A Final Farewell

[maneesh]

I'd probably agree with everything you've said, nothing drives like a BMW but is the ride ok? I remember test driving a 545 a few years back and I thought the ride was ridiculously hard - that wasn't even a Sport model, it was an SE and compared to the GS and the CLS (that we eventually bought) there was no comparison.

Run flats are now increasingly common on BMW models as standard fitment.

We all know that run flats make for a very harsh ride (when compared to ride on regular tyres).

The models that don't have runflats, are the expensive, luxury models such as 750, M5 and M6.

AFAIK, models such as the 330, 545, 645, and 650 are on runflats. Vyker's new 330 has them, and he said the ride is harsh over any bump.

Congrats on the 5 series.

The previous E39 model was hailed as the "world's best car" when it came out (best as in it's overall blend of space, refinement, handling, ride, build, performance and value for money). The E60 seems to be better than the E39 by all accounts.

[Scarlet Pimpernell]

I'd probably agree with everything you've said, nothing drives like a BMW but is the ride ok? I remember test driving a 545 a few years back and I thought the ride was ridiculously hard - that wasn't even a Sport model, it was an SE and compared to the GS and the CLS (that we eventually bought) there was no comparison.

Run flats are now increasingly common on BMW models as standard fitment.

We all know that run flats make for a very harsh ride (when compared to ride on regular tyres).

The models that don't have runflats, are the expensive, luxury models such as 750, M5 and M6.

AFAIK, models such as the 330, 545, 645, and 650 are on runflats. Vyker's new 330 has them, and he said the ride is harsh over any bump.

Congrats on the 5 series.

The previous E39 model was hailed as the "world's best car" when it came out (best as in it's overall blend of space, refinement, handling, ride, build, performance and value for money). The E60 seems to be better than the E39 by all accounts.

Maneesh/Parthiban - you are correct - those Run Flats have been a problem. However, the Post Jul 07 LCI (LifeCycleImpulse) seems to ride so much better, even with RF 245/40 18's all round. Dare I say, it bounces less than the IS due to the longer wheelbase and the jitterriness is gone. Even at low speeds, you can't really tell it's on RF's at all. It's firm, yes, but no firmer than the IS and you can't feel every piece of gravel like you could in the pre 2007 M sports or even 5 SE's with 18's RF's. They really have done a good job in removing that single dreaded issue which put me off the 320d in 2005. It was the one thing I watched out for on the test drives over and above even the economy, iDrive or rattles...

You can tell an LCI model as it has the new Auto shift, up-turned lower grill edges on SE's (around the fog lights on SE's, not M Sport) and the Angel "Wings" rear LED lights.

I'd driven loads of E39's, and they were very good. In fact I think they still ride and handle exceptionally well, even better than a current E Class! The Build quality was sound.

The only other thing that I do miss are those big folding mirrors on the IS...they were brilliant! The Beemers are like letter box's.

The leather (Dakota) is pretty good so far, comfortable and not "shiny" like the Lexus leather, and you don't sit too low in the seat squab.

Anyway, enough for now...this is a Lexus forum!!!!

[SiWhite]

Anyway, enough for now...this is a Lexus forum!!!!

True, but now I know where else I might look if I want to switch brands :)

[Scarlet Pimpernell]

This will get on to some peoples goat, but....I just completed a journey of 235 miles, 85% motorway, at the same speeds as I did in the Lexus, and guess what?

OBC shows 46.3mpg, and at the pumps of 44.5mpg. So that means approx 8mpg more than the old IS220d - which was only giving me 35-37.5mpg according to the trip computer (!) on the identical regular run. It's all the proof I ever needed taht something wasn't right with the Lexus, and am now sure of the decision to jump ship...

Just need to remind you all that my current car is a 3.0l 6 cylinder Auto diesel and was fully loaded (5 people and a boot (520litres) full of junk) and is heavier than the IS...someone will surely tell me soon that the lexus is much cleaner :shutit: and that for the extra cash I paid for the car I could have bought a tanker full of diesel...

Sorry for gloating, but whilst some of you guys carry on kidding yourselves and shoving DPS4 and other stuff in, the rest of the world enjoys normal diesel economy! And there is NO RATTLES and the road noise is almost gone - peace at last! In fact 80% of the time the beemers rides as quietly on a motorway on normal surfaces as the lex did on billiard table smooth fresh tarcmac - it's that much quieter.

Looking at it constructivly, someone over at the ivory tower might see this post as trying to help Lexus improve the cars...well guys here's the bench mark!

[spikes]

not a diesel lover myself but i dont do loads of miles but when your looking at mpg, plus you have an auto box i'd say youve made the right choice. :)

[dgman]

jamboo, i do wish you good luck with you bmw.but as to thinking that you are winning on the economy issue you are misguided.you must have dumped thousands of pounds by swapping cars.you are only fooling yourself.i would be asking myself why the previous owner of your bmw wanted rid of it after 5k miles.so,patronise us no longer and be on your way.

talk about the long goodbye.

[mattstheone]

jamboo, i do wish you good luck with you bmw.but as to thinking that you are winning on the economy issue you are misguided.you must have dumped thousands of pounds by swapping cars.you are only fooling yourself.i would be asking myself why the previous owner of your bmw wanted rid of it after 5k miles.so,patronise us no longer and be on your way.

talk about the long goodbye.

Well said Dqman how long will it take to recover the Money Jamboo has spent on the part ex

i think this might just out weigh the MPG for a while B)

Matt

An IS220d Happy Owner

[spikes]

jamboo, i do wish you good luck with you bmw.but as to thinking that you are winning on the economy issue you are misguided.you must have dumped thousands of pounds by swapping cars.you are only fooling yourself.i would be asking myself why the previous owner of your bmw wanted rid of it after 5k miles.so,patronise us no longer and be on your way.

talk about the long goodbye.

Well said Dqman how long will it take to recover the Money Jamboo has spent on the part ex

i think this might just out weigh the MPG for a while B)

Matt

An IS220d Happy Owner

at the end of day the he wasnt happy with his lexus :winky:

[Robertb]

I disagree- its interesting to read a different perspective.

I had a long line of BMW 3s before my Lexus IS250, and it is fair to say that the engines and handling of the BMWs monstered the Lexus. How they squeeze so much power and so much economy out of their engines is remarkable.

That said, a 530d is at a completely different price point to the IS220d, so if it wasn't better I'd be disappointed!

Price a 3 series up to the equivalent spec of an IS SEL(which you can't, but get as close as you can), and you will be looking at over £40k and the build quality/materials of the 3 are no better than the IS. I may be lucky, but my 55 reg IS 250SEL with 34k miles is as tight and rattle-free as any beemer I've owned, and the few post delivery issues I've had are dealt with utterly painlessly and courteously by Lexus Reading. Visiting a BMW dealer was never a rewarding experience...

[Northern Boys Luv Gravy]

I think Jamboo did the right thing - for him. He hasn't been happy with his Lexus for a long time and once you get to the stage where you are out driving being distracted by the things that annoy you and you can't enjoy all the Lexus' positive points, then you might as well bite the bullet and change. Of course the cost to change will outweigh any savings in fuel, but if he's happier then it's worth it.

Having driven the IS220d I'm sure that if that had been my only choice of Lexus I'd have opted for something else, the gearchange and clutch set up were just not to my liking. However, I drove the IS250 auto first and was smitten by it straight away, and I can honestly say I have never regretted my decision and it still brings a smile to my face when driving it.

The BMW 5 series is a car that has grown on me since it was launched and while it doesn't make sense as a new buy, getting a nearly new one as a private buyer, is a good option. I still struggle with liking the 3 series though.

[Scarlet Pimpernell]

I think Jamboo did the right thing - for him. He hasn't been happy with his Lexus for a long time and once you get to the stage where you are out driving being distracted by the things that annoy you and you can't enjoy all the Lexus' positive points, then you might as well bite the bullet and change. Of course the cost to change will outweigh any savings in fuel, but if he's happier then it's worth it.

Having driven the IS220d I'm sure that if that had been my only choice of Lexus I'd have opted for something else, the gearchange and clutch set up were just not to my liking. However, I drove the IS250 auto first and was smitten by it straight away, and I can honestly say I have never regretted my decision and it still brings a smile to my face when driving it.

The BMW 5 series is a car that has grown on me since it was launched and while it doesn't make sense as a new buy, getting a nearly new one as a private buyer, is a good option. I still struggle with liking the 3 series though.

NBLG - spot on!

Like I said in my post earlier, it wouldn't be long before someone said I could have bought a tanker load of diesel...

But those who think that have never really understood my point; it wasn't about me not being able to afford the diesel. It was about buying a car that does what it states on the tin. The IS had more warranty visits than all of my new cars put together, mostly german and the odd Jap/French car...All that promise of numero uno customer sat, realibility was all just banter in the end

The IS220d started off well, then fell away, as each 1000 mile and months went by, as each 5th injector went by, as each rattle appeared and stayed...You get my drift?

Yes the 3 series is a bit "where's my dosh gone", but Lexus and BMW are very different. BMW takes yer money but gives you a great drive, Lexus take your money and gives you every extra known to man. Horses for courses...

What is certain though is that the 525d does deliver the government stated fuel economy, in the same way the 250 Auto does. I know some 220d's do, but mine couldn't hold a candle to the figures

[Parthiban]

All that promise of numero uno customer sat, realibility was all just banter in the end

Lexus take your money and gives you every extra known to man

These two are a bit harsh, but it does seem you got screwed over by both a dodgy car backed up by an awful dealership.........

Yes Lexus provide you with every toy, but also a great luxury car and normally very impressive reliability...........all the stuff about Lexus isn't banter, or it would never have been talked about in the first place. My IS200 is now 6 years old, still drives like the day I picked it up and is still totally rattle free - I have not yet paid for a single part on it that wasn't routine maintenance (touch wood!) and the dealership has been nothing but a pleasure to deal with.

Having said that though, you were absolutely right to switch, I think I mentioned on earlier occasions that it might be best to change it as there's no point having a car that is no fun to drive anymore. Especially a diesel of which all of them I hate, so if you're not getting decent economy, what's the point?

And I'm glad you're still posting on here, as I find it interesting to see how much of a difference there is between the BMW and the Lexus. I'm more interested to see what your repair bills are like but hopefully you'll be a lucky one :)

[Scarlet Pimpernell]

And I'm glad you're still posting on here, as I find it interesting to see how much of a difference there is between the BMW and the Lexus. I'm more interested to see what your repair bills are like but hopefully you'll be a lucky one :)

Me too - having said that there are so many specialists around...it could get expensive...but the newer ranges in the wider family all appear bullet proof, including the 535d, 07 plate with 55k...nothing other than standard servcing and 1 set of discs and pads so far

I think it was just me - the dealership improved, but were not that much better than Audi, and when they "forgot" to leave the wine in the car aftr the recall, and never returned my call when I complained that was it...

The differences are not necessarily in the quality from what I have seen so far, just the lack of toys and lack of rattles in the Beemer and the drive, which is very "connected" and fly by the seats stuff...

The Lex was still better looking...and if you want a new car, the IS250 Auto SE with MM is difficult to ignore...such good VFM comes rarely