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      03-22-2006, 10:20 PM   #1
climkt
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lexus is250 vs bmw e90 325i

They have just released the Lexus IS250 in singapore. the car looks very aggressive and classy. In my opinion, it looks better than the e90 in stock form without any external mods with twin pipes. lexus sold 300 cars before the actual launch. a shame it is only available as a 6 speed auto here. what do you guys think of this new beemer challenger? is it selling better than the e90 in your area?
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      03-22-2006, 10:26 PM   #2
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in the US the E90 outsells the IS by a huge margin (either 2 or 3 times the amount of IS).
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      03-22-2006, 10:32 PM   #3
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hi e90bmw, i thought lexus cars were very well regarded in USA for its reliabilty and engineering. i guess e90 3 series is still the undisputed leader of its class segment so far.
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      03-22-2006, 10:32 PM   #4
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Choosing between IS350 and 330 could be a hard call, but between IS250 and 325 is no brainer.
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      03-22-2006, 10:33 PM   #5
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The IS 250 comes in a manual as well. In my opinion, the new IS 250/350 dont look to attractive. Way too small, the 250 is pretty slow, and some of its features could be left out, and kept in its big brother sedans. Things like three speakers in each door, air conditioned seats, and a back-up camera is not needed in such a small car. If it were bigger, and more focused was placed on the sportiness and seating, and less on the technology, I would have given the IS 250 a second look before purchasing an E90
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      03-22-2006, 10:41 PM   #6
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Actually, i must confess that if i had not bought my car last year and there was a choice between the 320i manual and the is250 manual today, i would get the jap car. the paddle shift 6 speed auto box tends to be a bit jerky in manual shift.
It really is getting damn difficult to order a manual car in singapore these days as the local demand is quite weak. Dealerships are just not keen for any hassle here with special indent.
Borneo motors/ Lexus, singapore currently has no plans to bring in the is350. guess this is to avoid stealing sales from its big brother GS300.
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      03-22-2006, 10:42 PM   #7
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How much is the IS250 in Singapore? Compared to the 325 and 323?
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      03-22-2006, 10:44 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by climkt
They have just released the Lexus IS250 in singapore. the car looks very aggressive and classy. In my opinion, it looks better than the e90 in stock form without any external mods with twin pipes. lexus sold 300 cars before the actual launch. a shame it is only available as a 6 speed auto here. what do you guys think of this new beemer challenger? is it selling better than the e90 in your area?
I think it's a really nice car ... nice looking (IMO), nice features and options, a little underpowered for my tastes tho. Here in the states the IS250 is offered with a 6speed manual. Over here E90 whups it's ass in sales so far.
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      03-22-2006, 10:49 PM   #9
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well, ks square,at last check, is250 is 125k (sin) for basic model, 140k for luxury model with loads of extras.
e90 323 is 148k and e90 325i is about 170k- prices in singapore dollars.
Do hong kong dealerships allow special indent for manual is250?
It really pisses me off big time, when they give you a flat NO when u ask for a manual car.Do we really have to beg them for a favour to buy a manual car?
At the moment, the parallel importers have not brought in the Lexus IS 250 to our shores yet.
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      03-22-2006, 10:55 PM   #10
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I have owned both and both are out of this world. Still, long story short, a "Lexus" is an upgraded Toyota while a BMW is a BMW.
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      03-22-2006, 10:57 PM   #11
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can you get is350 in manual in USA? some mag gave it a 0-62mph as 5.8sec - that is slightly quicker than the 330i manual.(6.2sec)
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      03-22-2006, 11:03 PM   #12
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hi e24, i agree with u that the lexus badge is a cunning name change ploy to sell upmarket cars in the rest of the world, as the toyota badge is associated with very common basic cars. They/ toyota also sell Scions in USA to sell their sporty toyotas.
Guess bmw will always truimph over lexus based on its german automotive pedigree.
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      03-22-2006, 11:36 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by climkt
well, ks square,at last check, is250 is 125k (sin) for basic model, 140k for luxury model with loads of extras.
e90 323 is 148k and e90 325i is about 170k- prices in singapore dollars.
Do hong kong dealerships allow special indent for manual is250?
It really pisses me off big time, when they give you a flat NO when u ask for a manual car.Do we really have to beg them for a favour to buy a manual car?
At the moment, the parallel importers have not brought in the Lexus IS 250 to our shores yet.
Wow! S$170K for the 325??? That's daylight robbery. If I recall, it's reaching the 5 series base model in S'pore. On a similar price level, I'd pick the 323 anytime over the IS250.

Here in HK, the basic 250 is HK$330K whereas the premium is HK$380K (but no Mark Levinson audio!). 323 only costs $359K with 325 at $440K. Even more compelling reason to choose the BM over lexus.

And you're right, it's the same here in HK. Take it or go elsewhere. No manuals for the 250. Just the two models, period. Save your time pleading and begging. Your pride deserve better.
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      03-23-2006, 12:19 AM   #14
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hi ksquare, it makes more sense to get 523i than 325i in singapore.
I agree with u on the begging part. at least performance motors, bmw singapore took me seriously and did not tell me to sod off when i requested for my 320i manual!
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      03-23-2006, 06:02 AM   #15
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      03-23-2006, 06:14 AM   #16
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I'm saden by the fact that Lexus has and will forever be referred to as a Toyota. I believe, It is this notion that people opted for lesser cars than it (in many ways not just looks)...

I drive both cars everyday (for what i do) and everytime i see these cars, i can't help but think should i buy the Lexus over the 320 (can't afford 325 or 330). Everytime it's a yes, but then i thought about where i am (point in time in my life) and what i have always wanted, I have to go with the BMW.

Perhaps when i retired with more money, I'd buy GS/LS...
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      03-23-2006, 08:36 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by climkt
hi ksquare, it makes more sense to get 523i than 325i in singapore.
I agree with u on the begging part. at least performance motors, bmw singapore took me seriously and did not tell me to sod off when i requested for my 320i manual!
When you drive the 325 and 523 then you will know the vast difference in performance between the 2. If you want luxury feel, go for the 523 but if you want a more spiritual drive, 325 will be a better choice. That is the reason I end up with the 325. And after 6 months still no regrets.
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      03-23-2006, 08:50 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by climkt
can you get is350 in manual in USA? some mag gave it a 0-62mph as 5.8sec - that is slightly quicker than the 330i manual.(6.2sec)
Lexus is not and says they will not build a is350 with a manual transmission. they claim that their major markets for the is350 (US and ASIA) demand automatics.
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      03-23-2006, 10:06 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StevoSEA
Lexus is not and says they will not build a is350 with a manual transmission. they claim that their major markets for the is350 (US and ASIA) demand automatics.
warning:
Also, they could never re-coup the development costs. If they did build a manual transmission for the 350, that would be the only model in Toyota's full line that it would work in (the 250 manual is taken from the parts bin).

There isn't a large enough market out there for their bean counters to let them invest capitol into that project. They rather build Yaris'.
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      03-23-2006, 10:46 AM   #20
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Autocar UK just did an IS250 automatic vs 325iSE manual comparo (January issue I believe) ... it was a good read. Basically, they liked the IS250 for its std equipment and looks but favored the 325iSE (non-zsp, 159s) for its more balanced handling (lexus was too edgy) and more efficient packaging (bigger interior space and trunk while maintaining less footprint than the Lexus)....

They also liked the 325i's ergonomics...BMW's have been building the highly-regarded 3er for way longer than Lexus so over the years they have gotten the little things perfected (again for e.g. packaging)...although the IS250 is a fine effort....
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      03-23-2006, 12:10 PM   #21
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Friend of mine owns an IS250 -- that's a hell of a bargain. A completely base model IS250 manual can be had for $30K and it has leather, comfort access, xenon lights, power seats...etc. bang for your buck it's a nice ride. Tough call.

I love BMWs though...IS350 vs. 330i is a no brainer. No 6MT, no deal.
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      03-23-2006, 03:22 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mmeads
warning:
Also, they could never re-coup the development costs. If they did build a manual transmission for the 350, that would be the only model in Toyota's full line that it would work in (the 250 manual is taken from the parts bin).

There isn't a large enough market out there for their bean counters to let them invest capitol into that project. They rather build Yaris'.
I was amswering his question. Also, thanks for adding additional details to my "off topic" answer.
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