[ckolsen]

I found this on Bimmer.org, it's a scanned version of a new BMW brochure found at BMW dealers that 'compares' the 3 series and IS300. I thought it'd be interesting, but it's actually offensively biased and even intentionally misquotes Lexus and car magazines to make them sound more negative. There's even a C&D quote which does not exist in the issue it references. I like BMWs but I find this pretty offensive. Does not give a good impression of BMW marketing people.
Sorry! Forgot the link!
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1316555&a=11151042

[This message has been edited by ckolsen (edited January 23, 2001).]

 

[Badman Forever]

It is stuff like that which makes me pity them. Oh well, I guess the only way they can suck buyers in is to lie. Tisk Tisk.

------------------
White IS300
"Bein Bad Ain't EZ"

 

[Altezza]

After living in the US for 3 years, I learned not to believe nor trust any kind of American advertisements. Sure, I have the same attitude towards advertisements in any country, but my impression is that American ads are more skilled in deception and tend to be misleading and overemphasized. And its the only country in the world that shows small print for a split second at the end of a TV commercial.

 

[jasono31]

wheres the scanned article??

 

[JW]

Hm...that's pretty sad. I also think it's weak that some BMW dealers have to emphasize that Lexus is a Toyota (duh). They must really like to cater to badge hounds instead of enthusiasts.

 

[S38]

First off, it is an advertisement between two car companies. The fact you are offended makes me think that your identify a bit too much with your car.

Secondly, would you say the IS commercial showing both cars on at a rally is accurate? I think it is an amusing commercial but other more niave viewers may actually think the IS would outhandle a 3 series on a muddy road.

Get a grip--they are direct competitors.

------------------
S38
91 M5

 

[cyclops]

Actually, instead of sad, that's great!! That shows that BMW do worry about the existence of IS, and they have to lie to the general public about their cars are better than IS. They make me feel so good about the decision of picking an IS. Keep quoting!!

Well, I should have said this in the beginning, if that scanned thing is true in the first place. Cos' I have never seen it. And if that is true, that is a stupid move for BMW. They've been a benchmark for this sports sedan category, for them to go down and trash talk like that is too much.

 

[DtEW]

Originally posted by S38:
First off, it is an advertisement between two car companies. The fact you are offended makes me think that your identify a bit too much with your car.

ckolsen is one of a few BMW owners that frequent this site.

S38, I'm assuming you haven't read it. The bias and misinformation is so blatant that even as a general car enthusiast I'd be offended. Instead of the usual and expected "fail to mention" of their own car's relative weak points, it goes to non sequiters such as "the 3-series has bigger diameter brake disks", and "the 3-series has an aerodynamic package, the Lexus doesn't", which directs a casual reader to conclude away from the truth.

Originally posted by S38:
Secondly, would you say the IS commercial showing both cars on at a rally is accurate? I think it is an amusing commercial but other more niave viewers may actually think the IS would outhandle a 3 series on a muddy road.

Actually, most likely it is accurate. The IS is so rear-traction biased that it is known as a good extreme-tail out drifting machine, provided that you provoke it out that far. It's very easy to catch at high yaw angles. If the commercial remained the same and had shown both cars on a dry road course, I'd be skeptical.

------------------
051/LP/SR/LD/HH

 

[triz]

ok. so where is this damn article!

 

[Leader]

If BMW is mentioning Lexus in its promotional literature, that's a tremendous validation of the IS300.
Hey, they're both good cars. Lexus compares the IS to BMW to position it as a true "driver's car." When BMW compares itself to the IS, the Lexus corporate guys probably break out the champagne. Score one for Lexus! Dumb move on BMW's part.

 

[smra]

Just finished reading the BMW Brochure at BMW.org.

Damn they laid it on pretty heavy!!

But like someone above said...

This is a Clear Compliment to Lexus!

After All, this is the First Generation of the IS300.

And Lexus Did an Awesome Job!

It appears BMW laid it on so Deep that they
offended alot of BMW owners..... Go Figure!

I read the entire article.
And like I've always preached BMW does have the one-ups on Lexus in the Options Category. But thats it!

Also the BMW Cost almost 10k more...........Duh.........

Both cars are awesome!!!!

And the Fact that BMW spent that much energy in comparing the two cars Speaks Volumes!!!

Here is the Brochure http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1316555&a=11151042

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JUSTIN & DENISE C. OWNERS OF THE ONE-OF-A-KIND IS300

[This message has been edited by smra (edited January 23, 2001).]

 

[MrEee]

Article can be found at the following URL:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1316555&a=11151042

When I told my (BMW) dealer that I was looking at the IS300, he immediately gave me an article. It was a specially made article from Motor Trend hi-liting a comparison between a 200 328i Sport, 2001 IS300, and 2000 Cadillac Catera Sport. The article gave the nod to the 328i, but did have favourable things to say about the IS300. In fact, the article implied that if the IS300 that they test was a 5-speed, it would get the nod. At least that was my read on it.

I think that BMW is looking over their shoulder, and they should. I suspect that there are many BMW owners (including myself) that are taking a close favourable look at the IS.

I also think that this sort of thing is conformation that the IS300 (if not already) is a genuine competitor to the 3-series. I think this is great for all of us. A good healthy competition should produce better pricing and a better product.

I personally think that BMW made a mistake with their pricing strategy (i.e., they get you when you include a few options). Not to beat a dead horse to death, but a 330i (fully outfitted) is in the same price range as the Audi S4. A 3-series head to head comparison to the S4, in my opinion gives the edge to the S4. Now there is the Lexus IS300. Better priced, comparable performance (with 5-speed hopefully) and buyers now have a real dilemma. I think things are going to boil down to looks (which is subjective - they are all good looking cars in their own regard), and pricing.

----

Originally posted by triz:
ok. so where is this damn article!

 

[Gennady]

Wow, I found myself staring at the IS300 most of the time looking at that brochure

Seriously though, I am the living proof of why BMW is so paranoid. Just until couple of month ago I was set to buy a 330ci. However, after seeing and driving an IS, I could no longer justify paying $10,000 more for a BMW… I still think that 330 is an excellent car. BUT, for what my money is worth, I don’t think I could have made a better choice. And this summer, when the manual comes out, it is really going to be a no-brainer! Just my two cents…

Peace.

G.

 

[ShoRoom_IS300]

Are you sure that isn't a IS300 brochure? Sound more to me like they are worried! Because the dealership doesn't offer me a NAV system or not doesn't mean I can't get one put in mine! I'm glad BMW is comparing us to them it makes me feel better about what I'm driving and the fact that I didn't pay an extra 7g's for a BMW makes it that much sweeter!

------------------
TC
Spectra/Blue
17" Lexus Chome
01 Nissan Pathfinder

 

[TEG]

I just did a quick check and they didn't get all the facts right. For instance they said that auto dimming rearview mirror is standard on the IS300, but it
isn't even available this year.

Also the comparison was a bit "rigged". They have a bunch of columns for BMW specific features like "Super Premium Harmon/Kardon stereo" and
"multi-function steering wheel".

Hmm - maybe we should add some more columns:
............................Lexus...BMW
Lexus Emblems.................STD...N/A
Electronic Brake Distribution.STD...N/A
Lexus Premium Audio system....STD...N/A
Toyota/Lexus Quality..........STD...N/A
Phat exhaust pipe tip.........STD...N/A
Stamped Aluminum pedal covers.STD...N/A
Chrome Shifter ball...........STD...N/A

etc,etc...

 

[ckolsen]

I drive a 325i actually, so maybe offended is not the right word, but I think BMW should not write this stuff, it's so ridiculously biased and inaccurate, there's no point. Touting the total crap base E46 stereo over the excellent IS300 stereo takes the cake. It reads like one of the IS300-bashing posts on bimmer.org, not a professional ad.
The Lexus ads are just plain stupid, if not offensive.

Originally posted by S38:
First off, it is an advertisement between two car companies. The fact you are offended makes me think that your identify a bit too much with your car.

Secondly, would you say the IS commercial showing both cars on at a rally is accurate? I think it is an amusing commercial but other more niave viewers may actually think the IS would outhandle a 3 series on a muddy road.

Get a grip--they are direct competitors.

 

[ckolsen]

Sorry guys, forgot to include the link:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1316555&a=11151042

 

[SL1200MK4]

okay, I don't own a Lexus nor a BMW. In fact that I like them both and think that they all have some pros and cons to each of their own.

However, I must say that this is just some BS from BMW. This is one example:

"Dynamic Stability Control is standard on all BMWs. Lexus offers nothing like it"

Oh really... Then what is the so call Limited Slip Differential?

LSD is in fact better than DSC. DSC can only limited the engine output and apply brake to the wheel when the car is at its limit. But LSD can trasfer the appropiate amount of torque to the appropiate wheel. Plus that LSD is mechanical, which will have its characteristic while the DSC is just computer softwares.

Just look at the BMW lineup, they have no LSD in their 3-series (I think...) except the M3 and 330xi.

Oh, the LSD that they have on the IS300 is the Torsen type. Which response faster, and more expensive.

However, I do like the steering wheel with radio controls... and sure will hope the IS300 get a stick shift.

 

[TEG]

The IS300 is playing "catch-up" to BMW in a few areas, but will be closer next year:

The IS300 will get an optional 5 speed manual and optional stability control system for the 2002 model year...

The IS300 will also get head curtain airbags for 2002.

To be fair the stability control system in the BMWs (and soon for the IS300) does more than what an LSD can do by itself. It can help you deal with dangerous uneven traction situations more than ABS and/or LSD can.

 

[Black_IS300]

My take after reading the whole thing is that BMW is getting very nervous. For them to take the time to make that cracks me up. That is some BS