Well, I was going to wait for a stick or wait for the bmw 335 to come out but my g35's appetite for front tires (irregular inner-tread wear/feathering affecting G's and Z's), which are about $293 each from the tirerack + shipping + install + wasted time has forced me to take the plunge.

I went for a test drive in a 350 nav/ml/sport and that sumb*tch flew. My coupe with mods is fast but the 350 is faster. The ML is simply awesome. The Blose in the G is awful.

I worked out a good deal with the dealership to purchase a car the 350 with the options above in blk/blk in about 1 month. That'll give me time to take off all of the mods on my car and hopefully sell it.

I've been lurking for a while and I appreciate all the info I've been able to get so far.

Planned mods:
1. tint
2. one piece forged 18"s with 245/35 and 275/35 tires.
3. slight drop
4. 6000K philips ultinons
5. XM
6. Lightweight Battery
7. Full titanium exhaust if/when available.
8. Clear bra

 

why 18's?

19's!!!

 

very nice...dont forget that you can get about 25MPG combined with the IS350. not too shabby for a 300+hp car

 

Reasons:
1. better pothole protection
2. less weight and rotational mass = better acceleration
3. less expensive to replace
4. longer life

I went with 19"s on my coupe and didn't have any real issues with them. They are forged one piece wheels that actuall weigh a combined 15 lbs. less than the stock 18"s.

I'm going for a little more performance v. bling this time as I plan on running some HPDE's with it.

 

I have a pretty long highway commute and I'm getting about 22-23 mpg with the coupe. If I can get the same or a little more, I'll be tickled.

 

yea larger wheels affect acceleration but if you got bigger wheels with wider tires the traction gains may offset your acceleration times. With the torque the 350 engine has I doubt you will notice any less acceleration, you arent putting 19s on a low 100 ft lb wtorque civic

 

your point is well-taken. However, every little bit helps/hurts.

Weight is the enemy and my list of mods should help reduce the weight of the car without any negative consequences. It'll be nice to be able to pull on [insert competitor here] (if I choose to do so) especially those owned by people who think the IS is an overpriced Corolla.

 

Comin from a 05 G35 Sedan 6MT - Sport, I can tell you this. I miss the manual, you will too (I would guess). That's pretty much the only thing I can tell ya that's not right with the IS. If manual would fit you better, I suggest sucking it up with the tire wear and waiting to at least test drive the 335. It doesn't matter to me, as my wife drives the IS 90% of the time and she can't drive stick. If she could, I'd still have the G35.

 

Hey Keeeeez. 295 lb/ft of torque from 1800-5800 rpm IIRC with controlled with a stick would be the cat's meow. However, I read on the bimmer forums that they are going to delay intro of the 335 until the end of this year or the beginning of next. In addition, the 335 would be over $50K easily comparably equipped and it wouldn't have the lexus reliability and customer service that I've grown accustomed to with my RX.

I'm getting tired of the pull to the right, grease on the windows, loose driver's seat, rattles, bad tranny, tire feathering, etc. The exterior stying of the coupe is the best you can get for under $40K and it is a star on the track. Those two things kept me going for the past 2 years but it's time for a change.

 

What dealer did you buy from?

 

Lexus of PDX

 

heard the 335 got delayed to late late 06 or early 07. It aint gonna be cheap also, 42K and i bet they still going to charge you 1500 for leather

 

Nice Pull! and welcome! i am sure you will enjoy the car as much as i do.

 

Thank you for the welcome. I have no doubt that it'll be great.

 

I've never gotten more than 21.4 on my car, and that's freeway. My combined mileage is between 18 and 19, not that I'm complaining.