This one?



....or this.

 

very, very close in my book- with the nod going to the IS because of the dual exhaust

 

Lexus. The way the cabin narrows compared to the back end gives an even more muscular look than the BMW, and the dual exhaust just hightens the look.

 

i like the IS eventhough the long license plate on the BMW does work against it.

 

I voted for the BMW even though I think its pretty close to a draw. As far as both cars overall, I think I do like the styling of the BMW (exterior and dash) slightly more (except when equipped with NAV). Its just that reliability thing that worries me about BMW (I plan on owning a car over 5 years)

 

I don't think I'll ever buy a BMW again. Some of the most ridiculous things imagineable broke on my wife's 328is, including the ignition cylinder (the thing you stick your key into... it decided to just spin freely, so we couldn't shut the car off. Lucky thing it was running at the time and was a 5spd), which is of course coded to the car. A few weeks, a call to Germany, and $1000 later, all fixed. Screw that. I'll stick with Toyota/Honda/Subaru. They make plenty of exciting/fun to drive cars.

 

Equal quality pictures would help. The IS pic is pretty crappy. The harsh lighting makes the bumper more pronounced.

 

i pick the IS just b/c of thedual exhaust among other things

 

Though the rear of the IS is my least favorite angle (taillights remind me of the '06 Hyundai Sonata), I still prefer it to the Bimmer. Even though the E90 is the least offensive shape that Chris Bangle has done for BMW, I still don't find it terribly attractive.

 

I like the IS better. It has a more agressive rear end and the dual exhaust really sets it off.

 

The design of the 3 series is strange - it looks like they were running out of time and designed the rear in a rush - it really is poor. Give me the IS anytime.

 

From the front, I prefer the IS. From the side, I prefer the BMW. From the rear, I prefer the IS.
I pretty much like them both evenly.

I do think the IS rear is much better done though.

 

Even though the IS rear is my least favorite part of the IS (excluding the dual exhaust), it wins this comparison hands down.

The Ultimate Driving Machine along with lack of dual exhaust lacks personality. The reflectors along the bottom of the E46's among other characteristics gave it more character. Also, the E46's even w/o dual exhaust, looked evil and sinister. IMO, the E90 is not as intimidating. The Dual on the IS tells those approaching that it means business.

I don't like the front side portion of the UDM either, the front overhang is way too short. From that point rearward it looks good. The front end of the UDM loses as well; a face only a mother could love, at night with those angel eyes it's a different story.

 

here is a better picture.

 

and u know what i am going to say, so i am not gonna say it.

(E90 butt looks butt ugly)