335i.

is350 only feels more comforatble if you're a tiny person, esp in the rear seat

it's way too cramped inside for someone around 6ft

335i

I can't understand why people would expect IS be less problematic than the e90. IS shares nothing except for the powertrain/electricial with the rest Toyota.

Just by economy of scale BMW has larger volume. So statistically catching a lemon is lower than the IS.

With Toyota's recent track record for cost cutting, eg Aluminium wiring etc.. I don't think it takes much to tarnish Toyota's track record.

I'd go with the 335i. There's the AWD available so you can have year-round driving which is not available on the IS. As well, the back seat of the IS is useless, whereas the 335i's is surprisingly hospitable. Also, inline-6 engine noise + turbo rush FTW.

^ IS has AWD too

^ Only on the IS250.

IS350 is only RWD.

Kev

get the bimmer. while you don't get the same comfort or hell, a nicer interior than Lexus, the handling and power of 335i is totally in a different level. i've driven a 335i on both the highway and backroads and i gotta say it is just as good as an E46 M3, if not better with minor mods.

that's the case if you're after the thrill and enjoyment of a drive, that's exactly why i bought my skyline for. you gotta know WHY you're buying the mentioned cars in the first place. what are you looking for in that car.

Lexus is just another toyota with a nicer interior and extra features. iMO, 350 doesn't even match up with 335i in any aspect.

needless to say, 335 FTW. It handles so much better

+1.

I had to take my 335i back and forth to Cloverdale yesterday and it was the first time I unleashed the car on the highway since I got it and the handling and power blew me away. The best thing you can do is take out a demo 335i on the highway and you will be amazed by the handling and power.

get ze bimmer...
i got is250..not quite is350 but still....

get ze bimmer :P

Lease a 335i, and return it at the end of the lease. Then go and buy an used IS350.

there are as many 3 series on the street as civics. BMW are fast becomeing the next best seller i think

What's with all these post asking about getting 50k+ cars? I thot the economy is in the shitter

btw how much would prices drop for a 07 08 09 (is350 and 335i) since new 2010 models will be in september. Thats what im waiting for before i make the right choice lol.. in the mean time gonna go rip up the 335i demo car on the highway. :D

335i if you want a "driver" car
IS if you like the luxury and extra features like cooled seat.
And regardless of what anyone think, the majority of people still think BMW is a more premium brand than lexus.

I would agree that lexus has better reliability than BMW, and hence, should hold its value better. However, when I check last time, IS350 actually has lower residual value than 3 series.
(I think 335i 36 month residual is 50%, while IS350 is like 47%. So if you are planning on leasing, 335i might be a better choice with the higher residual %)

IS resell value typically isn't that good either if you check actual used car pricing.

335i for lease


IS350 for fiance

enough said

go test drive both cars and you'll have a better idea of what you like better. but i'd stick with lease a bimmer, buy a lexus rule

^beemer leasing is awesome especially with their 39 month terms!

Although you might not want to put much money in a lease car, so up to the OP on the whole modifications thing.

But mod an IS350 and still... G37 sedan is definitely better than the IS350, both are cramped-ish inside but G37 has a more entertaining engine and better styling IMO

I'd say 335i, though I like the look of the IS350 more.

dL

What everyone has failed to mention is that BMW still makes their cars with a proper manual transmission. You can't get a stick-shift with the IS350.

BMW still makes terrible interiors (I've ridden in a new bottom-barrel 323), but they make up for it in driving feel and that great engine note.

3 series Interiors aren't terrible just bland...
New ones look better ie. Z4 ;)

There's a reason why the 335i was the Car of the Year....

ive decided on the 335i
what is the price range for an 07 right now? the bmw dealership has them for 52k which is bs. I thought they would go for 40k+ . With 2010 models coming in do you guys think the 07 one will drop to between 35-40k?

can't get a proper gearbox in the is350 so fuck that shit

consider the 335d as well