BMW 3-series vs Lexus IS

Replying to: pat (Oct 30, 2005 7:59 am)

"Thanks."
 
No problem.
 
330i:
 
Nice car. Haven't had a chance to drive the new 3 yet, but I am looking forward to it. Seeing as how dealerships here are closed on Sundays, tomorrow is a good day to do that. Exterior, meh. Interior, bleh. Well, it is not so much bleh, there are some good attributes in there, however when you combine it altogether, like the door panels and then dash, it mixes like water and oil (IMO).
 
I have heard too many horror stories about BMW workmanship (anectodatal and statistical).
 
The driving aspect of the 3 I am sure is nice, but the ammenities leave something to be desired with respect to my likes and dislikes.
 
IS 350:
 
Nice car. ... really nice car! Exterior, wooh! Interior, oh yeaaa! Well, it is not so much oh yeaaa, who am I kidding, yes it is! The interior is very "fresh" and the use of contrasting tones is absolutely amazing, especially with the cashmere leather. I love the interior door panels and they are extremely comfortable. Wow, is that leather soft. The seat fits me like a fine Italian leather glove; perfect. Everything about the interior gives you the impression of smoothness and luxury; very tastefull.
 
The driving aspect? Haven't driven it. As much as I would love to, the dealership has not gotten an IS 350 in yet. Regardless, I am not looking to buy until springtime.
 
Lexus reliability? No question in my mind that it is the best in the biz.
 
My verdict: IS 350 over the 3-series. I love great handling cars, however given the luxuries of the Lexus, its rocketship-like speed, "razor-sharp handling" (so says magazine reviewers ), gorgeous design, and its apeal to me, I would say that this is an easy decision. Throw in my confidence in Lexus workmanship due to anecdotal and statistical evidence of reliability and the decision is even easier.
 
PS: I hope I don't offend anybody with my prefering Lexus over BMW (reliability and all).
 
 
 
PPS: BMW Reliability Statistics from JD Powers
 



 
No information based on quality was available for the 1996 model 3 series sedan. The 1997 model scored 4 points out of 5 for each initial quality rating category.

Replies to this message:
• suave_tequila (Oct 30, 2005 2:50 pm)
  • mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 3:01 pm)
• dewey (Oct 30, 2005 3:22 pm)

Replying to: sdiver68 (Oct 30, 2005 2:24 pm)

Replying to: mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 2:33 pm)

Replies to this message:
• mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 3:01 pm)

Replying to: suave_tequila (Oct 30, 2005 2:50 pm)

Replying to: mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 2:33 pm)

Pretty darn consistent.
 



 
No GS was made between, and including, the years 1997-1994 so I included the ES.

Replies to this message:
• dewey (Oct 30, 2005 4:15 pm)
  • mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 4:44 pm)
    • dewey (Oct 30, 2005 5:20 pm)
    • dewey (Oct 30, 2005 6:18 pm) and 6 more...
• tturedraider (Oct 30, 2005 5:24 pm)
  • mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 5:26 pm)

Replying to: mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 3:26 pm)

It is undeniable that the Lexus statistics are impressive.Most Lexus models are just as impressive as Toyota Corollas in terms of reliability stats! And I am not being facetious by saying so since we all know that Corolla reliability is bulletproof!
 
Again I graciously thank you for providing those BMW statistics because they prove exactly what I was saying in this forum these past 24 hours:
 
BMW 3 series are not unreliable!
 
 

Replies to this message:
• mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 4:44 pm)
  • dewey (Oct 30, 2005 5:20 pm)
  • dewey (Oct 30, 2005 6:18 pm)
    • mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 6:27 pm) and 5 more...

Replying to: dewey (Oct 30, 2005 4:15 pm)

Replies to this message:
• dewey (Oct 30, 2005 5:20 pm)
• dewey (Oct 30, 2005 6:18 pm)
  • mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 6:27 pm)
    • dewey (Oct 30, 2005 6:42 pm)
    • dewey (Oct 30, 2005 6:49 pm) and 3 more...

Replying to: mikegiller (Oct 30, 2005 4:44 pm)