BMW also covers brakes, which most people will get done before the 50,000 mile point, wipers (not expensive), and pretty much anything else but tires. So I don't think you can do a strictly $ to $ comparison based on the service prices people are paying, and the premium, if any, of buying the 328 vs. an IS250.

 

For your case, yes, since you finance your car. For others who do not finance their cars then the interest do not apply.

 

Any analysis that doesn't include this is seriously flawed. The IS brakes have very short lives and are costly to replace given the design (pads + rotors both have to be replaced).

I'm at 18K miles with my IS350 and just had to spend $600 on a brake job. BMW would cover this through 50,000 miles--and I could spend $1,800 on brakes alone with the IS, in addition to the regular service costs.

The BMW will win this hands-down.

Also, this is all based on the theory that an IS250 SHOULD cost the same to purchase and own as a 328i. I strongly disgree, and based on sales, so do most buyers. The IS250 is fairly anemic compared to the 328i and isn't nearly as rewarding. Outside of maintenance costs, the 328i is WORTH thousands more than the IS250--the free maintenance is icing on the cake.

FWIW, when I bought my 350, the 330i was only $2K higher (dealer negotiated price). I picked the 350 for its speed, but probably would not have had I realized how costly the maintenance was. I was spoiled with an E46 that I traded in for the 350, so I kinda forgot about maintenance costs.

 

I see, but I forgot to tell everyone that my numbers ($3,117.35) includes changing brake pads and rotors two times in five years.

Because of this, the IS250 still wins. Obviously, in a speed comparison the BMW wins.

 

I agree, but remember almost 80% of the people in the US who buy cars finance (regular or leasing) their cars.

 

If you really need this to feel better about a purchase of an IS250 over a 328, then that's fine... but I really think you can't "price out" the cost of free maintenance on the BMW as the price difference between the 2 cars.

 

Doesn't anyone already know that there is NO FREE maintenance with BMW? Its a marketing gimic. The maintenance is included in the MSRP of the bmw.

I compared a similar equiped 07 328i with my IS250 and the the 328i is $5000 more than my IS250.

 

I'm really curious. Do you drive with one foot on the brake and the other on the gas? The reason I ask is, I have 22k miles on my IS350, and my rotors are 19% worn (29.4mm remaining thickness), and my pads (before I did the TSIB) were also 20% worn. It is hard for me to imagine wearing out the brakes in less than 50k miles.

No, I don't drive like a grandma, but I do know how to use brakes very effectively from years of road racing motorcycles. I just marvel at how people are killing the brakes on these cars so quickly.

So, your statement above regarding brake wear is entirely meaningless to people like me.

 

Perhaps it is a 350 issue - however, please lose the condescending remarks: clearly, I am not alone:

18,000 miles: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ke+replacement

Less than 15000 miles (along with posts from other users at 19000mi, 15000 mi):https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ke+replacement

...should we go on?

 

I can understand the break wearing out on the IS350, dealer told me that when I bought the car, you will only get around 15,000 miles out of them. But what I can't understand is why you would pay $600.00 to have them replace the pads and turn the rotors. You can buy a great set of Hawk pads for around $75.00 and have the rotors turned at any brake shop for under $50.00.

 

Sorry if it sounded condescending. I don't really care about what others are doing. I have a 350 too. That's what GSE21L means. This is my experience: 20% wear in 20k miles. I'm asking you if you drive with both feet. Do you?

 

You're confusing two types of costs: acquisition and operating.

Acquisition Costs:

The acquisition cost has nothing to do with the operation/design of the vehicle--but more so, what it's worth to you and the market. Purchase price, depreciation/interest, and taxes are relevant charges here.

Lexus IS250
$30,255
201-hp 2.5L V6 (204-hp, 185 lb/ft tq)
3455 lbs
C&D 0-60: 7.1s / 1/4: 15.4 sec @ 90 mph
Braking (70-0): 170 ft

+ More Std Features
+ Praised interior design
- Cramped interior room
- Overzealous stability program


BMW 328i
$32,400
3.0L I6 (230-hp, 200 lb/ft tq)
3340 lbs
C&D 0-60: 6.1s / 1/4: 14.8 sec @ 95 mph
Braking (70-0): 160 ft

+ Much faster acceleration
+ Class-leading chassis
+ Better braking and steering
+ Better interior size
- Less standard features
- Criticized interior design


ADVANTAGE: Likely favors BMW


Operating Costs (incremental outside fuel and tires):

The operating cost captures the costs to run and maintain the vehicle--a measure of design and efficiency. Adding interest charges, a function of the acquisition cost, muddies this.

Lexus IS250 Basic Maintenance
Total aprox.= $3,117.35 Basic maintainance + risk of additional brake replacements

BMW 328i Basic Maintenance
Total = $0


ADVANTAGE: BMW

 

I believe BMW introduced the 'free-maintenance" program in 2004.

2003 - no free maintenance
Base 325i MSRP = $27,800
Base 330i MSRP = $34,800

2004 - maintenance included.
Base 325i MSRP = $28,100 -------- $300 more than 2003 325i
Base 330i MSRP = $35,200 ---------$400 more than 2003 330i

A few hundred dollar increase every year is typical for all car manufactures. So, where does this maintenance included in the MSRP that you were talking about?

 

No I'm not confusing anything. My numbers reflect the cost of adquisition. Also you're forgeting the additional interest you're paying for the BMW if you finance the vehicle.