EDIT
I test drove the M3 coupe earlier today, it was a blue M3 coupe @ richmond va. They had a demo that is not for sale parked outside. The only other M3 was the sedan which was black. I drove for approx 10 min and traffic didnt allow me to let the engine rip. But from the quick drive the steering felt very responsive and the brakes were amazing. The car feels very solid like any other german vehicle. I am in love with the M3 seats just how well it hugs the driver. The manual was very smooth unlike the previous M3s that I've driven. I am in love with it....

still undecided....

I'm tempted to trade my car IS350 in. I like to hear if it is a significant difference before dropping 30K more for ISF or M3

 

Drove the M3 and IS-F, I liked the IS-F had a better feeling of power, but I am not so sure that the IS-F will stand up to the M3 in the twisty stuff. The M felt a little more in control.

I am buying a F in end as I just found it to be what I want.

 

I test drove both. They are both very fast, fun cars. The IS-F was a bit quieter at idle and when driven non-aggressively. The M3 is a bit more rev happy. They both sound great when you get over 3000 rpm. For most people, they are going to be very close performance wise and difficult to tell the difference unless one is on the track.

The ISF is less expensive if one compares comparably equipped cars although it doesn't have M-drive and EDC. After having both a Lexus (GS430) and a BMW (335 vert), my feeling is that the electronics (Nav, bluetooth etc) have offsetting good and bad points.

Although I wanted to like the ISF, I don't like the looks. The hood is too big and I really don't like the silver finish interior.

After driving both, I decided to get an M-DCT M3.

 

I might be swayed in that direction as well. I love Lexus but I am starting the believe the hype around BMW's a bit more.

 

Don't forget to take into account quality and reliability. The first year of the e46 M3 had lot's of issues - including engine failures.

 

You're absolutely right, its better to wait so they can fix "most" of the issues

 

So you're going to buy it based on hype?

Why not actually test drive both the M3 and IS-F properly and then make a decision?

 

Hey man, have you had the chance to drive an IS-F yet?

 

hey mike
Not yet but I'm sure you have You should test drive the M3 if you havent done so already. Would be nice to hear opinions from a professional tech standpoint.

BTW, my 19's Work black vs-xx wheels are for sale.

 

Still ,from a quality standpoint I will bet my money on the lexus. Wait a second.... I already did!

 

Yeah there is hype around BMW's, there always is and always will be. 335i has the new landmark engine, Great! New M3 is another landmark engine and car.

To me though, I was expecting much more from the 8 cylinder they have come up with. The performance figures from all these reviews just aren't that great to me following all the hype. The ISF beats it in almost every category. Go to youtube and watch some M3 vids. Lots of bad points from very knowledgeable drivers. I see alot of your dislikes with the ISF and they are all valid points. But don't just jump on the M3 train and assume that it will be flawless.

Im not saying the ISF is perfect, but if all you are running on is hype, you need to do some more homework. Test drive my friend.