Just ordered a new Lexus IS... not too late to go back & get a bimmer!

Originally Posted by tdot5

the driving experience is what was most important to us. So we went with the 550.

This is THE reason we drive BMWs as well. I agree with KrispyKreme in that many people drive a BMW because of the Roundel on the hood (especially here in Southern CA). But, to me, BMWs feel much better than the competition and owning a G35 briefly confirmed this. I would gladly drive an Acura RL, Infiniti M35 or Lexus GS330 for less money if they could come close to the road and steering feel provided by my previous BMWs and my current 530i but they just don't compare.

Originally Posted by hpowders

Don't be a dreamer.
Test drive a Bimmer!

That doesn't rhyme... ; but I agree with you!

Hello My Friends:

This is how it starts... You look for the badge first then you rationalize what means more to you.

It might be lower cost...
It might be good customer service...
It might be the badge...
It might be driving mechanics...
Etc... Etc...

You get my point. But one other point. For those of us who did not grow up with tons of money and their parents never owned a luxry car, tell me...
When you dreamed of having or buying a luxury car, what car rang true for you? Now please be honest...

That's right, the majority of you chose Mercedes! WHY? Because that car was defined as the best luxury car to have or at least gave you a status that you have made it. (Middle Klasse or >) My point is we choose things becuase of their badges and don't act like you don't. If price was no option you would buy the best and if your taste was BMW, you would buy it. This is exactly what I mentioned in my previous post. This guy would buy the BMW if he could value spending +40K.

Oh, one other thing for clarification, I believe BMW built its first car in 1933 (Model 303) which is now known as the legendary 328! Its first car to hit the US was post WWII (1945). Of course they dabbled with other developments like airplane engines (How they began in 1913), to its motorcycle builds in the same era.

-GMAN

I am 43, and never desired a Mercedes, they are nice cars however.

If I was being honest, when I was growing up in the 70's, I dreamed about a 60's model Chevy Camaro SS, then I wised up and sought bimmers.

Originally Posted by gbelton

Hello My Friends:

This is how it starts... You look for the badge first then you rationalize what means more to you.

It might be lower cost...
It might be good customer service...
It might be the badge...
It might be driving mechanics...
Etc... Etc...

You get my point. But one other point. For those of us who did not grow up with tons of money and their parents never owned a luxry car, tell me...
When you dreamed of having or buying a luxury car, what car rang true for you? Now please be honest...

That's right, the majority of you chose Mercedes! WHY? Because that car was defined as the best luxury car to have or at least gave you a status that you have made it. (Middle Klasse or >) My point is we choose things becuase of their badges and don't act like you don't. If price was no option you would buy the best and if your taste was BMW, you would buy it. This is exactly what I mentioned in my previous post. This guy would buy the BMW if he could value spending +40K.

Oh, one other thing for clarification, I believe BMW built its first car in 1933 (Model 303) which is now known as the legendary 328! Its first car to hit the US was post WWII (1945). Of course they dabbled with other developments like airplane engines (How they began in 1913), to its motorcycle builds in the same era.

-GMAN

Your point aside, Klasse=class?

Originally Posted by hugh1850

Your point aside, Klasse=class?

Yes, I decided to use the German term but yes Middle Class is correct.

I like the 60's model Chevy Camaro SS, but it ain't no luxury car, IMHO. Good choice though! You did not fancy the RoadRunner?

Oh, you chose wisely Young Jedi! May the force of BMW be with you...

-GMAN

I've owned my BMW 530i since May 2003 and I never look back to the other cars I was considering at the time. Of course you have to decide why you are buying the car. Are you a driving enthusiast or do prefer a smooth yacht like atmoshpere. That is how I would compare the two. I went from a Honda Civic Si that I had for 250,000 miles that only needed brakes and oil and one radiator in that time frame. I've had my BMW for 42000 miles and not a single problem just smile after smile with every turn and drive on the highway as it feels like a tank with the resposiveness of a gazelle being chased. BMW is about balanced proportions for a great driving feel. Lexus is about smooth luxury and simply because horsepower is up doesn't make it a contender for better driving feel.

I agree with other posts that if you do not buy the BMW you will always wonder how it would have felt around this corner or at this speed or the way it looks in your garage. I still find myself loving the look of my car 3 years later, do the Lexus cars on the road that are little older give you that feel? It's not just a $ issue it is an emotional one.

Also IS 250 should be compared to 325/330i not 5 series.

Originally Posted by hugh1850

That doesn't rhyme... ; but I agree with you!

Keep looking at it.
If you put in the time
you will see it does rhyme.

Hello My Friends:

I do not believe Lexus, Infiniti and Audi (Pre 2005) have no staying power. You look at these cars years from now and you say to yourself, OMG! IMHO...


-GMAN

Originally Posted by gbelton

Hello My Friends:

I do not believe Lexus, Infiniti and Audi (Pre 2005) have no staying power. You look at these cars years from now and you say to yourself, OMG! IMHO...


-GMAN

In tersm of styling? IMO, the original Lexus GS and LS still look good. And, most older Audis are good looking classic designs too.

You should cross-shop the IS with the Z4. The backseats are about the same size

Originally Posted by hpowders

Keep looking at it.
If you put in the time
you will see it does rhyme.

Bimmer rhymes with shimmer.

Now if you're talking BMW motorcycles...

Originally Posted by hugh1850

Bimmer rhymes with shimmer.

Now if you're talking BMW motorcycles...

It does? So my neighbor insulted me when he said "Hey, you got a new Beeemer?"
I just crossed him off my trick or treat list.

I will never ask this neighbor
to ever do me a favor.

LEXUS= No free Maint.

Well, here is a thread on a Lexus board...the guy rips our E60 pretty good!

http://clublexus.com/forums/showthre...7&page=1&pp=15

Originally Posted by Ågent99

Well, here is a thread on a Lexus board...the guy rips our E60 pretty good!

http://clublexus.com/forums/showthre...7&page=1&pp=15

Yes he does. At least he states the 530i was not a Sports Package car and was on 17s. I've driven and pushed both the non-sports package 530i and the sports package 530i I own and the difference is dramatic. The sports package car is much flatter in the turns, more poised and confidence inspiring when pushed. As for iDrive and the looks - I think the car looks great (personal taste) and I can live with iDrive since I think the car drives that much better than the competition.

Originally Posted by reb03

Yes he does. At least he states the 530i was not a Sports Package car and was on 17s. I've driven and pushed both the non-sports package 530i and the sports package 530i I own and the difference is dramatic. The sports package car is much flatter in the turns, more poised and confidence inspiring when pushed. As for iDrive and the looks - I think the car looks great (personal taste) and I can live with iDrive since I think the car drives that much better than the competition.

Plus, you can't get a manual on the Lexus GS. Regardless, I thought that guy did a good job on his reviews- and was pretty much spot-on.

Originally Posted by robg

In tersm of styling? IMO, the original Lexus GS and LS still look good. And, most older Audis are good looking classic designs too.

The old SC was fantastic looking, and I think Lexus' best car built.

There sure is a lot of BMW snobbiness on this board, from what I'm reading. Most people I would guess test there superb "handling" on doing a U in the grocery store parking lot

And for those who think BMWs handle the best, go drive a Porsche. It isn't even close. I love my 5er, but miss my Porsche at times

Originally Posted by katheikia

LEXUS= No free Maint.

Who cares? You are paying BMW for it and its not "free." Welcome to marketing, my friend.

Originally Posted by Krochelli

And for those who think BMWs handle the best, go drive a Porsche. It isn't even close. I love my 5er, but miss my Porsche at times

This statement doesn't make much sense . Are you comparing the 5-series to a Porsche Boxster/996/997 or are you comparing it to the Cayenne? Comparing the 5-series to a sports car is ridiculous. Of course a 3,600lb car capable of caring five in comfort isn't going to handle like a Porsche sports car or one of my former M3s. I also miss my M3 at times but the 5-series is a wonderful blend of sport, comfort and refinement.

Before I decided on the 530i with sports package I test drove the M35/45 and the GS300/430. I once owned the original GS300 and I'll never forget the dealer experience or the feeling of quality. But, I also will never forget what a complete snoozer it was to drive - BORING. I know today's GS is far superior to my 1993 GS300 but when I test drove the new GS it brought back memories of boredom. It just didn't have that feel - the x-factor I guess. It's all highly subjective.

In my eyes the Lexus badge is a premium badge just like BMW and there's no denying that Lexus likely sets the bar with respect to quality. As for price, the M35 I priced was only $2,000 less than my 530i (negotiated price) and the GS300 I priced was $4,000 cheaper though carsdirect is now offering the GS for $5,000 off sticker! Guess demand is somewhat soft.... It's tough to get more than a couple thousand off the M35 which is a more sport oriented car.

Originally Posted by reb03

This statement doesn't make much sense . Are you comparing the 5-series to a Porsche Boxster/996/997 or are you comparing it to the Cayenne? Comparing the 5-series to a sports car is ridiculous. Of course a 3,600lb car capable of caring five in comfort isn't going to handle like a Porsche sports car or one of my former M3s. I also miss my M3 at times but the 5-series is a wonderful blend of sport, comfort and refinement.

Just everyone on this site seems to think BMW handling is super amazing, and I don't think its that close to Porsche handling, 911 or Boxster. I had a Boxster that handled much better than an M3 or my 5er (of course). btw, i love bmws--and an M3 was on order to replace my Boxster as i needed more room. Different cars though.

The Cayenne Turbo i drove was spectacular considering the weight...