I have a few months left on my 2013 328i lease and am seriously considering paying cash for a used, reliable, , RWD, sporty sedan rather than re-up for another 3 year lease. I've always liked the 2G IS model and would like some advice. It's been forever since I've driven anything older than 5 years, let alone some of the used IS350's I've been eyeing that are from 07/08. Any years to lookout for (good or bad)? Will I be pleased with the performance coming from my 3?

 

Performance wise a IS350 is alot quicker than the 328i. It's competition would be the 335i. Just know that you'll be driving a Lexus which is one of the top most reliable cars.

 

You will never regret getting the IS350. It is good all around car. Fast enough on track, comfortable enough on street, and reliable like a tank. IS350 does not have the carbon build up issue like the IS250. Also, its gas mileage is only 1-2 MPG worse than the IS250 while you get 100 more HP.

Don't get the IS250, you will regret it!

 

IS250 owner here... I second this. Not for the performance but for the reliability.

 

Is350 and put sway bars lol

 

youll love the IS350. much faster than your BMW. drive one and youll tell yourself there is no need for a v8! that's how quick they are. better reliability..well theres no questioning that. Bimmers are awful especially as they rack up miles. id say look for an 09 and up with relatively low miles and youll never look back.

 

Thanks Mike. Is there something in particular with the 09+ models that is more appealing than the older ones? What year did they begin offering the F Sport line?

 

If your 328 has the sport package and/or manual transmission a stock IS350 won't be as engaging to drive, but it will be much quicker. Whether or not it is more fun is a matter of your personal preference, drive one and find out. I think the F-Sport option package appeared in 2010. The only thing from the F Sport package that would be difficult to add (or surpass with aftermarket parts) are all of the rear suspension geometry changes, and I'm not sure how much of a difference that makes.

 

I think FSport line starts in 2011 together with the LED headlights that most people wanted. That headlight can easily be sold around $1100 used so if you can get the 2011 or higher, make sure you have the LED headlight as an option.

 

Yes, FSport line starts in 2011.

Differences Between Model Years:
06->07:
Shark fin added
Trunk/gas buttons relocated slightly and illuminated
X package offered for first time

07->08:
More rear legroom due to reshaped seatbacks
Improved steering feel
Default illuminated scuff color changed from blue to white
18" wheel color changed to liquid graphite
Coin holder added to dash
(this is the best looking year IMHO)
Cashmere carpet/mats changed to black for cashmere interior (this was a mid-year change, early 08s still got all cashmere)

08->09: First facelift year
Turn signals added to revised side mirrors
Changes to front/'rear bumpers/grill/tails
Some minor interior trim changes
Cashmere interior replaced with Ecru

09->10
Bluetooth now available without nav
Audio system upgraded with USB port and native ipod interface
XM now standard rather than an option
Nav system updated to 6th gen (realtime traffic and other improvements, HD based instead of DVD)
X package no longer offered
Mark Levinson WITHOUT Nav no longer offered

10->11: Second facelift year
Some more changes to front/rear of exterior
Headlights changed to LED strip DRLs
HIDs now standard on 350
Several options REMOVED from car- AFS, PCS, and pass. side memory
Sport package replaced with (IMHO) much inferior F-sport package

11->12:
Headlights changed a bit again (there's a thread on this)
That's the only change I'm aware of off hand

Source: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...e-threads.html

 

Very helpful - thank you!

 

My stock F30 328i Sport turns in 5.6-5.7s 0-60 times by all the car magazines. What should I expect from an IS350?

 

You can expect 4.8-5.1 with good tires and good weather.

 

Love it! Thanks

 

^^^ what he said, seriously. Stock suspension has too much body roll and understeer. Just a stiffer rear sway can make a big difference.