335i v/s Lexus IS350 F Sport

cruvon · 10-26-2010, 11:50 PM

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/f...027-172vu.html

John_01 · 10-27-2010, 12:22 AM

I saw this at the motor show. On paper the Lexus appears to has some good strengths. Eg Lexus is made in Japan, whereas the BMW is made in South Africa. I think the build quality and reliability of the Lexus could easily better the E90. Also the Lexus has conventional tyres and a spare wheel, whereas BMW has run-crap Bridgestones with harshness and lots of tramlining. Lexus dual clutch transmissions are very smooth, at least it is in the IS-F. Need to drive one to see how the handling compares to the BMW. However I have no plans to trade in my 325i at the moment.

Unfortunately I don't think the styling update is an improvement over the outgoing model, the front bumper has some weird angles on it when you see it in real life. Lexus don't currently offer a manual transmission which is a minus point for me.

AlterZgo · 10-27-2010, 12:35 AM

^The ISF transmission is a conventional 8 speed automatic with torque converters adapted from the LS460 8 speed auto. It is not a dual clutch unit.

Totally agree that the lack of a manual in ANY Lexus cars, including the LFA, kills the brand for me.

V1_R · 10-27-2010, 12:44 AM

BMW > Lexus (Toyota)

I actually looked at Lexus before buying my car, but the interior put me off straight away.

The design lacks any appeal. I didn't even bother test driving.

John_01 · 10-27-2010, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlterZgo

^The ISF transmission is a conventional 8 speed automatic with torque converters adapted from the LS460 8 speed auto. It is not a dual clutch unit.

I did some research and found you are right; the 8-speed in the IS-F is a different layout from the BMW DCT and is a multiple clutch design as you say. Still I think the transmission in the IS-F is a very good one. With the IS350, I'd prefer a manual.

johnnydad · 10-27-2010, 02:41 AM

I think the IS350 has a standard 6 speed torque converter auto, not DCT/DSG etc.

Agree the Lexus does nothing for me styling-wise, inside or out, and it is rather small. It hasn't really dated all that well whereas the E9x still looks fresh to my eyes.

Sparky66 · 10-27-2010, 02:46 AM

It seems the second generation upgrade to the ISF concentrated mainly on fixing the harsh bumpy ride which would unsettle the car on turn in and under hard accelleration. Still can't help with the lack of headroom in the rear seat though.

Jeef Beef · 10-28-2010, 02:32 AM

Price and performance wise, the Lexus isn't even in the same LEAGUE as the 335i. Just from pricing alone, the 350 would be equivalent to the 325i. Then the Lexus has the clear advantage in terms of the drivetrain, but not overall driving dynamics.

Tra08R · 10-28-2010, 03:51 AM

Lexus tasteless,

johnnydad · 10-28-2010, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

Price and performance wise, the Lexus isn't even in the same LEAGUE as the 335i. Just from pricing alone, the 350 would be equivalent to the 325i. Then the Lexus has the clear advantage in terms of the drivetrain, but not overall driving dynamics.

But size, price and performance is not that dissimilar to the 135i. Lexus has only 8 litres more bootspace than the E88 for example.

Due to try one shortly - IS350 that is. I will report back.

John_01 · 10-29-2010, 12:06 AM

Rear seat space is a bit of an issue with the Lexus IS cars. I didn't have a problem with head room, but I found the rear leg room is a bit tight for adults. I can also see it as an alternative to the 1 series coupe, which my wife is actually quite keen on. The funny thing is the overall length of the IS350 is larger than a 3 series by 50mm.

chappy · 10-29-2010, 12:50 AM

I owned a IS250 for just over two years when i bought the 335 as far as space goes it is a bit cramped in the back seats my coupe has more room in the back i was hoping the is350 was coming to oz years ago.
Starting at $64000 is a steal the F-SPORT is $79000 on the road $30-40000 cheaper than the 335 and equal in power or dame close.
Maybe later on I'll go back to lexus.
Question is the 335 worth $40000 more i now we are ripped off on luxury cars.

paw55h · 10-29-2010, 07:20 AM

I was waiting for the IS350 to come out but the week before I picked up our 325i

Why
We drove the IS250 and didn't think it was a bad car just needed more power that the IS350 would give. BUT I didn't like the rear seats and the wife could not get over the fact that it was a toyota and uses a slightly modified camry engine. So what we were really buying was smaller more refined camry.

Things I do like though is the fact that it had a 4 year warrenty and they pick the car up and leave you with a lexus when it's due for a service and for 3 years services are free. So they make financial sense.

Funny thing is my car's a toyota and its a supped up hilux the TRD and i love it BUT the thing is under the covers it's still a hilux and when you drive it you realise it not that special appart from the power so I think I would have the same feeling in the lexus. Everytime you get behind the wheel of the BM you know it's special

Hope this makes sense

johnnydad · 10-30-2010, 03:13 AM

The IS is RWD though.

paw55h · 11-01-2010, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnydad

The IS is RWD though.

In that case I should have looked at a HSV or FPV covered in leather that way I get power and luxury right ?

John_01 · 11-01-2010, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paw55h

In that case I should have looked at a HSV or FPV covered in leather that way I get power and luxury right ?

... and probably save some money as well. Unfortunately the build quality of the Australian product isn't in the same league as Lexus, or even the South African made E90s. It especially shows in the quality of the interiors.

Zen · 11-02-2010, 06:50 PM

Whoa, its been a while since I was here.

Saw the IS350 as well, I must say the pricing on the IS350 is a suprise, as when Lexus was announced the IS350 will be coming to Oz, I was expecting the starting price to be around 75 - 80k at least..

However, being 1.85m tall sitting inside the IS just doesn't cut it for me. Sitting at the driver sit is ok (electric seats), but when I moved to the back, damn legroom and headroom is fairly bad, and I had to tilt my head slightly and its really really uncomfortabe. Also the funny thing happened to me is that I nearly had my foot chopped off by some kids adjusting the electric seats waaaaayyy back trying to be speed ricers, and this actually happened to me the 2nd time in a motor show.

Also I had a look at the New Volvo S60, fairly impressed by it. Anyone saw that? What are your thoughts?

V1_R · 11-02-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John_01

... and probably save some money as well. Unfortunately the build quality of the Australian product isn't in the same league as Lexus, or even the South African made E90s. It especially shows in the quality of the interiors.

I'm not sure why you would differentiate between E90's and South African E90's.

As far as I'm aware, most E9x's are built in South Africa (apart from European models).... including US models.

Are there reported disparities in quality? And if there is, why would BMW who own the whole operation let this happen?

bcoz · 11-03-2010, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PersianPete

As far as I'm aware, most E9x's are built in South Africa (apart from European models).... including US models.

I believe all current (2010) Oz E90 models (ex M3) are built in South Africa, and all current Oz E91/E92/E93 and M3 models are built in Germany.

zenderm3 · 11-03-2010, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcoz

I believe all current (2010) Oz E90 models are built in South Africa, and all current Oz E91/E92/E93 models are built in Germany.

Except for M Cars... which are all built in Germany. I did think that only diesel models are built in Germany (although not sure!).

bcoz · 11-03-2010, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenderm3

Except for M Cars... which are all built in Germany. I did think that only diesel models are built in Germany (although not sure!).

I agree about the M3s. My 330d was built in South Africa and shipped from Maputo (booked at Durban).

John_01 · 11-03-2010, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PersianPete

Are there reported disparities in quality? And if there is, why would BMW who own the whole operation let this happen?

I think that some of the German manfacturers choose to build cars in South Africa because the labour costs are lower. My car is not perfect in terms of quality. Some issues have caused me to bring the car back for warranty work. South Africa has some serious social, econmic and health problems too, so I don't think it can be counted as a first world country anymore. For my money there is no doubt I would pay extra for a car built in Germany or Japan - but each to their own.

10-26-2010, 11:50 PM	#1
cruvon Lieutenant Colonel 88 Rep 1,543 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (1)	335i v/s Lexus IS350 F Sport http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/f...027-172vu.html __________________ Tiag E90 \| JBSPEED Spli t t ers \| JBSPEED ACS style Roof Spoiler \| JBSPEED M3 style Trunk spoiler \| Euro plates \| K&N Intake \| BMW OEM Performance Exhaust \| Debadged \| OEM Chromeline trim \|230 OEM rims \| 19" Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 Non runflats \| OEM Burr Walnut Gear knob \| OEM Blacklines \| OEM Spacesaver \|
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10-27-2010, 12:22 AM	#2
John_01 Colonel 241 Rep 2,643 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	I saw this at the motor show. On paper the Lexus appears to has some good strengths. Eg Lexus is made in Japan, whereas the BMW is made in South Africa. I think the build quality and reliability of the Lexus could easily better the E90. Also the Lexus has conventional tyres and a spare wheel, whereas BMW has run-crap Bridgestones with harshness and lots of tramlining. Lexus dual clutch transmissions are very smooth, at least it is in the IS-F. Need to drive one to see how the handling compares to the BMW. However I have no plans to trade in my 325i at the moment. Unfortunately I don't think the styling update is an improvement over the outgoing model, the front bumper has some weird angles on it when you see it in real life. Lexus don't currently offer a manual transmission which is a minus point for me.
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10-27-2010, 12:35 AM	#3
AlterZgo Lieutenant Colonel 1568 Rep 1,693 Posts Drives: 23 X3 M40i, 21 911S, 24 Taycan Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (0)	^The ISF transmission is a conventional 8 speed automatic with torque converters adapted from the LS460 8 speed auto. It is not a dual clutch unit. Totally agree that the lack of a manual in ANY Lexus cars, including the LFA, kills the brand for me.
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10-27-2010, 12:44 AM	#4
V1_R Captain 36 Rep 738 Posts Drives: G30 530i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Phoenix AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [10.00]	BMW > Lexus (Toyota) I actually looked at Lexus before buying my car, but the interior put me off straight away. The design lacks any appeal. I didn't even bother test driving. __________________ G30 530i
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10-27-2010, 02:41 AM	#6
johnnydad Captain 112 Rep 931 Posts Drives: 17 BMW M2 - 05 RS Clio 182 Cup Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sydney, NSW iTrader: (0)	I think the IS350 has a standard 6 speed torque converter auto, not DCT/DSG etc. Agree the Lexus does nothing for me styling-wise, inside or out, and it is rather small. It hasn't really dated all that well whereas the E9x still looks fresh to my eyes. __________________ John 17 F87 M2 Pure - long beach blue 10 E91 320d LCI - space grey - black dakota - steptronic - innovations - 157s - front PDC - Konis 99 BMW Baby Racer - red; 05 Renaultsport Clio 182 Cup - French Racing Blue - Konis - Eibachs - Remus - Turinis
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10-27-2010, 02:46 AM	#7
Sparky66 Major 61 Rep 1,230 Posts Drives: 335 E92 Coupe. Jet Black. Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	It seems the second generation upgrade to the ISF concentrated mainly on fixing the harsh bumpy ride which would unsettle the car on turn in and under hard accelleration. Still can't help with the lack of headroom in the rear seat though.
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10-28-2010, 02:32 AM	#8
Jeef Beef Lord Captain Commander 121 Rep 3,093 Posts Drives: a sleeper Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Price and performance wise, the Lexus isn't even in the same LEAGUE as the 335i. Just from pricing alone, the 350 would be equivalent to the 325i. Then the Lexus has the clear advantage in terms of the drivetrain, but not overall driving dynamics. __________________ E82 135i M-sport: SGM/6MT/Black
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10-28-2010, 03:51 AM	#9
Tra08R Money never sleeps 15 Rep 336 Posts Drives: e92 - 2007 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Lexus tasteless,
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10-29-2010, 12:06 AM	#11
John_01 Colonel 241 Rep 2,643 Posts Drives: E90 325i, E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Rear seat space is a bit of an issue with the Lexus IS cars. I didn't have a problem with head room, but I found the rear leg room is a bit tight for adults. I can also see it as an alternative to the 1 series coupe, which my wife is actually quite keen on. The funny thing is the overall length of the IS350 is larger than a 3 series by 50mm.
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10-29-2010, 12:50 AM	#12
chappy Captain 109 Rep 693 Posts Drives: 335 M-SPORT COUPE Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Brisbane Australia iTrader: (0)	I owned a IS250 for just over two years when i bought the 335 as far as space goes it is a bit cramped in the back seats my coupe has more room in the back i was hoping the is350 was coming to oz years ago. Starting at $64000 is a steal the F-SPORT is $79000 on the road $30-40000 cheaper than the 335 and equal in power or dame close. Maybe later on I'll go back to lexus. Question is the 335 worth $40000 more i now we are ripped off on luxury cars. __________________ THE BEAST MHD Flash Tune /M3 suspension/Forge Intercooler/Alpina B3 AT Flash/Bilstein B4 Suspension/BMW OEM M3 Steering Wheel and DCT Paddles/LUX V4 Angel Eyes/CIC Retrofitted
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10-29-2010, 07:20 AM	#13
paw55h Private 3 Rep 53 Posts Drives: 320i sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: sydney iTrader: (0)	I was waiting for the IS350 to come out but the week before I picked up our 325i Why We drove the IS250 and didn't think it was a bad car just needed more power that the IS350 would give. BUT I didn't like the rear seats and the wife could not get over the fact that it was a toyota and uses a slightly modified camry engine. So what we were really buying was smaller more refined camry. Things I do like though is the fact that it had a 4 year warrenty and they pick the car up and leave you with a lexus when it's due for a service and for 3 years services are free. So they make financial sense. Funny thing is my car's a toyota and its a supped up hilux the TRD and i love it BUT the thing is under the covers it's still a hilux and when you drive it you realise it not that special appart from the power so I think I would have the same feeling in the lexus. Everytime you get behind the wheel of the BM you know it's special Hope this makes sense Last edited by paw55h; 10-29-2010 at 07:26 AM..
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10-30-2010, 03:13 AM	#14
johnnydad Captain 112 Rep 931 Posts Drives: 17 BMW M2 - 05 RS Clio 182 Cup Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sydney, NSW iTrader: (0)	The IS is RWD though. __________________ John 17 F87 M2 Pure - long beach blue 10 E91 320d LCI - space grey - black dakota - steptronic - innovations - 157s - front PDC - Konis 99 BMW Baby Racer - red; 05 Renaultsport Clio 182 Cup - French Racing Blue - Konis - Eibachs - Remus - Turinis
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11-02-2010, 06:50 PM	#17
Zen Captain 11 Rep 640 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sydney Aus iTrader: (0)	Whoa, its been a while since I was here. Saw the IS350 as well, I must say the pricing on the IS350 is a suprise, as when Lexus was announced the IS350 will be coming to Oz, I was expecting the starting price to be around 75 - 80k at least.. However, being 1.85m tall sitting inside the IS just doesn't cut it for me. Sitting at the driver sit is ok (electric seats), but when I moved to the back, damn legroom and headroom is fairly bad, and I had to tilt my head slightly and its really really uncomfortabe. Also the funny thing happened to me is that I nearly had my foot chopped off by some kids adjusting the electric seats waaaaayyy back trying to be speed ricers, and this actually happened to me the 2nd time in a motor show. Also I had a look at the New Volvo S60, fairly impressed by it. Anyone saw that? What are your thoughts?
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