Lexus Owner New to the Forums

FourT6and2 · 10-31-2008, 08:47 AM

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums and just wanted to say hi. I own an IS300, but I saw a 135i on the road the other day and I fell in love. I havent' really been following BMW's releases in the last year or so since I've been in Japan. But, I think it's a great looking car with a good amount of potential, givin the twin turbo package and ability to tune the ECU...which can't be done on my IS300.

My car's limitations with the stock ECU prevent any easily obtained tune with forced induction. A piggyback or standalone must be used. And, from what I gather, it's much easier with a car like the 135i.

I'm seriously thinking about selling my IS300 and getting a 1 within the next 8 months or so. So, I'm here to do a little research about what I can do with the 135i as well as any known issues/problems with the platform.

Thanks!

adrean8j · 10-31-2008, 09:34 AM

Welcome to the board and good luck in your search for answers! There are many knowledgeable people on here and many of the Vendors take the time to post (so you can hear data straight from the horses mouth). So go ahead and put in that order!

randomquickness · 10-31-2008, 10:11 AM

welcome! You are jumping on board at a good time as the aftermarket support for these cars is starting to get competetive and we are seeing new products released regularly. Do you have anything done to your lexus? those are beautiful cars too. pics???

FourT6and2 · 10-31-2008, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomquickness

welcome! You are jumping on board at a good time as the aftermarket support for these cars is starting to get competetive and we are seeing new products released regularly. Do you have anything done to your lexus? those are beautiful cars too. pics???

Yeah, I have a few things done to my IS300. Nothing major: Koni adjustable shocks, H&R springs, Eibach/L-Tuned anti-sway bars, front/rear strut braces, short shifter, intake w/piggyback air/fuel management, Borla cat-back exhaust...and....I think something else, but I forgot.

I'd turbo the thing, but I don't feel like dropping 10-15 grand for 350hp.

warmtoes · 10-31-2008, 10:34 AM

And, pricing, finance and lease rates are all really good now.

IS+1 · 10-31-2008, 11:06 AM

Another fellow IS300 owner... welcome! I too am looking to make the switch over to a 135i in the near future. When I bought my IS in 2004, I swore to myself I'd keep that car for as long as I could, and the truth is I still love it - it's got more character than anything from Lexus (until the IS-F came out). But the 135i is hard to turn down, plus my first car was a BMW

For the time being, I'm enjoying my last couple years with my IS and enjoying the 135i vicariously through this forum!

FourT6and2 · 10-31-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warmtoes

And, pricing, finance and lease rates are all really good now.

I'll be paying cash, but I'll have to do some research to see how low I can get them down on the price.

I paid about 3 g's below invoice on my IS when I bought it.

warmtoes · 10-31-2008, 12:27 PM

If you pay cash you'll get a good deal.

FourT6and2 · 10-31-2008, 02:28 PM

Well, I just got back from a test drive at the dealer. The car is nice. The seats are comfortable and, for the most part, the interior is good. The car is indeed quick for what it is and the torque response from the turbo's really do throw you back into the seat. 100 MPH came up before I could get off the on-ramp for the highway...BUT, no matter how fast we were going it all felt like the same speed. That can be good or bad.

My IS300 has character and since I'm so familiar with how it drives, I can feel the road through the steering, the engine through the gas pedal, the tranny through the shifter, and the brakes through the brake pedal. The clutch in my car has a nice range where I can feel it began to engage/disengage.

Contrast that with the 135i: The steering is a bit numb, there is absolutely zero pedal feel, and the clutch is either in or out. There is no middle ground.

This could be due to the fact that it's a brand new car that I've never driven and I'm so used to my IS. However, when I first sat in my IS for its test drive, I immediately felt connected to the road and to the car. This was not the case with the 135i.

All in all, I like the car and it has some great potential. It's at the top of my list right now for a new car in the comming months.

There are some issues I need to find out more info. on...like the ability for the car to know when you've modified the ECU or "chipped" it and any warranty issues that may arise from modifications...which there shouldn't be unless any mods directly cause damage.

warmtoes · 10-31-2008, 02:49 PM

Do a search in the N54 area of the forum. I think it answers a lot of the questions in your last paragraph.

IS+1 · 10-31-2008, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FourT6and2

My IS300 has character and since I'm so familiar with how it drives, I can feel the road through the steering, the engine through the gas pedal, the tranny through the shifter, and the brakes through the brake pedal.

True, the IS300 has an immediacy and rawness about it which seems to be more prevalent in Japanese cars (reminiscent, although to a lesser degree, of cars like the S2000, which I haven't driven in 7 years, and my brother's old Nissan NX2000). However, I found the 135i had a solidity and urgency which the IS lacks, and I figure that as you familarize yourself with the 1, it will become increasingly more confidence-inspiring. Also, aside from the obvious power advantage, it was clear from the get-go that the 135i has much better roadholding and braking capabilities than the IS.

I'd like to hear some opinions from current 1 owners specifically on how communicative they find the driver controls to be (steering, pedals, and shifter) and whether your impressions on this have changed as you've adjusted to your car. I'm especially curious to hear from those who have come from Japanese cars.

looking · 10-31-2008, 03:00 PM

Welcome....good luck in your search. You're coming from a pretty balanced car (especially after some suspension work). I'm surprised that you didn't mention the 135 feels heavy compared to your car but, you can shed weight. Love the Is300 but, I'm addicted to the power of the 135.

FourT6and2 · 10-31-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by excel

Welcome....good luck in your search. You're coming from a pretty balanced car (especially after some suspension work). I'm surprised that you didn't mention the 135 feels heavy compared to your car but, you can shed weight. Love the Is300 but, I'm addicted to the power of the 135.

The difference in weight is only like what...100lbs or so?

Both the IS300 and the 135i are pigs in that respect...at least from the results of the butt dyno.

135i_ · 10-31-2008, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FourT6and2

the clutch is either in or out. There is no middle ground.

Just curious, why exactly would you want a middle ground?

As long as you know where the friction point is that's all you need to know to get the vehicle rolling.

Other than that the clutch should be either all in or all out.

IS+1 · 10-31-2008, 03:19 PM

The IS300, loaded with all options except the automatic, weighs close to 3400. Here in Canada, since we can forgo the sunroof, I could get a 135i that is lighter than my IS.

kcobra · 10-31-2008, 03:32 PM

The IS300 is a nice piece of machinery. You can likely get a good price for it, since a lot of ppl like it.

I like your idea of selling it and getting a 135. You won't be disappointed. I was just driving to my office, and a construction guy just told me my car looks incredible, out of the blue.

The 135 has serious style!

looking · 10-31-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FourT6and2

The difference in weight is only like what...100lbs or so?

Both the IS300 and the 135i are pigs in that respect...at least from the results of the butt dyno.

Didn't realise that is was that close. I guess it's because the one I drove a few times was a base model - thought it was lighter and it definitely felt more balanced, mind you there was suspension work done on the IS. That's not to say the 135 isn't a good starting point.

Have you taken a look that the new IS?

FourT6and2 · 10-31-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135i_

Just curious, why exactly would you want a middle ground?

As long as you know where the friction point is that's all you need to know to get the vehicle rolling.

Other than that the clutch should be either all in or all out.

It's not that I want a middle ground, it's that I'd like to be able to feel the point where the clutch begins to engage/disengage, rather than all in or all out. But, I'm sure it's just that I'm not used to a new car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by excel

Didn't realise that is was that close. I guess it's because the one I drove a few times was a base model - thought it was lighter and it definitely felt more balanced, mind you there was suspension work done on the IS. That's not to say the 135 isn't a good starting point.

Have you taken a look that the new IS?

Yeah, I have. The new IS is an ugly, ugly car. I'm looking for a smaller platform and the 135 is a winner in my opinion.

I love my IS, I'd keep it and buy a 135 if I could afford to drop 40g's in cash...but the value of selling the IS would help offset the cost of a new car.

looking · 10-31-2008, 05:09 PM

^^^

Well you're moving into another great car

MastaMind · 10-31-2008, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FourT6and2

It's not that I want a middle ground, it's that I'd like to be able to feel the point where the clutch begins to engage/disengage, rather than all in or all out. But, I'm sure it's just that I'm not used to a new car.

The issues that you have with the clutch are most likely due to the CDV (clutch delay valve). It causes a certain vagueness in clutch feel and engagement point.

FourT6and2 · 10-31-2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MastaMind

The issues that you have with the clutch are most likely due to the CDV (clutch delay valve). It causes a certain vagueness in clutch feel and engagement point.

Yeah, the IS300 has the same issue. The way most people got around that was to modify the valve which variably restricts the clutch fluid.

I see that one company has a similar product (modified CDV) for the 135i.

buckwheat986 · 10-31-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warmtoes

If you pay cash you'll get a good deal.

not really

10-31-2008, 08:47 AM	#1
FourT6and2 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 41 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	Lexus Owner New to the Forums Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums and just wanted to say hi. I own an IS300, but I saw a 135i on the road the other day and I fell in love. I havent' really been following BMW's releases in the last year or so since I've been in Japan. But, I think it's a great looking car with a good amount of potential, givin the twin turbo package and ability to tune the ECU...which can't be done on my IS300. My car's limitations with the stock ECU prevent any easily obtained tune with forced induction. A piggyback or standalone must be used. And, from what I gather, it's much easier with a car like the 135i. I'm seriously thinking about selling my IS300 and getting a 1 within the next 8 months or so. So, I'm here to do a little research about what I can do with the 135i as well as any known issues/problems with the platform. Thanks!
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10-31-2008, 10:11 AM	#3
randomquickness Brigadier General 219 Rep 3,668 Posts Drives: 996tt Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Georgetown, TX iTrader: (13)	welcome! You are jumping on board at a good time as the aftermarket support for these cars is starting to get competetive and we are seeing new products released regularly. Do you have anything done to your lexus? those are beautiful cars too. pics??? __________________
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10-31-2008, 10:34 AM	#5
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	And, pricing, finance and lease rates are all really good now. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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10-31-2008, 11:06 AM	#6
IS+1 Lieutenant 240 Rep 462 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 (AW 6MT) Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario iTrader: (0)	Another fellow IS300 owner... welcome! I too am looking to make the switch over to a 135i in the near future. When I bought my IS in 2004, I swore to myself I'd keep that car for as long as I could, and the truth is I still love it - it's got more character than anything from Lexus (until the IS-F came out). But the 135i is hard to turn down, plus my first car was a BMW For the time being, I'm enjoying my last couple years with my IS and enjoying the 135i vicariously through this forum!
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10-31-2008, 12:27 PM	#8
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	If you pay cash you'll get a good deal. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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10-31-2008, 02:28 PM	#9
FourT6and2 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 41 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	Well, I just got back from a test drive at the dealer. The car is nice. The seats are comfortable and, for the most part, the interior is good. The car is indeed quick for what it is and the torque response from the turbo's really do throw you back into the seat. 100 MPH came up before I could get off the on-ramp for the highway...BUT, no matter how fast we were going it all felt like the same speed. That can be good or bad. My IS300 has character and since I'm so familiar with how it drives, I can feel the road through the steering, the engine through the gas pedal, the tranny through the shifter, and the brakes through the brake pedal. The clutch in my car has a nice range where I can feel it began to engage/disengage. Contrast that with the 135i: The steering is a bit numb, there is absolutely zero pedal feel, and the clutch is either in or out. There is no middle ground. This could be due to the fact that it's a brand new car that I've never driven and I'm so used to my IS. However, when I first sat in my IS for its test drive, I immediately felt connected to the road and to the car. This was not the case with the 135i. All in all, I like the car and it has some great potential. It's at the top of my list right now for a new car in the comming months. There are some issues I need to find out more info. on...like the ability for the car to know when you've modified the ECU or "chipped" it and any warranty issues that may arise from modifications...which there shouldn't be unless any mods directly cause damage.
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10-31-2008, 02:49 PM	#10
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	Do a search in the N54 area of the forum. I think it answers a lot of the questions in your last paragraph. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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10-31-2008, 03:00 PM	#12
looking Captain 35 Rep 602 Posts Drives: 135 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	Welcome....good luck in your search. You're coming from a pretty balanced car (especially after some suspension work). I'm surprised that you didn't mention the 135 feels heavy compared to your car but, you can shed weight. Love the Is300 but, I'm addicted to the power of the 135.
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10-31-2008, 03:19 PM	#15
IS+1 Lieutenant 240 Rep 462 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 (AW 6MT) Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario iTrader: (0)	The IS300, loaded with all options except the automatic, weighs close to 3400. Here in Canada, since we can forgo the sunroof, I could get a 135i that is lighter than my IS.
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10-31-2008, 03:32 PM	#16
kcobra Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 284 Posts Drives: 135i M package Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Montreal / Miami iTrader: (0)	The IS300 is a nice piece of machinery. You can likely get a good price for it, since a lot of ppl like it. I like your idea of selling it and getting a 135. You won't be disappointed. I was just driving to my office, and a construction guy just told me my car looks incredible, out of the blue. The 135 has serious style! __________________ kCobra ------- 2008 Black 135i M Sport
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10-31-2008, 05:09 PM	#19
looking Captain 35 Rep 602 Posts Drives: 135 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: GTA iTrader: (0)	^^^ Well you're moving into another great car
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