# 200X BMW 3XX OR 200X IS300 **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [April 16, 2008, 9:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915 "2008-04-16T09:46:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![PumiceT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/43a26b/32.png) [@PumiceT](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/PumiceT)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 6:05pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/21 "2008-04-16T18:05:37Z")
Wow. Kinda the same dilemma I had. I think I’m gonna go with a 2008 328xi. Not about to wait around for a manual transmission to show up at Towne. I’ve been waiting months already. ---
**Author:** ![Johnnyv412](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/johnnyv412/32/5226_2.png) [@Johnnyv412](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Johnnyv412)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 6:27pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/22 "2008-04-16T18:27:30Z")
everyone is going IS cause you see lesser of them around. But in actuality a 99-00 328 or a 01-02 330 will run circles around the IS. Its quicker, it handles better it has a nicer interior. Im obviously biased but I did look and test drove both cars. I also read a comparisant(sp?) spread in Automobile Magazine and the 330 wiped the floor with the IS in an “all around” battle. But for 12.5 your not gonna get a nice IS with lower miles or a 328 or 330. Really you cant find a 325 with lower miles for that price. ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 7:01pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/23 "2008-04-16T19:01:02Z")
> [@Boomin99GT](#): > > I have a 2001 IS300 and love it. I’m biased ofcourse so I’ll have to vote IS300. Few things to check for depending on how you’re going to drive it… LSD not a standard option (you can look on the sticker inside the door frame to tell if the car is equipped with it). Also in 2001 it was only available in Automatic. Different years had different interior options (armrest, etc). Also not sure if you’re interested in Navigation or anything of that nature but that was also an option a few years later. Goodluck w/ your search and feel free to PM me if there’s anything you’re questioning. I’ve had mine for 2 years and am no where near ready to get rid of it yet. How many miles does it have on it? where did you buy it? > [@RedrRocket](#): > > STI, evo, Bimmer, now IS. make up your mind dan. > > the 300 is a pretty sweet car.IMO. > > I \<3 the new ones. too. shut up, and call me… yes the 250 is hot but the 450 is where it is at… > [@Johnnyv412](#): > > everyone is going IS cause you see lesser of them around. But in actuality a 99-00 328 or a 01-02 330 will run circles around the IS. Its quicker, it handles better it has a nicer interior. Im obviously biased but I did look and test drove both cars. I also read a comparisant(sp?) spread in Automobile Magazine and the 330 wiped the floor with the IS in an “all around” battle. > But for 12.5 your not gonna get a nice IS with lower miles or a 328 or 330. Really you cant find a 325 with lower miles for that price. i am doing some reading on them know. i dont know what you mean 325,328,330 and IS300 are all over autotrader and ebay with 70k-90k for $10k-13K ---
**Author:** ![dozr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/41988e/32.png) [@dozr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/dozr)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 7:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/24 "2008-04-16T19:26:46Z")
We all know you will end up getting a sweet deal on a baby blue sebring convertible and just have to buy it… Inbeforegasmileagethreadaboutthesecars. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 7:36pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/25 "2008-04-16T19:36:39Z")
> [@dozr](#): > > We all know you will end up getting a sweet deal on a baby blue sebring convertible and just have to buy it… > > Inbeforegasmileagethreadaboutthesecars. > > 😛 :newman: you sir need a kick in the dick!, doesnt you apple phone return text messages??? b/c mine phone has been sending them. ---
**Author:** ![Carnut](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/carnut/32/7590_2.png) [@Carnut](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Carnut)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 8:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/26 "2008-04-16T20:43:36Z")
I have driven both cars. The IS300 was kind of bland and boring to be honest. The 01 325I that I drove for 8 hours was amazing. I fell in love with it and I am not a big fan of german cars. Everything was at your finger tips and for being an entry level bmw it was still very very luxurious. It had 100 some thousand miles on the clock and to be honest it felt new. Nothing and I mean nothing was wrong with this car. Absolutely no road noise which was nice. No wind noise. Drove great and got fairly good gas mileage. I would recommend the BMW hands down. Fine automobile. ---
**Author:** ![Boomin99GT](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/boomin99gt/32/7306_2.png) [@Boomin99GT](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Boomin99GT)\ **Post date:** [April 16, 2008, 10:41pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/27 "2008-04-16T22:41:06Z")
> [@Anonymity](#): > > How many miles does it have on it? where did you buy it? It just clicked over 35,000 miles and I bought it in Rochester at a Lexus dealer 2 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![reliant\_turbo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/reliant_turbo/32/7189_2.png) [@reliant\_turbo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/reliant_turbo)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2008, 3:25pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/28 "2008-04-17T15:25:45Z")
IS with a supra swap. 🙂 Brian ---
**Author:** ![DrDoS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ccd318/32.png) [@DrDoS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/DrDoS)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2008, 8:06pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/29 "2008-04-17T20:06:41Z")
all i can say that is my IS is one of the smoothest cars i have ever driven. ---
**Author:** ![ly555is](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3bc359/32.png) [@ly555is](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ly555is)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2008, 8:09pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/30 "2008-04-17T20:09:43Z")
> [@Anonymity](#): > > wow, everyone is going IS300. ugh, i would. i’ve been researching 330ci’s and don’t feel like dealing with redonk maint costs IS300 :tup: ---
**Author:** ![Violator](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/violator/32/7278_2.png) [@Violator](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Violator)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2008, 8:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/31 "2008-04-17T20:51:49Z")
> [@66impalass](#): > > d.o.t. > > IS really don’t hold there value, you can get a nicely kept IS for like $15k, \<1/3 of MSRP > > :shithitfan: > this smiley rocks… ??? You are totally wrong on this one. The IS300 holds its value exceptionally well. I own a 2000 323i and I have been in the position to compare both for extended periods of time. The BMW ride is not as smooth as in the IS300. IS has a much better clutch and transmission. The BMW interior is laid out a bit better but the IS300 is more comfortable. The BMW exterior looks better. IS300 engine is a great tuning candidate and you can do a lot with it a lot cheaper then with the BMW. BMW reliability and maintenance is a good deal **worse** then the IS300. I have 6 years of receipts to back this up. The BMW is pretty quick and revs out nicely. The BMW handles pretty decent stock. The Lexus can be tuned to kill many cars in the corners. BMW window regulators fail. BMW sunroofs fail. My basic opinion is that the BMW looks a bit better but is a good deal more expensive in all aspects. The Lexus is a more comfortable car. Not just seating but overall driving experience. It is also much smoother. Steering, clutch, shifter, transmission, and overall feel. VERY well balanced car. A pleasure to drive. ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [April 17, 2008, 10:25pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/32 "2008-04-17T22:25:35Z")
> [@reliant\_turbo](#): > > IS with a supra swap. 🙂 > > Brian He- He… > [@DrDoS](#): > > all i can say that is my IS is one of the smoothest cars i have ever driven. thank you for the > [@ly555is](#): > > ugh, i would. i’ve been researching 330ci’s > > and don’t feel like dealing with redonk maint costs > > IS300 :tup: Yeah, i was hoping that the blackforest guy would have popped his head in and posted b/c i would be taking it to him. > [@Violator](#): > > ??? You are totally wrong on this one. The IS300 holds its value exceptionally well. > > I own a 2000 323i and I have been in the position to compare both for extended periods of time. > The BMW ride is not as smooth as in the IS300. > IS has a much better clutch and transmission. > The BMW interior is laid out a bit better but the IS300 is more comfortable. > The BMW exterior looks better. > IS300 engine is a great tuning candidate and you can do a lot with it a lot cheaper then with the BMW. > BMW reliability and maintenance is a good deal **worse** then the IS300. I have 6 years of receipts to back this up. > The BMW is pretty quick and revs out nicely. > > The BMW handles pretty decent stock. The Lexus can be tuned to kill many cars in the corners. > > BMW window regulators fail. > BMW sunroofs fail. > > My basic opinion is that the BMW looks a bit better but is a good deal more expensive in all aspects. > > The Lexus is a more comfortable car. Not just seating but overall driving experience. It is also much smoother. Steering, clutch, shifter, transmission, and overall feel. VERY well balanced car. A pleasure to drive. Nice post Jack! i will have to find one and take it for a run… ---
**Author:** ![bracketracer](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bracketracer/32/15592_2.png) [@bracketracer](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bracketracer)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 7:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/33 "2008-04-21T07:40:44Z")
> [@Anonymity](#): > > Yeah, i was hoping that the blackforest guy would have popped his head in and posted b/c i would be taking it to him. I’m always a phone call away. Don’t have enough time to keep up with forums, unfortunately. ---
**Author:** ![Nikuk](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/nikuk/32/7254_2.png) [@Nikuk](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Nikuk)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 8:09am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/34 "2008-04-21T08:09:41Z")
> [@Viper966](#): > > MY gf’s IS300 was ROCK solid… only issue we had was a coil pack went bad… cost me 14 bux and 20 minutes of time Do as Viper does… ---
**Author:** ![Slopoke](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/slopoke/32/7248_2.png) [@Slopoke](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Slopoke)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 8:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/35 "2008-04-21T08:27:41Z")
if you only have 12k to spend why get a high end luxury vehicle you understand maint. wont be cheap right, get an 98-02 audi a4 for under 10k and save some room if anything goes wrong, but if you are set on those 2 is300 all the way they are just damn sexy! ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 9:08am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/36 "2008-04-21T09:08:02Z")
> [@bracketracer](#): > > I’m always a phone call away. Don’t have enough time to keep up with forums, unfortunately. Word, mybe i will swing by some time and introduce myself. > [@Nikuk](#): > > Do as Viper does… there might be a custom title there. … > [@Slopoke](#): > > if you only have 12k to spend why get a high end luxury vehicle you understand maint. wont be cheap right, get an 98-02 audi a4 for under 10k and save some room if anything goes wrong, but if you are set on those 2 is300 all the way they are just damn sexy! i understand the cost of the maint., but really wanted to know how they compare. ---
**Author:** ![Nikuk](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/nikuk/32/7254_2.png) [@Nikuk](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Nikuk)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 10:00am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/37 "2008-04-21T10:00:32Z")
That’s a good damned point. ---
**Author:** ![Violator](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/violator/32/7278_2.png) [@Violator](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Violator)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 12:32pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/38 "2008-04-21T12:32:46Z")
> [@Slopoke](#): > > if you only have 12k to spend why get a high end luxury vehicle you understand maint. wont be cheap right, get an 98-02 audi a4 for under 10k and save some room if anything goes wrong, but if you are set on those 2 is300 all the way they are just damn sexy! A4 is the epitome of problem car. Maintenance is expensive and from what I heave heard, usually takes twice the labor of any other design. ---
**Author:** ![Viper966](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/viper966/32/7268_2.png) [@Viper966](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Viper966)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 12:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/39 "2008-04-21T12:53:34Z")
> [@Violator](#): > > A4 is the epitome of problem car. Maintenance is expensive and from what I heave heard, usually takes twice the labor of any other design. you heard wrong… my 98.5 a4 had 170 when i sold it… and i have no problems with it cept for a PS pump i fried doing axis spins… replacement junkyard unit with 30k miles (28 bux) took like 10 minutes to do… i did the timingbelt, tensioners, accessory belts on the car… toook like 3 hours… the whole front end of the car is on a hinge so you can get at the front of the motor, genius design, made the whole thing VERY easy… there is a large enthusiast group that will give you ready access to used parts cheap, and good advice… but that being said… nicoles is300 was insane for reliability… the coilpack was 250 at the dealer, bought one from autozone for 14 bux… the maf went cuz the intake i had on there had a shit oily filter… put a new one on from the junkyard from a 15k mile car, for 75 bux… car had ~ 80k when i sold it… was great ---
**Author:** ![Viper966](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/viper966/32/7268_2.png) [@Viper966](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Viper966)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 1:30pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/200x-bmw-3xx-or-200x-is300/46915/40 "2008-04-21T13:30:51Z")
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