warrionex

Don't you guys see, BMW is making you finance maintenance cost with your car loan. You're paying interest for the maintenances cost.

They won't get my money with this kind marketing BS.

Style2k6

Don't you have a display for it inside the car? I think you can cycle through the display in the center of the gauges and see the oil level.

mr350

If it's only between the IS250 & 328 getting the 328 is a no brainer. The 328 is just a much better car. I was not impressed with the IS250. In my opinion, the Mercedes C230 Sport was more fun to drive than the IS250.

I just went through the process of buying a new car a couple of months ago. I really liked the BMW 328 Coupe and my decision came down to either the IS350 or 328. Check my screen name to see which car I bought.

ldc

I would have thought after the e90, BMW would have learnt from peolple's reaction towards the car's boring interior and make the e92 better. How they think their pholosphy on simpleness in the era or high tech is beyond me

As for the the question, one is a sedan and the other is a coupe. I'll wait till lexus brings out a Is coupe to be able to decide.

cmalley

I compared these two extensively. The IS 250 is an overall better value. Comparing MSRP; to get the 328i with everything I got with the IS 250 (plus a few extras you can't get on the 328i) it would have cost $4,500 dollars more!!!

$4,500 can easily pay for 4 years of maintenance on an IS 250 plus more.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Let's just say that it all ends up even: Lexus IS250 plus maintenance costs equal BMW 328i.

Which of the cars is functionally better for you?

Do you drive the car enthusiastically, or are you a conservative driver?
Do you need the extra space for rear passengers, or do you drive alone most of the time?
Are you going to keep the car for a long time (Lexus is more reliable), or will you trade it in a couple of years from now (free maintenance will help for now)?

You have to look at the cars in such a way. Trying to see it on price and maintenance costs alone will get you nowhere...

jlvargas78

This is coming from a 2 BMW car owner that just traded his 2004 325Cic for a 07 IS250. The free maintenance is not that really a big deal. It will only get you at the most 4 oil changes in 50K miles. It will be either by the mileage (15K) or yearly if you dont drive that much. Any bimmer fan that you can talk with change the oil every 5K-7.5K miles. I used to change it every 5K miles, paid $60 in an independent shop when a BMW dealer charges btw $120-$140.

Dealing with the service department, I wasnt impress at all for what you pay for the vehicle. I havent had any issues with the Lexus dealership yet. In terms of driving, you cant compare a BMW to any Lexus. Hands down the BMW will win in dynamics. But the Lexus is a better overall package in terms of quality, value and satisfaction. Dont have to worry to much about reliability in my IS. I still have my 2005 BMW X3 in my garage.

l1tech

I also looked at all 3 of these cars in depth and IMO the only thing that the 328 had to offer was better acceleration and better steering feedback, realistically for the "typical" driver neither one of these is an issue, It really comes down to comfort, styling, affordability and dependability above performance and handling. Now if you find yourself really having a need for the the acceleration and handling I don't think that any of these cars, including the IS350< is what you are after.

As far as the Mercedes c230 sport goes I can honestly say that I have never been more disappointed in a car in my entire life. Within the first mile of test driving it I knew that it was now between the Lexus and BMW.

ShoFly

I recently compared these too as I'm in the market for a new car. I like BMW's exterior look definitely, really despise their interior and idrive/nav system. Also I believe I read, the push start ignition isn't even keyless?..

homer4598

It is if you get the comfort access package.

Agni88

If you dont want a powerfull car get the 328i.
Its a beautiful car and fun to drive with great handling.

But if you are a Horsepower freak look in to the new G35 Sedan.
Its a great car...though I really dont like the look of the rear end. You can get one for the same price as the 328i.

The IS250...just seems out of place, its engine is weak and its rear seat is so tiny.

Agni88

You realize that on the 328i, u can check the oil level on the dash display?

IS_NIICE

iTrader: (1)

yes, on a vehicle equipped with i Drive everything maintenance related is displayed on the nav screen. without idrive, you can see it on the dash. however its more limited.

here's my opinion, if you buy the BMW you will sacrifice some luxury for some driving feel. they are both BASICALLY, equal. i won't go into the looks of the car because that is your own decision. but ill tell you one thing, the new 3-series seems to be more widely accepted than the IS.

before i got my IS350, i remember driving someone's 2006 325i. i was stunned. i said, wow this car really is the ultimate driving machine. the pedal followed your foot and you just knew that you were driving a real car. i hadn't driven many cars by that time. me and my family were convinced that i was going to get a 2004-2005 M3, it was my dreamcar, and my dad loved it as well. we went to test drive it and yes, the same feeling was in this car too-but my dad had second thoughts. he questioned why i should pick a car that has an outdated bodystyle. he said he loved BMW, but he also loves lexus, and that i should get the is350. so i drove it--luxury and performance was terrific. but for some reason, to this day, whenever i sit in a BMW i get a different feeling. trust me, i love my car, but maybe it's the orange lights or the feel of the leather, i just get a different feeling. my friend has an 07 530i and it drives wonderfully. i also love how the pedal clicks when you hit full throttle. i don't know, the last 3 years of my life i worshipped the M3, and was SUPPOSED to get it, and it never happened. that would explain why i love bmw's so much. i finally ended up ordering a stickshift 335i coupe. so i can finally relive the experiences whenever i feel like it. just do this: drive the 328, focus on how the car feels, how the pedal touches your foot, then drive the lexus-feel the luxury and the beauty of the interior and the nice nav...then make your decision