Article Comments - 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2007 Lexus IS 350

137 messages, Last post on Feb 20, 2008 at 10:57 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS 350, Sedan, Wagon

Article comments for Comparison Test: 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2007 Lexus IS 350 - When we matched these cars against each other in 2006, the newly redesigned 306-hp Lexus IS 350 ran away from the 255-hp BMW 330i with a quicker acceleration to 60 mph by more than a full second. On the other hand, that BMW outmaneuvered the Lexus in every objective and subjective handling category. (more)

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#105 of 137 Re: BMW quality [circlew] by habitat1 Jun 18, 2007 (4:26 am)
Replying to: circlew (Jun 18, 2007 3:40 am) "Yes, I plan to get one of the most expensive vehicle with all the high tech they can jam in...and dump it after the warranty is up!" I know you are at least partially joking. But I still look back on my decision to go for a minimaly optioned, but high build quality, 1995 Nissan Maxima in 1994 as perhaps the best automotive decision of my life. The 10+ years of daily driving use it gave me (and 3 years of limited use since) totalling 155k miles has been much appreciated. My total service and repairs over that time were minimal, by today's standards. The 1995 Maxima cost $21,000 new and is worth about $4,500 today (standing offer from Nissan service manager). That's about $110 per month in depreciation, or a little over 10 cents a mile. That frugalness made me feel far less guilty for splurging on a 911, when the time came. The amount of money many of my peers spent cycling through 2,3,4+ ELLPS and LPS over the 13 years that I've had a lowly Maxima would be enough to pay for a 911 of their own. While I would not advocate an IS350 over a 335i purely upon reliability predictions (they are dramatically different cars in my book), I can see where anticipated reliability is a factor worth consideration. And the idea of "dumping" a car after the warranty period is up probably means that, if the car isn't known for reliability, you will take a hit on that "dump". Certainly a bit more than $110 per month, even inflated to 2007 dollars. Replies to this message: circlew (Jun 18, 2007 7:08 am)
#106 of 137 Re: BMW quality [diablo_dude] by kdshapiro Jun 18, 2007 (4:43 am)
Replying to: diablo_dude (Jun 17, 2007 8:42 pm) "You and I can bring up other posts of people with problems from the respective car mfgs but again my recent decision was from MY personal experience along with reading recent studies on OVERALL reliability" I understand your point, and the disappointment in quality of your vehicle. You paid for a premium vehicle and expected one. The same is for the poster in the link I provided. He bought and paid for a premium vehicle and expected a premium ownership experience and didn't get one. Both of you are disappointed and all of the reliability studies in the world won't make you feel better. "While I cannot ultimately control if the car I buy will have problems immediately or later down the road, I can better my chances through personal experience, recent studies on reliability, etc." I think you understand my point a bit better about not worrying. There are two many variables you make your choice and move on. Replies to this message: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 18, 2007 6:50 am) kdshapiro (Jun 18, 2007 6:43 pm)
#107 of 137 Re: BMW quality [kdshapiro] by Mr_Shiftright HOST Jun 18, 2007 (6:50 am)
Replying to: kdshapiro (Jun 18, 2007 4:43 am) It's like the person who buys a car he doesn't like because it's "safer". And so he spends every day with no joy in order to survive a possible accident he may never have, or if he does, it may or may not affect the area or include the dynamics of the safety test he relied upon. All I know from my and other people's personal experience is that even in 2007, a BMW seems to be more fun to drive than a Lexus. I think that's what the editors were driving at here. After all, they are "enthusiasts" and they don't keep the cars for 5 years. It's their point of view based on what they are trying to accomplish in their work....part of which is conveying their impressions on to you. Who could possibly judge or comment accurately upon the longterm reliability of a 2007 car? Visiting Host Replies to this message: kdshapiro (Jun 18, 2007 6:43 pm)
#108 of 137 Re: BMW quality [habitat1] by circlew Jun 18, 2007 (7:08 am)
Replying to: habitat1 (Jun 18, 2007 4:26 am) You got me! Yes, I was partially joking but considering the 335 vs. the IS350, the point I was making can be applied to these cars. Whether you load them up with options or not, the technical complexity, or state-of-the art in today's autos drives up cost of ownership that is difficult to compare pre-2000 levels. Another factor is that quality needs to catch up to that complexity each year which has to be challenging to say the least. The value proposition is how much you want to pay for the "total package" when you buy or lease. Leasing is more costly because you always have a payment but less "worrisome" because you are constantly "recycling". The purchase option is cheaper if you keep it on the road with proper maintenance and least costs to repair. Parts are parts at the end of the day and will ultimately fail. Some cars last longer (cost less) than others as you have an outstanding example in your 1995 Maxima, while I am sure others have dumped their problem cars at a relative loss. In the case of these 2 examples, getting out of either after the warranty is up or staying in and making sure you extend coverage for major repairs are 2 choices that weigh more if purchased than if leased. But to worry over such things as money or cars is not worth the impending stress/unhealth to the anatomy! One should be having fun like you are in the 911 or the Maxima! Regards, OW
#109 of 137 Re: BMW quality [Mr_Shiftright] by kdshapiro Jun 18, 2007 (6:43 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 18, 2007 6:50 am) True 'dat. Neither car won't be thrown out of my garage should I happen to find one in there. It's like the person who buys a car he doesn't like because it's "safer". Good point. Safety, reliability are just two considerations thrown into the mix when deciding on a purchase. The unfortunate accident to New Jerseys' governor is an example of what can happen even in a car built like a tank. You just can't plan for these things, so you might as well make your choice and move on. The chips will fall where they may.
#110 of 137 One Question by txbmwfan Jun 19, 2007 (8:15 am)
This was originally a thread about Edmund's Lexus IS350 vs. BMW335i comparison test and performance stats. Why has it devolved into Lexus vs. BMW reliability? Interesting that no one mentioned the significant number recalls recently by Toyota/Lexus. Not taking sides. Just interesting how perception often becomes reality. Plus anyone who posts here is an enthusiast and/or had a problem with their car. You don't see lots of postings on any forum concerning the lack of problems with a car! Replies to this message: circlew (Jun 19, 2007 8:26 am) txbmwfan (Jun 19, 2007 9:07 am) kdshapiro (Jun 19, 2007 9:28 am) txbmwfan (Jun 19, 2007 9:44 am)
#111 of 137 Re: One Question [txbmwfan] by circlew Jun 19, 2007 (8:26 am)
Replying to: txbmwfan (Jun 19, 2007 8:15 am) My 2006 330 had a problem out of the gate (<5K miles) but that doesn't mean I do not like the car. My preference is to use it until the warranty is over and then give it back. I'd rather pay up front for worry free-driving be it this one or a loaner! It's addicting even though it costs more! Regards, OW Replies to this message: txbmwfan (Jun 19, 2007 9:07 am)
#112 of 137 Re: One Question [circlew] by txbmwfan Jun 19, 2007 (9:07 am)
Replying to: circlew (Jun 19, 2007 8:26 am) Sorry to hear about the problem with your 330. I previously had a 325i for 4 years with no problems. I guess it depends on the particular car. Best, BKB
#113 of 137 Re: One Question [txbmwfan] by kdshapiro Jun 19, 2007 (9:28 am)
Replying to: txbmwfan (Jun 19, 2007 8:15 am) Some of the recent posts about reliability have to do with a comment in post 93, where it was said in part: "BMWs suffer from reliability issues". Replies to this message: txbmwfan (Jun 19, 2007 9:44 am)
#114 of 137 Re: One Question [kdshapiro] by txbmwfan Jun 19, 2007 (9:44 am)
Replying to: kdshapiro (Jun 19, 2007 9:28 am) Yes, I saw that post. Rather, I meant why post that in this thread? There are separate threads regarding reliability.