328xi Question and Rival

[micropower99]

Hey Guys,

First time poster, I must say congrats to everyone who owns a BMW. It's always been a dream of mine to own one. Anyways I was wondering what you guys think of the new 2007 328xi? The reason I am asking for the xi is because of the fact that it is all wheel drive. (Very usefull in canada during the winter time). I noticed in the 07 model it got a boost of hp from 215 to 230 I believe too. So good thing I waited, hehe.

Secondly what do you guys think of the rival (or my second choice i'm comparing it to) the Lexus IS250 AWD? Don't get me wrong it aint no BMW but its a beautiful car. Both include many of the same options. (Except I don't think the IS 250AWD has the run-flat tires)

Any opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for reading this.. :)

Best Regards,

Daniel

[PeterC4]

I have one on order and live in Toronto. I found the 328i coupe quite peppy when I drove it and think its quite a decent car. The attributes that stand out are the handling and mid-range torque. It doesn't feel underpowered if that's your concern. This is my wife's car and we were specifcally looking for something that had 4wd but was not an SUV. We settled on the 328xi.

I did not compare it to the IS250 , but I believe the 0-60 times for the IS250 are about 7.9 secs, making it slower than the BMW to 60. A fully equipped IS250 is significantly cheaper than the BMW equivalent though, at about $6,000.

The other redeeming feature of the BMW coupe is that it looks good, yet its back seat is actually quite useable.

[micropower99]

Thanks for your reply. :) I am actualyl from the Vancouver area with many relatives in the Toronto area. Yea my main focus is on finding a car with all wheel drive yet has great performance.

I'm guessing you have the 328xi coupe? I was thinking of getting the sedan because of the larger leg room and 4 doors. Although the coupe looks fantastic.

Best Regards,

Daniel

[PeterC4]

Yes, we bought the coupe. You know, I'm not sure how much bigger the sedan is really...the four doors are easier to deal with when more than 2 people are involved regularly. I believe the coupe's suspension is tuned differently.

[BIMMERATION]

I considered the same cars as you IS250 fully equipped and the 328i coupe (also on my list: A4 S-Line, GS350). There are obvious differences between these two cars dispite the fact that you are considering the xi. I have had four-door Japanese cars all my life and was looking for something much more different. Lexus cars are as good as it's going to get if you are considering the reliability and comfort; however, their service quality and reputation varies between dealerships. After feedbacks many BMW owners around me, I find that (at least in my area) that BMW's service quality does not vary as much as Lexus. And after the test drive of the 328i coupe, I've also noticed that the suspension to be softer than it's previous generations. Furthermore, the speed and responsiveness are far better than that of the IS250. With the same amenities and options, my Lexus rep was able to offer me nearly $8k below what was expect of my 328i, which was considered to be an excellent deal. However, at the end, my verdict still went to the BMW after a thurough assessment on the value, reliability, characteristics etc. I would recommend you to assess a value to the things that matters to you and then do the math to pick out your final decision. Good Luck and hope this helps! :)

[micropower99]

Thanks for your reply :) Yea I am trying to assess as much as I can in the two brands. They both have perks, but like you have noticed I have seen a couple more always that BMW has above lexus. (not to mention the 4 years free maintanence).

I'm curious, how is the all wheel drive technology on the new 328xi?

Also, the lowest power options available is now 230 hp, that still seems quite powerful considering many many cars are under 200 these days. I previously thought the 200 hp VW GTI was fast but now am wondering how fast the 328 must be since it does have 30 more hp.

[DrDomer]

The 328i coupe is reasonably quick compared to my Honda Accord (160HP). Unfortunately, I have driven the 335i coupe (which is on order). Once you have 300HP at your fingertips (or toetips) there's no comparison. I think the price difference (3 grand) for that performance is unbelievable. Sorry to change the subject a little. You'll be happy with the 328i or 328xi, just don't drive the 335i. BTW, in all comparisons, the acceleration is quicker for 328i than 328xi.

[micropower99]

Haha no worries for changing the topic. I was actually contemplating even chosing the 330i or the IS 350 just for the performance per price factor. I heard the IS 350 is ridiculously fast and even faster than the SC 430. With the 330i, it has about the same amount of hp as the lexus except carries a turbo.

[vconrad51]

I picked up my new 328xi coupe just before Christmas and I have to say it is the best BMW I've ever had. I preferred the AWD model because I live in Utah and the AWD comes in handy when it snows. I also test drove the Lexus IS250. I thought the Lexus was a fine car, but I think the 328xi is better when it comes to handling and braking. For me, the Lexus was just a bit too smooth. By that, I mean that I felt the Lexus was too quiet and not as much fun to drive as the 328xi. As for power, 230 HP is plenty for me and I think it accelerates just fine. In addition, the 328xi is just a beautifully designed car and it turns a lot of heads.