor between the two cars and that is SPACE. The only reason i would get a GS350 over IS350 is space and especially rear seat space. The same goes to my decision between the 335 and 535 BMW.

INHOCJP

I'll have to check, but are there options on the 5 or E that aren't available on the 3 or C? I see your point though that the GS should offer more options than the IS, just like the LS should have more options/features than the GS.

In the end though it may come down to simple aesthetic preferences. Some may just like the styling of the GS better than the IS, or vice versa.

jrock65

I explicitly stated that space is the main reason to get the GS350 over the IS350. Check post #22.

jrock65

Agreed. We talk a lot about power, features, handling, mpg, etc., but according to a survey conducted several months back, styling is the #1 criteria when people choose a car.

scottmyers

No offense, but the ride, the extra space and the prestige of the GS won me over immediately from the IS. Just the feel of the car when driving the GS seems better to me. THATS why I bought one. Had nothing to do with horsepower or saving 5k.

It's all about what's important to you that makes the difference.