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BMW 535i vs Lexus GS 350 vs Audi A6

73 messages,  Last post on Feb 08, 2013 at 9:08 AM

You are in the Audi A6 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS 350, Audi A6, Car Comparisons, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 2 of 8

#10 of 73 Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [slapshotk] by tayl0rd

Nov 30, 2007 (6:45 am)

Replying to: slapshotk (Nov 29, 2007 7:38 pm)
One thing I forgot to mention on the A6. The negative of the A6, to me, is that it is starting to look dated. And I hardly ever see one on the road, so that's really bad! It's just not aging well at all. But my overall positive opinion of it still stands.

#11 of 73 Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [tayl0rd] by slapshotk

Nov 30, 2007 (7:00 am)

Replying to: tayl0rd (Nov 30, 2007 6:45 am)
I do see a fair amount here in Texas (Houston specifically)...Your right that the body style could use an update...

#12 of 73 Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [slapshotk] by og_oggilby

Nov 30, 2007 (9:04 am)

Replying to: slapshotk (Nov 30, 2007 7:00 am)
I am also trying to choose between the BMW 535 and the Lexus GS350 (in my case the awd versions). I am not a big Audi fan because of the Audi body style but I might have to look at them. It is a tough choice since there is no clear winner, all 3 cars have a number of flaws - a shame at the prices. Consumer reports dropped the GS350 awd from it's recommended list with a below average reliability rating. The 535i is rated average, the GS350 is rated above average, as is the Audi A6. Good luck with you decision!
 
US News Auto Rankings

#13 of 73 dependability? by agns

Dec 02, 2007 (8:15 pm)

Which of these cars are more dependable? I HATE having to take my car in and although I love BMW, many people have told me that Lexus has far less problems than a BMW.

#14 of 73 Re: dependability? [agns] by tayl0rd

Dec 03, 2007 (10:54 am)

Replying to: agns (Dec 02, 2007 8:15 pm)
That pretty much goes without saying. But what do you enjoy more, a reliable A-to-B appliance or an engaging drive? Is some time in the shop worth the tradeoff for more exciting driving?

#15 of 73 I would definitely go for the Lexus by mefistofeles

Dec 06, 2007 (4:47 am)

My cousin and I had comparable BMW and Lexus cars,he owned a 328 and I had an IS 300.
 
Believe me i thrashed my IS 300 and drove it hard all the time. He was much more gentle with his 328, yet it was his car not mine that was falling to pieces at 120K. I even had to pick him up once because his water pump failed.
 
My IS 300 NEVER let me down.
 
In my opinion if you really are interested in performance I think the Lexus is much better than BMW because the Lexus can survive prolonged hard driving. Another benefit to Lexus was the fact I could get a $75.00 four wheel alignment at Sears. This would be very useful if you are fast driver.
 
As far as performance is concerned the GS 350 is awesome. When its significantly faster than the IS 300 on most roads and freeway sweepers.
 
The car itself has tremendous grip and its so much fun blowing past 9-11's and Corvettes on fast and tight curves.
 
Although the car is quite fast and has immense performance the most important thing is how comfortable you are with it. I like the light steering and quick response time. However some people prefer the high resistance BMW/Honda steering.
 
There are some disadvantages to the GS 350. As a performance value I feel the ES 350 is better. The ES 350 has that violent and fast initial take off because of its front wheel drive steering. In addition the tires on ES 350 are a harder compound so if you really are a fast driver they will last longer and be cheaper to replace.
 
In addition the trunk is much larger in the ES 350. That's not to say the GS 350 has a small trunk, but there have been times where I would have liked more trunk space.
 
The ES 350 also has tremendous performance. Admitedly its not quite as fast as the GS 350 through fast and tight corners it still has incredible speed and grace and was definitely faster at the limit than my IS 300.
 
Although I chose the GS 350 the ES 350 is in many ways a more versatile and even exciting car,especially when you are making a standing start.
 
Despite the other drawbacks when I drive my GS 350 however there is nothing more fun that seeing a curve or interchange on the freeway and seeing how fast you go. Its really an amazing car with excellent performance. The traction control is awesome and can really save your rear end when you overcook into a corner. Although I have to admit you NEVER want to be in a situation when you can actually hear the traction control beep(versus the seeing the yellow traction control light),it means you are going WAY TOO FAST into a corner and your tires are probably screaming.
 
If you have an appetite for high speed corners then the GS 350 is the car to buy.

#16 of 73 Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [tayl0rd] by viso

Dec 06, 2007 (4:54 pm)

Replying to: tayl0rd (Nov 30, 2007 6:45 am)
Actually, in SoCal the A6 is quite popular and seems to be showing up everywhere. It doesn't look dated, you just have to be careful on your rim and trim selection. Certain colors and rims do not do the A6 justice. My recommendation is get the S-Line with sports package and add 19" optional rims (choose the 5-double spoke). The A6 looks amazing. Also, consider Ibis White with titanium finished rims if you can and the car blows away any Lexus, 5-Series, or E-Class in the S-Line Sports Package. I've had mine since 2005 and it is SOLID like a rock!

#17 of 73 Re: BMW 535i vs Lexus GS350 vs Audi A6 [viso] by tayl0rd

Dec 07, 2007 (11:03 am)

Replying to: viso (Dec 06, 2007 4:54 pm)
... The A6 looks amazing. Also, consider Ibis White with titanium finished rims if you can and the car blows away any Lexus, 5-Series, or E-Class in the S-Line Sports Package. ...
 
Oh, I don't know about that. The '08 550i w/ the M-Sport package looks pretty good. But the S-Line trim is nice.

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