Anyone own/driven both a new 3er and an IS300?

518 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Young, Mar 22, 2001

325russ

Discussion Starter · Mar 22, 2001

I'm contemplating either a 330 or and IS300. I know that in '02 Lexus with have a 5 speed manual avalible, and they've now got my attention. I'm still not clear on whether or not they'll have a 2-door as well. The IS300 is an attractive looking car in my opinon, it's got a hip, modern look. I look at things like the aluminium pedals, shift knob, the dash trim, those are all things that I would get in the aftermarket for the bimmer should I choose to get it, with the IS300 those are standard (aren't they?) and the new 3 looks sorta boring in comparison, but has a kind of classic look to it. Any personal experiences? Going for a 20 min test drive isn't gonna be enough to sell me on either car.

Thanks,
russ

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Badman Forever

· #2 · Mar 22, 2001

It's sufficiently radical. That's why I got it. =/

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White IS300
"Bein Bad Ain't EZ"

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RLNPHAT

· #3 · Mar 22, 2001

I haven't driven a 330 yet, but my friend is picking hers up on Friday, so I will get a chance to in a little bit. I have driven her 1999 328i and although it is a very solid and refined ride, my IS blows the doors off of it any day. I also noticed that the IS is a little quieter than the 3. I really want todrive the //M though

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Rollin' Phat IS300 (Auburn Sky Pearl)

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ckolsen

· #4 · Mar 22, 2001

325russ, you a 325 owner or something? It depends on what you like in a car, or how you drive. I wouldn't buy a new BMW if you're into performance and road feel, get an older BMW. I think an IS300 is actually a better balance between a luxury and sports sedan.

100% Sport, 0% Luxury => Impreza WRX
70% Sport, 30% Luxury => pre-99 3 series
60% Sport, 40% Luxury => IS300 (manual esp.)
40% Sport, 60% Luxury => 99+ 3 series
0% Sport, 100% Luxury => Lexus LS400 (for ex)

Originally posted by 325russ:
I'm contemplating either a 330 or and IS300. I know that in '02 Lexus with have a 5 speed manual avalible, and they've now got my attention. I'm still not clear on whether or not they'll have a 2-door as well. The IS300 is an attractive looking car in my opinon, it's got a hip, modern look. I look at things like the aluminium pedals, shift knob, the dash trim, those are all things that I would get in the aftermarket for the bimmer should I choose to get it, with the IS300 those are standard (aren't they?) and the new 3 looks sorta boring in comparison, but has a kind of classic look to it. Any personal experiences? Going for a 20 min test drive isn't gonna be enough to sell me on either car.

Thanks,
russ

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325russ

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 22, 2001

Yup, I drive a '93 325, I love the car, the times I've riden in an IS300, there seems to be several similar things, I like that, but there's also a whole lot of things that are different, and I like that even better!

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Young

· #6 · Mar 22, 2001

Originally posted by ckolsen:

60% Sport, 40% Luxury => IS300 (manual esp.)
40% Sport, 60% Luxury => 99+ 3 series

I'd flip that if you're thinking about taking the car to a race track. The bimmer is going to be much more competent for that purpose. At the autocross or general street touring, however, the IS300 is nimbler.

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ckolsen

· #7 · Mar 22, 2001

I drive the same car, a '95, and I must say I love BMW's coc-kpits, the E46 is a little different, maybe less coc-kpit like or less claustrophobic depending on how you like it, but certainly much better made. The IS300's driving position is not as good for me, not enough headroom, and shifter is too far away, but I'm 6'3". The Subaru WRX is perfect, as are BMWs. Still, the IS300 is a lot of fun to drive, and if you like the looks better, I'd go for it. As for the 330, it seems the steering fix is out, and someone claims to have got theirs retrofitted. That may now be the car to get.

Originally posted by 325russ:
Yup, I drive a '93 325, I love the car, the times I've riden in an IS300, there seems to be several similar things, I like that, but there's also a whole lot of things that are different, and I like that even better!

[This message has been edited by ckolsen (edited March 21, 2001).]

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ckolsen

· #8 · Mar 22, 2001

Could be, have you seen one on the track? IS300 owners don't seem too hot to track their cars, maybe that'll change when the stick comes out. The BMW just needs the steering fix to be a great car (again), IMO. The light steering probably doesn't matter for the track though, just more fun for the street.

Originally posted by Young:
I'd flip that if you're thinking about taking the car to a race track. The bimmer is going to be much more competent for that purpose. At the autocross or general street touring, however, the IS300 is nimbler.

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3Double0

· #9 · Mar 22, 2001

are you getting a 4dr or 2dr 3er?

If you want a sedan, I would go with the IS...looks much better than the 3er sedans IMO. I just recently got a 325ci and would've definately gone with the IS if I wanted a 4dr. Best advice would be to go with the one that gives you the biggest grin when you drive it...buy what makes you happy

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Young

· #10 · Mar 22, 2001

Originally posted by ckolsen:
Could be, have you seen one on the track? IS300 owners don't seem too hot to track their cars, maybe that'll change when the stick comes out.

At a recent Quattro Club event at Laguna Seca an instructor tracked a rental IS300. To put it mildly, he was 'disappointed' in it as a track car.

[This message has been edited by Young (edited March 22, 2001).]

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