330i VS IS350

[CSL]

I own a fully loaded 330i and my buddy just for his IS350 today. I got to drive it, but before i did we diabled the VDIM. I can Honestly say that NA engine is a dream and put along side my 330i it would rape it. It is such as beast! The quality of the interior and exterior is also amazing, using much more expensive leather than BMW.

Now i know many people will say "wait till you drive the 335i" but the IS350 is a four door sedan just like the 330i and when comparing sedan to sedan damn the IS350 rocks. Can't wait till the IS350 coupe comes out, i want to see it.

BTW all you Lexus Haters, MB haters, Audi Haters, or whatever haters, i love all cars whethers its a tuned focus to a GT40. I simple give credit where credit is due.

Congrats Lexus on the IS350.

[Saintor]

Problem is that even if it can dance, it does not really enjoy doing so. It is all about temperament and character. In these regards, the IS is still clearly subpar. Even Consumer Reports mentions this.

[clutch09]

Good honest opinion

[flush01]

i test drove it and i liked my e46 330 much better

[ward]

how the F do you know how expensive leather is in each car??

[Ryan@Motorwerks]

my brother has an IS350. I agree with all the points you made, it is a very nice car. Although the IS doesn't have a bad steering feel, its more isolated and lighter than the steering of the 3 series. I'm not sure how they compare handling wise w/ VDIM off, but I would guess the 3 still has a slight edge on it. But props to you for having the balls to say what you think opinion.

[BMW F22]

I gotta agree with CSL that Lexus does use more quality materials. However, I sat in an IS and did not like the layout. Maybe Im used to the BMW's interior now ( I didnt like the E46's interior at all). I've not driven an IS but heard that even though it's faster, it doesnt really feel faster. People still like the E90 better because it's more of a sporty car. That is all.

[Ryan@Motorwerks]

Originally Posted by Saintor

Problem is that even if it can dance, it does not really enjoy doing so. It is all about temperament and character. In these regards, the IS is still clearly subpar. Even Consumer Reports mentions this.

I thought consumer reports just bitched about reliability and fuel mileage?

[Ryan@Motorwerks]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

I gotta agree with CSL that Lexus does use more quality materials. However, I sat in an IS and did not like the layout. Maybe Im used to the BMW's interior now ( I didnt like the E46's interior at all). I've not driven an IS but heard that even though it's faster, it doesnt really feel faster. People still like the E90 better because it's more of a sporty car. That is all.

oh yeah...I don't like how the dash is(seems too high) but the NAV is very cool.

[ward]

if consumer reports mentioned it, then it must be really bad as they are a clueless agency when it comes to fun

[abc]

i thought one could not disable the vdim

[Hunter399]

You can, you just have to do 1000 things before you can

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by abc

i thought one could not disable the vdim

You could, but it takes many steps. You cannot simply push a button like you could on the E90.

[ward]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

You could, but it takes many steps. You cannot simply push a button like you could on the E90.

it takes less steps to start contra with 100 lives

[CSL]

Yes, you can disable the VDIM there is steps to it which i will not mention here. But with the VDIM is off, the whole car changes it attitude. I becomes a razor, the you can feel the road through the steering wheel. I know that if the VDIM is disabled the IS can outperform the 330i. Remember that i do own and love my 330i and it does everything well too, but the IS is no slouch, especially when the VDIM is off.

[CSL]

It only takes about 10 seconds to disable the VDIM. Very easy steps for those who speak but don't know how to do it. BTW ward, BMW leather is known not to be as high quality as it should.

BMW has many great things about it. A taught chassis, great exterior quality, smooth engine, slick gearbox, amazing steering feel, high resale value, great driving ergonomics..ETC. I give credit for BMW where they derserve it.

BUT... i'm an automobile enthusiast! not strictly a BMW enthusiast. You would learn a lot more if you opened your mind a little and see what else the world has to offer.

[CSL]

Saintor, consumer reports didn't turn off the VDIM and watch it dance.

[RedStripe]

Originally Posted by ward

it takes less steps to start contra with 100 lives

HAHAHAHHA... you are absolutely correct.

Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right A B A B START..... sweet, still remembered it after all those years!!

[JO3]

All you have to do, bassically, is press the ebrake twice, then press the regular brake twice, and repeat until you get the traction control lights to light up the dash.

I've heard from other people that turning off VDIM changes the whole dynamic of the car. I wish I knew how to turn it off when I drove it at the lexus promo event. With it on, I walked away from the car very disappointed, and very impressed with the 330.

[maq]

If a car's steering feel can actually be controlled/changed by an electronic device, that only suggests how artificial the steering is to begin with.

[Hej]

I thought the leather in the e90 was just fine. To me, the plastic on the doors & steering wheel were pretty chintzy, though. Especially compared to the high quality plastics that Lexus uses.

[ek9hatch00]

Don't like the is350 at all...i'd take an E90 over that anyday...donno how teh is350 drives, but i know the looks of the E90 is wayyyyyyyyyy better