Another 335i vs ISF thread - with a twist...
Yeah, I understand that. I kinda feel like I'd be settling if I go with the 26k mile '11 because the wheels and color are not my first choice. The '12 with 46k mile is exactly how I would build an ISF if I ordered it new. My practical side just keeps telling me to put more value on the lower mileage car. Price is very close on both cars too...ugh. Decisions, decisions.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: MD
Yeah, I understand that. I kinda feel like I'd be settling if I go with the 26k mile '11 because the wheels and color are not my first choice. The '12 with 46k mile is exactly how I would build an ISF if I ordered it new. My practical side just keeps telling me to put more value on the lower mileage car. Price is very close on both cars too...ugh. Decisions, decisions.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 270
From: Nc
V.
Hi guys, I'm looking for some input on the ISF. I currently drive a tuned 335i with a manual transmission. I do all of my own maintenance/repairs/mods. I love the 335i, but am tiring of the frequency of repairs, and I know that as it ages (95k miles), it's not going to get any better. So I'm in the market for a reliable, powerful sports sedan. On paper, the ISF makes perfect sense - power, reliability, luxury, etc.
So I test drove my first ISF last night, and the difference in power delivery between the 335 and ISF around town seemed like night and day. The ISF has great power, but it seems to be accessible largely in the higher rpms (4k+), whereas the 335 has so much torque down low, that it's power is there from 2k+. Now, my test drive may not have been a good indicator because the owner did not currently have the car registered (supposedly bought another car and didn't want to pay the registration for the ISF, I guess
). So no license plate, and the seller was really nervous about me taking it on major roads or freeways for fear of being ticketed. So the test drive was on empty industrial park roads. Still was able to poke it pretty good, but on the short roads probably never got over 70mph.
I know that driving both cars at the limit, the ISF would hang pretty close to the 335, so I'm not looking for more comparisons about driving these 2 cars at the limit. So here's the twist: ISF drivers, what is your impression of driving the car around town and accessing power down low when needed? Especially if you are a former 335i driver. Was it much of a transition learning to access power down lower in the rpm range for quick squirts when driving on the street? I really like the ISF, but worry that I would not be happy with it if the power is weak under 4k rpm, where I do 95% of my driving.
Here's an example of the 2 cars for those who have not driven a 335. In the Bimmer, if I am tooling along at 1,500 - 2,000 rpms and want to pass someone, all it takes is a gentle tip into the throttle (not WOT, and no downshift needed) and boost/power comes on almost instantly and I've gained 20-30 mph in no time, and without going over 4k rpm. In my (abbreviated) test drive of the ISF, if I dipped into the throttle, even with a downshift, it seemed like I had to wait a few seconds for the car to get over 4,500 rpm before it really came alive. Maybe I should have downshifted further? And yes, it was in sport mode. Give me some insight. There's another one about 100 miles away that I'll drive in the next week, but want some feedback before I do. Thanks.
So I test drove my first ISF last night, and the difference in power delivery between the 335 and ISF around town seemed like night and day. The ISF has great power, but it seems to be accessible largely in the higher rpms (4k+), whereas the 335 has so much torque down low, that it's power is there from 2k+. Now, my test drive may not have been a good indicator because the owner did not currently have the car registered (supposedly bought another car and didn't want to pay the registration for the ISF, I guess
). So no license plate, and the seller was really nervous about me taking it on major roads or freeways for fear of being ticketed. So the test drive was on empty industrial park roads. Still was able to poke it pretty good, but on the short roads probably never got over 70mph.I know that driving both cars at the limit, the ISF would hang pretty close to the 335, so I'm not looking for more comparisons about driving these 2 cars at the limit. So here's the twist: ISF drivers, what is your impression of driving the car around town and accessing power down low when needed? Especially if you are a former 335i driver. Was it much of a transition learning to access power down lower in the rpm range for quick squirts when driving on the street? I really like the ISF, but worry that I would not be happy with it if the power is weak under 4k rpm, where I do 95% of my driving.
Here's an example of the 2 cars for those who have not driven a 335. In the Bimmer, if I am tooling along at 1,500 - 2,000 rpms and want to pass someone, all it takes is a gentle tip into the throttle (not WOT, and no downshift needed) and boost/power comes on almost instantly and I've gained 20-30 mph in no time, and without going over 4k rpm. In my (abbreviated) test drive of the ISF, if I dipped into the throttle, even with a downshift, it seemed like I had to wait a few seconds for the car to get over 4,500 rpm before it really came alive. Maybe I should have downshifted further? And yes, it was in sport mode. Give me some insight. There's another one about 100 miles away that I'll drive in the next week, but want some feedback before I do. Thanks.
The very reasons you stated above were the exact reason I traded in my E92 M3 for the ISF. The maintenance on the car was getting worse and more costly. To the point where I had to say enough was enough, I wanted the same power but a more reliable car so the ISF was the clear choice.
Idk if I can give any clear insight from a 335i standpoint because the E92 M3 and ISF have similar powerbands considering both being NA powerplants. But im sure coming from a turbocharged car the torque curve is going to be noticeably different since turbo cars are just designed that way. But it still going to be a fun car none the less. But I think at its limits comparing the 335i to the isf is like comparing the 335i to the e9x m3, that's the most honest comparison I can give
Last edited by jdmSW20; Jul 21, 2016 at 04:25 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 501
Likes: 9
From: MD
Just cut some damn weight PLEASE. Not a lot of hope when the IS350 is 3600lbs curb weight; add the 8 speed trans, VTD system, big brakes, 2 more cylinders, requisite cooling and we're probably right back at ~3750-3800.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 270
From: Nc
Alot of ISF guys will probably move to the LC500 or wait on the LCF (600+ hp). But I do personally like the 4 door F option if they can bring it back out. Hopefully it won't be $100,000 like the LC500 though.
V.
V.
-Mike
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