Rate it or Hate it?

[Blacky]

Ok, I still like to look on here even though the 1er has gone for a number of years now but love the community here and various interesting posts.

I moved on to a 2010 ISF after my 130 and I have to say it is a good car. Never had a M3 but the ISF is fast!

For the prices you can get theses for it is hard to get anything close in quality and pace.

Yes the interior (dash) is very old looking but the seats and quality of interior I think will leave a standard BMW behind. The leather, the way Lexus finish the little things off. the leather, yes I am repeating myself. I think unless you have an individual BMW you don't know what real leather is like.

It is a real jeckel and hide car, with the auto and running in standard mode the throttle response is slower and easy to drive slow but push the SPORT button and you soon know the car is different, throttle picks up earlier. Super quiet when you need it to be but if you are giving it a bit, say above 3,500 RPM the second air intake opens and it sound sweet. If you need more noise get an exhaust, loads of YouTube post with ISS exhausts plus there are headers. They say with headers and exhaust they are getting close to 500 HP, no CAT.

Everyone says they are under tyred, especially the front but you can always fix that with new rubber or new rims. I run standard width tyres 225 F 255R but different offset rims widening track at front and rear. For he street I think it is fine, if ou track definitely will need wider, see people are going for a square look 265 all round.

I know you have had BMWs for a long time so the inside will be a little odd and for sure the phone interface and satnav are archaic but it is a very nice drive and a big step up Up from a 1er in regards to quality of interior.

If you are looking for a four door, four seater (yes only two in rear) DD with some great performance it is a looker.

I've done 65,000 km in mine a other than two right rear shocks leaking (picked up at services and replaced under warranty) it hasn't missed a beat. Different to a lot of forums I am still on original pads and rotors but don't track car are drive crazy on brakes. Lease is up end of this year and thinking of keeping.

I haved blabbed for long enough. Happy to answer any questions if you have any.

[Blacky]

When I was looking for a new car I came across this one and I had to laugh. Top while he made fun of it, he also loved the important points. This is a very early model so no LSD but doesn't stop the fun.

This one is funny also.

[david.orr]

John, this is more you mate

http://www.worldcarfans.com/113070259629/

[John_01]

Good videos.. What else do you need to know?

[John_01]

Originally Posted by Blacky

If you are looking for a four door, four sweater (yes only two in rear) DD with some great performance it is a looker.

Oh.. is that a typo? Didn't you mean four cardigan..

[OOOSQ]

mate has one - he's worked it quite a bit also.

great car to drive, definitely a sleeper. it's infectious to drive imho.

[david.orr]

Originally Posted by Blacky

When I was looking for a new car I came across this one and I had to laugh. Top while he made fun of it, he also loved the important points. This is a very early model so no LSD but doesn't stop the fun.


This one is funny also.

top videos

[Blacky]

Originally Posted by John_01

Oh.. is that a typo? Didn't you mean four cardigan..

I guess the iPad even knows Lexus reputation.

[oystero]

Originally Posted by Alpine*

As some know, smiley , I prefer to track other people's cars. Hope to track a Aston in a month at Yass Marina.

Nice Have mrs grab lots of pics !! Unless she is participating too

[John_01]

Originally Posted by Blacky

I guess the iPad even knows Lexus reputation.

All jokes aside, I also heard about Lexus reputation for good customer service, high quality reliable product and sensible service schedules. For someone not needing the on-track capability of an M3, I think these are extremely good reasons to consider an IS-F.