Re: Taste of IS250
Hi I am new to this forum and this is my first posting.
I currently own a BMW E46 320i. Just turned 4 years old, time to sell. Lots of problems.
Problems surfacing one after another ... getting very sick of BMW's unreliability (or is it PML?).
Decided to use the IS250 nic, since I was so impressed with the car when I recently went out for a spin in it. I think my heart belongs there already.
High center gearbox console? Most sports cars have that what (and I am not referring to the rally car derivatives like the WRX or Evo) - but the likes of Lambos, Ferrari, even Japanese cars like Silvia, 350Z, Skyline etc. I don't see that as an intrusion, but more a design feature of a true sports car (though I am not saying that the IS250 is one yah).
The leathers are first class - softer, smoother and finer than any found in a BMW car (the latter's really of less-superior quality; not top-hide at all).
Yah rear seats are tight. But the idea of a family man buying a car like the IS250 to seat his family of 5 is just ridiculous. Then he should stick to a family sedans like the E90 320i or 323i. To me cars above 200 BHP are a different kettle of fish altogether. No compare.
And the paddles, yes the paddles! I'd have that over any Steptronic gear shifts any time. Real cool man, in pure metal somemore (not plastic). There's just too much plastic appearing in BMW buttons on the steering wheel. I also find the silver plate on the 323i's steering wheel real awful. But to each his own, I guess.
And there is no real lag lah, based on my test drive. Initial 'lethargy' is due to the V6 - that is if you are more used to driving IL4 engines. That lag exists in my 320i IL6 too, worse in fact. Wait till you reach near 6000 RPM on the IS250, or at its peak 205 BHP on open express ways. Analogy: Like an iron fist in a silkened leather glove. That's Lexus for you. It will outrun on straights, out-steer and out-maneuver round bends the E90 323i, don't even talk about the 320i.
The 325i? Pay $50K more, then let's talk.
Hi I am new to this forum and this is my first posting.
I currently own a BMW E46 320i. Just turned 4 years old, time to sell. Lots of problems.
Problems surfacing one after another ... getting very sick of BMW's unreliability (or is it PML?).
Decided to use the IS250 nic, since I was so impressed with the car when I recently went out for a spin in it. I think my heart belongs there already.
High center gearbox console? Most sports cars have that what (and I am not referring to the rally car derivatives like the WRX or Evo) - but the likes of Lambos, Ferrari, even Japanese cars like Silvia, 350Z, Skyline etc. I don't see that as an intrusion, but more a design feature of a true sports car (though I am not saying that the IS250 is one yah).
The leathers are first class - softer, smoother and finer than any found in a BMW car (the latter's really of less-superior quality; not top-hide at all).
Yah rear seats are tight. But the idea of a family man buying a car like the IS250 to seat his family of 5 is just ridiculous. Then he should stick to a family sedans like the E90 320i or 323i. To me cars above 200 BHP are a different kettle of fish altogether. No compare.
And the paddles, yes the paddles! I'd have that over any Steptronic gear shifts any time. Real cool man, in pure metal somemore (not plastic). There's just too much plastic appearing in BMW buttons on the steering wheel. I also find the silver plate on the 323i's steering wheel real awful. But to each his own, I guess.
And there is no real lag lah, based on my test drive. Initial 'lethargy' is due to the V6 - that is if you are more used to driving IL4 engines. That lag exists in my 320i IL6 too, worse in fact. Wait till you reach near 6000 RPM on the IS250, or at its peak 205 BHP on open express ways. Analogy: Like an iron fist in a silkened leather glove. That's Lexus for you. It will outrun on straights, out-steer and out-maneuver round bends the E90 323i, don't even talk about the 320i.
The 325i? Pay $50K more, then let's talk.
