[FlaPatsFan]

As the title says I’m seriously considering selling my 2011 328i E91(lots of upgrades and modifications) to purchase a 2011 Lexus IS-F. Always loved the IS-F since I drove it back in 2008. I love my Wagon but the bottom line is I want more POWER!!! Not to mention the IS-F is incredibly well balanced and track ready from the factory.

Curious ppls thoughts. Or anyone who has owned an IS-F

Thanks

[weehe126]

Idk how you can even compare the two. If you want and can get a IS-F, do it.

[Kev0]

Yes, get the IS-F if you can. No comparison to a 328. Also, the IS-F seem to retain it's value. A used one is still 25-30k and that's with over 50k miles.

[BimmerNugget]

Wow that would be quite the upgrade! The IS-F is one helluva car. Only E9X that's comparable would be an M3. Personally I'd like to keep it deutsch, but Lexus is great too! Especially the IS-F!

If you can get a good deal, why not. Pls post some pics if you end up getting it. Thanks.

[tlow98]

The IS-F is really well reviewed. It suffers from some of the general IS drawbacks - lackluster interior materials, extremely high beltline and it's not quite the complete package that an M3 is.

It is, however, guaranteed to last twice as long as an M3 and cost very little along the way as far as maintenance. Great cars from what I hear. I've yet to drive an IS-F. It would make the E91 seem as if you forgot the parking brake was on...

Also, resale value is currently better than m3 right?

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by tlow98

The IS-F is really well reviewed. It suffers from some of the general IS drawbacks - lackluster interior materials, extremely high beltline and it's not quite the complete package that an M3 is.

It is, however, guaranteed to last twice as long as an M3 and cost very little along the way as far as maintenance. Great cars from what I hear. I've yet to drive an IS-F. It would make the E91 seem as if you forgot the parking brake was on...

Also, resale value is currently better than m3 right?

Resale values are very comparable, just depends on year and mileage. I don’t mind the interior on the IS-F but the M3 is a little more upscale and refined.

I think the most impressive thing about the IS-F is the durability and longevity ppl are getting out of them. Introduced in 2008 I saw a few for sale with over 150,000 miles! And from all the reviews only minor issues and basic maintenance stuff. Of course the V8 5.0L with 416hp is nice also.

Since I need a sedan, it’s a tough choice between the IS-F and M3.

[RomKaN54]

30k for 7-year-old car.....have you looked Q50 turbo ones? 2016 you can get one about same price range as Lexus.

[ppointer]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

As the title says I’m seriously considering selling my 2011 328i E91(lots of upgrades and modifications) to purchase a 2011 Lexus IS-F. Always loved the IS-F since I drove it back in 2008. I love my Wagon but the bottom line is I want more POWER!!! Not to mention the IS-F is incredibly well balanced and track ready from the factory.

Curious ppls thoughts. Or anyone who has owned an IS-F

Thanks

Tell me about your e91! I might be interested.

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by RomKaN54

30k for 7-year-old car.....have you looked Q50 turbo ones? 2016 you can get one about same price range as Lexus.

I have not....but I will....thank you

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by ppointer

Tell me about your e91! I might be interested.

Shoot me PM, I will be glad to tell you about it.

[King Rudi]

In the past 6 years, I've had a 335i, a G35 and a Lexus IS350. I have enjoyed all 3 cars. Don't get me wrong, I love my BMW, but at this point I'd like to have my IS back. Pros for the IS are cheaper repair costs, it doesn't require constant attention, very comfortable interior, (the drivers seat is like a recliner) and the tech package is very nice. I've not driven an IS-F but considering mine was a 2011, aside from the motor, tranny and minor body styling differences basically the same car.

My opinion would be to go with the IS-F for sure! Be sure and post pics if you pull the trigger.

[CTinline-six]

IS-F is a sweet car if you can fit in one.

I'm 5'10 150lbs and I felt cramped in the IS350 I drove. My head seemed like it would smack into the A pillar after a big enough pot hole. I thought 3-series back seats were cramped but the IS takes the cake. The IS350 has over 300hp, but the throttle response didn't feel like it did.

Don't get me wrong Lexus has unmatched reliability, but I couldn't justify the price of an IS for the downsides I mentioned.

[Silent9n54]

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

IS-F is a sweet car if you can fit in one.

I'm 5'10 150lbs and I felt cramped in the IS350 I drove. My head seemed like it would smack into the A pillar after a big enough pot hole. I thought 3-series back seats were cramped but the IS takes the cake. The IS350 has over 300hp, but the throttle response didn't feel like it did.

Don't get me wrong Lexus has unmatched reliability, but I couldn't justify the price of an IS for the downsides I mentioned.

+1 !!

im 6'4 and when i drove is350 i was cramped inside... way too small for me

[atmosphericM]

To me the IS-F is never an option because it only comes in autotragic. However, if that doesn't matter to you, I say go for it. Besides the aforementioned transmission situation, the only other downsides I've found are that it isn't quite as track friendly and balanced as an M3 (again, if that matters to you), and it also has fake exhaust tips which annoys me.

[BimmerNugget]

Originally Posted by RomKaN54

30k for 7-year-old car.....have you looked Q50 turbo ones? 2016 you can get one about same price range as Lexus.

Lol a Q50 is totally different. Don't even compare it to an F or M car. More power doesn't necessarily mean more fun. The old infiniti G cars were much better.

[King Rudi]

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

IS-F is a sweet car if you can fit in one.

I'm 5'10 150lbs and I felt cramped in the IS350 I drove. My head seemed like it would smack into the A pillar after a big enough pot hole. I thought 3-series back seats were cramped but the IS takes the cake. The IS350 has over 300hp, but the throttle response didn't feel like it did.

Don't get me wrong Lexus has unmatched reliability, but I couldn't justify the price of an IS for the downsides I mentioned.

Valid point! I'm 5' 9" at 185# and I was comfortable in the drivers seat. I did bang my head a time or two on the A pillar while exiting the car. In order for the driver and passenger to be comfy, the backseat is useless.

Side note: just looked at used Q50's. Man those cars lose value fast! The coupes are slick but to depreciate $30k in 3 years is crazy!

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by atmosphericM

To me the IS-F is never an option because it only comes in autotragic. However, if that doesn't matter to you, I say go for it. Besides the aforementioned transmission situation, the only other downsides I've found are that it isn't quite as track friendly and balanced as an M3 (again, if that matters to you), and it also has fake exhaust tips which annoys me.

For the other posts regarding fitting in the car, I had no issues. At 5’10 185 I found the driver seat comfortable but snug in the right places.

JJ....I didn’t mind the 8 Speed auto, the paddle shifters made it feel like a high end shifting car. Honestly the first 4 gears are for cruising, 5-8 are when you really wanna push the car. I did so on the full 4.1 mile course at Monticello Motor Club. I beat the hell out of the IS-F, i definitely put it thru it’s paces...and it held up great. It no doubt stands toe to toe with the M3.

As for the stacked quad tips....those are a part of the Fs signature look. Interesting how so many cars have gone to the rear bumper mount tips. But back in 08 it was pretty ahead of the curve. Even the Ferrari California copied it in the debut model in 2010.

This is very interesting hearing everyone’s input.

[TemjinX2]

Originally Posted by BimmerNugget

Lol a Q50 is totally different. Don't even compare it to an F or M car. More power doesn't necessarily mean more fun. The old infiniti G cars were much better.

the turbo 6 q50's, also has $300 leases...so that helps put them on the list for consideration.

[TemjinX2]

to the op...if you can stretch....i think your better off RC-F. The chassis on the 3rd gen IS is a lot better, also modern interior. There few for low 40s.

[FlaPatsFan]

Originally Posted by TemjinX2

to the op...if you can stretch....i think your better off RC-F. The chassis on the 3rd gen IS is a lot better, also modern interior. There few for low 40s.

That’s a bit above my price grade....plus I need a sedan. I own my E91 outright, and with all the upgrades I would definitely sell it privately to get the best price....plus I would want it to go to a fellow BMW enthusiast. The plan would be use that money plus a little bit of my own and purchase the IS-F....no car payment.

Just hard to part with my Wagon...there are so very few of them.

I really wish BMW brought the 335 Touring here to the U.S. 😞

[El Cheapo Loco]

The IS is really tight inside. It has less room than a Civic. It's designed for oompa loompas.

[BSM n54iS]

Originally Posted by FlaPatsFan

Not to mention the IS-F is incredibly well balanced and track ready from the factory.

That's news to me