Been driving my 2021 IS300 AWD and seemed pretty happy with it until last year. My wife being a long time bimmer owner picked up a 2024 230 with 19 inch wheels and me being the one to put gas in it, get it washed and bring it for tire changes twice a year are slowly starting to really like the dynamics of the car, it’s fast at least to my butt and corners like glue and much more engaging and fun car to drive. We both don’t drive that much as we are retired. She dislikes the car because of the seats and a few other things so she wants to buy the MB Cla electric when it comes out later in 2026. I’m on the fence of dumping the IS and keeping the 230, my cars have always been black and the bimmer is white. Anyway still winter here so I have a few more months to think about it.

 

My wife had a 2021 330i (RWD, with M Sport), and I miss that car, too. It was great. At the same time, I owned my 2021 IS 350 RWD, and the 330i was arguably better-driving than the IS 350 in many ways. However, I enjoyed the NA V-6 engine in the Lexus a bit more, even if it had less mid-range power. The BMW had the better transmission and sharper steering, though it could seem a bit numb at times.

It all depends on what it is you prioritize with the car. The BMW may be more fun to drive in some ways, but it also won't have the resale value of the Lexus. It also will cost more in maintenance. Even the oil changes on our 330i were about twice as expensive as the oil changes on the Lexus. This is partially balanced out by the incredible fuel economy our 330i got... something like 31 MPG on average compared to 22 MPG in the Lexus.

 

Anthony - I can see why you would be torn as both cars offer something but not in the same way. Very few will argue the driving dynamic of the BMWs versus that of a Lexus. It could be that you are simply getting the excitement of a "new to you" car but the 300 is not a bad car at all. The V6 (as Arentz said) is butter smooth and sounds very good. Comfort is all based on body types and such but I just find the Lexus seats are the best given my body shape/size and that is an important consideration. To me, the refinement of the Lexus is pretty hard to beat, plus its incredible reliability and not to mention, the exterior design!! Lexus nailed it IMO and while I loved some of the older BMWs, it seems they are just incrementally getting a bit weird looking to me (especially their interiors)

Good luck with your decision and stay warm eh?!

 

I would sway you toward the BMW if it were a 240i. But as a long time BMW owner myself, it's going to be heard to beat the resale value and ease of maintenance with the IS. Also, with the 230i, (all 30is and even 40is, it not a matter of if, but when. The OFHG will leak, so just budget for that repair if you keep it or plan on extended warranty.

I love to wrench on my cars, hence my love for BMW, but if I didn't have the ability to DIY, I would not own a BMW outside of the warranty period from a financial decision point of view.

 

A rear sway bar help these chassis for sure. Other than that summer tires. I know your retired but add a simple tune to get that IS300 to feel like IS350 make a difference. I say best bang for my buck cause the throttle respond and low end torque is much more alive. But going come down to what you truly like for yourself to be honest.

 

Thanks guys for your response, I appreciate it. after giving it some more thought I will be sticking with the Lexus, had to bring the BMW to get the seasonal tire change at the dealership as Costco was booked up and it was literally twice the price so I can just imagine when the warrantee is over, I have a Toyota dealer 2 minutes from the house and I know these cars are bullet proof. I really do like the Lexus, the interior, the seats and all angles of the exterior. I will definitely look into a rear bar and the ecu reflash. The one big thing about the car I don’t like is the huge wheel gap, at the same time I’m 71 and don’t want the car slammed and screw up the ride and handling so trying to figure out if going to 245/45/18 on my stock wheels or RS-r downs or spend some $$$ on BC coilovers, I’ve read where they could be noisy.