IMHOP the IS line is the best bang for the buck. It's all about affording a great car with awsome performance. Often it's one without the other. For example, my past '02 vette was a great muscle car, but lacked considerably in quality, interior and exterior. But the engine was bullitt proof. I feel I have both perf. and quality now, not to mention a back seat for kiddos. So yea if you got coin get a beamer, I wish I could afford one, but I dont feel I am missing out.

 

is500 w/o questions.
is350 hangs w/ m3 right now. is500 is going to murder m3.

 

lamo they are talking about the new M3, with a V8 and 400+ hp which proberly will be underrated again by bmw

 

Knowing Lexus, I would go with the IS. Last time had a BMW, they charged $1000 each time just to change the oil.

 

The M3 is the only choice. Word from Lexus is that the IS500 won't be produced as it will "kill the car's handling." Not only is Lexus not confirming production, they are bashing the idea.

http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar.../60814017/1041

 

If I have the money I would buy both?

 

The article said they were downplaying the idea, not eliminating it.

Most likely, Lexus will produce the car. Will it handle well? Maybe not as well as the M3, but definately better than the 350. The 500 on the 350 chassis will definately "kill the car's handling." However, if Lexus tunes it correctly and specifically for the 500, it will handle appropriately.

 

how does the is350 even hand with the current m3?

 

Straight line acceleration only.

Otherwise, as soon as you need to make a turn, the M3 definately rips the IS...

But then again, when people race cars, it's only at a red light. Why are people so idiotic and immature about such things?!?

 

Even on a straight line, i thought the M3's were in the high 4's and the IS350 is the low 5's?

 

That's true. But when you have "regular people" trying to shift on an M3 compared to "regular people" just pounding on the IS350's gas pedal, it makes the IS "easier" to gun from a stop.

Sometimes, what's on track is very different from what's on everyday roads...

 

Coming from an owner of both. 2002 M3 and a 2005 IS350. Performance wise, the M3 wins hands down. Day to day driving, I enjoy the IS350 more.

Service wise, Lexus wins by a mile.

 

The one with the proper transmission.
If both aren't available with a true manual, then neither.

If I was forced to pick one, then I'd go for the better performer, which is likely going to be the M3.

 

Well said. More bells and whistles w/the IS period.

 

i think BMW is mainly for performance. I have own 97 328i and 2001 x5suv and consider both junks. There is always problem with the car and there service suck. Lexus ride much better. If you always think of the speed, why don't just go for the z06 instead of m3. If anyone every own a bmw before, will know that riding is not smooth as lexus. my .o2cent