'01 IS300 or '01 bmw M3

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E46 M3 (2000-200?)

'01 IS300 or '01 bmw M3 (Page 1)

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Author	Topic: '01 IS300 or '01 bmw M3
m3 or is300 unregistered	posted 12-25-2001 11:47 PM I need your help everyone. I know you are going to be partial to the M3 but try and be fair. '01 BMW M3 laguna seca blue w/ most options, or '01 Lexus IS300 w/ a body kit, rims, system, PS2 and a couple other little things. I like the BMW better cause w/ the IS you have to worry about scraping all the time and we can't put more than 3 people in there because we scrape w/ just 3 of us much less 4. Please help this girl decide before I have a feaking heart attack. Your help is much appreciated. Thanks. IP: Logged
autom3er Member Posts: 7 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-26-2001 12:00 AM With absolutely no bias, the m3 is a MUCH better choice. Its classier...a lot quicker...and just a better car. There is no comparison, especially with an IS300. And you probably see tons of IS's on the street, but very rarely do you see an m3. It'll turn more heads and you'll stand out. Both the performance and appearance totally dominates the Lexus IS. IP: Logged
BMWgirl unregistered	posted 12-26-2001 02:40 AM Well I have a lot of stuff done to my 2001 is300.. and i am not sketchy about driving stick.. what do u have what yr of BMW M3? and anything done to it ? thanks IP: Logged
afriendofM3girl unregistered	posted 12-26-2001 03:00 AM quote: Originally posted by BMWgirl: Well I have a lot of stuff done to my 2001 is300.. and i am not sketchy about driving stick.. what do u have what yr of BMW M3? and anything done to it ? thanks its a '01 M3 and it only has barely over 4000 miles on it and it is stock but wont be for long if it is kept. IP: Logged
UScarbonblk Member Posts: 20 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-26-2001 12:20 PM the IS 300 does can not match the M3 on the street or track, hands down. Instead of having a common import racer with only looks, you can have a true performance car with a high tech powerplant and suspension. By the way..if your car can not accomadate 3 people you may not have installed the proper equipment. Did you just put new springs in, or even worse cut them yourself? IP: Logged
BMW M3 Girl Member Posts: 21 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-26-2001 01:18 PM No I didnt even lower my car! what do u have done to ur car? IP: Logged
m3inquirer unregistered	posted 12-26-2001 03:21 PM Hehe. Well, I should tell you to take the M3 because it's just a better car, but I'm going to tell you to take the Lex because the less M3's out there, the better and more rare my car will be. IP: Logged
BMW M3 Girl Member Posts: 21 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-26-2001 03:25 PM no one has stuff done to their car?? IP: Logged
BMW M3 Girl Member Posts: 21 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-26-2001 05:18 PM why because you have the Laguna Seca Blue color as well? IP: Logged
m3inquirer unregistered	posted 12-26-2001 10:09 PM No, mine isn't Laguna Seca, it's going to be Phoenix Yellow on Kiwi leather. But, the less M3's I see out there the better. Hehe. Just kiddin. Mods I plan on making when I get it, gradually of course: 20" HRE 543's, Hamann Rear wing competition, Hamann roof spoiler, Hamann front spoiler competition, Hamann eyebrows, Hamann sideskirts, Hartge hood/bonnet, Supersprint exhaust, strut brace(not sure which yet)UUC Demon eyes, Clear side reflectors, PIAA Super Plasma foglights, and H&R coilovers. That should take a while. When they come out with some CAI intakes and superchargers, I'm sure to add that to the list. IP: Logged
BMW M3 Girl Member Posts: 21 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-26-2001 11:02 PM HEY DO U KNOW OF ANY GOOD PLACES TO BUY AFTERMARKET PARTS FOR THE M3?? 2001 ?? m3inquirer SINCE YOU Listed all this stuff on what u want on it?? i was looking to get a strut bar but i havent seen one for this car.. IP: Logged
m3inquirer unregistered	posted 12-27-2001 12:48 AM Go to one of your other posts. I listed places where you can find mods. IP: Logged
M3_Buyer Member Posts: 40 Registered: Aug 2001	posted 12-27-2001 09:59 AM You're kidding, right? There's no contest. The IS300 costs around $30k, the M3 about $50k. One is a Toyota with a fancy name that appeals to Americans (yes, a version of the IS300 is sold in Japan as a TOYOTA), the other is a pure bred autobahn terror built by BMW. The IS300 has a cheezy, "I wish I was a 16 year old riceboy" look to it, the M3 has a sophisticated, athletic, expensive (almost snobbish) look to it. These cars are not in the same league. AT ALL. Need further evidence? My '96 Ford Contour SE V-6 5 speed does the same 0-60 time as an IS300 auto, and can corner about the same. And its a $20k grocery getter/rental car look-alike. Granted its much better than your average sedan in the performance department, but still, at $20k, it proves there isn't much value in the IS300. For $30k, that car should perform better. The M3 is among the world's greatest performing cars at any price. The IS 300 isn't even close - one look at the performance numbers alone could tell you that right away. Now, if Toyota would only drop the Supra Turbo's motor into the IS300, THEN it gets interesting. IP: Logged
My01cabrio Member Posts: 24 Registered: Aug 2001	posted 12-27-2001 11:08 AM There is a V8 IS300 running around the Toyota proving grounds in Japan, and rumours of a special edition production model with the V8 abound. That sounds kind of interesting. hms IP: Logged
Speedi unregistered	posted 12-27-2001 01:39 PM V8 IS300? Give me a break... the IS300 is so small, you would have to shoe-horn the V8 into that engine bay. A friend of mine has an IS300 and trhe engine compartment is tight. I do agree, though. For the price, the M3 is a bargain... it's too bad that a lot of the people that recognize that can't afford it. The payment difference between a $30k and $50k car is about $400/mo -- ~$580 v ~$980. IP: Logged
BMW M3 Girl Member Posts: 21 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-27-2001 02:32 PM on the new.. IS300 they are making.. it is called the ..IS430 compressor http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27922 go there to see pics of it.. V8 , it's supposed to beat the M3 and keep up with the M5.. That's all.. And they arent sure if they are going to make them yet.. IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-27-2001 04:17 PM Curious, how can the IS430 Compressor beat the M3 and keep up with the M5, when there performance is virtually the same and the M3 is actually a tad faster in 1/4 mile and 0-60? No Lexus is as nice as the M3 or the M5. What's the price gonna be on that IS430? Exactly. What's the price on the GS430? Exactly. And the M3 is ten times hotter than any rice mobile will ever be. And for about 10-20k less than those Lex's. For the difference in price, you could do so many mods to a M3(V8 or V12) you'd bury a Lex even deeper than it already would. And you'd still look 10 times more pimp doin' it. But, like I said, get that Lex. I'll have fun watchin' you in the rearview. Heh. IP: Logged
thechickisyankingyou... unregistered	posted 12-27-2001 05:13 PM man, i cannot belive some of the crap posted here....now some bimbo cannot decide which car she wants and is already asking about aftermarket stuff...and you guys just eat it up. IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-27-2001 05:34 PM As for the IS430. It likely won't make production in the US. And if it does, it would be in upwards of 90k. A supercharged V8 only putting out 400hp. Come on now. BMW can do better than that in an M5. Without a supercharger for 20k less. As for BMWGirl. I hope she gets the Lex. She obviously doesn't know what the Hottest car for the $ on the planet is. M3! Point blank. Corvette Z06 can compete in price and is faster, but it's still a Chevy. IP: Logged
BMW M3 Girl Member Posts: 21 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-27-2001 05:50 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- well i didnt mean to piss you guys off.. but I have both cars.. already.. ths IS 300 and the M3 I have to choose.. so i thought u guys could help me out.. But I am wrong.. sorry about asking a question.. IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-27-2001 06:38 PM You didn't piss us off. Lexus(rice) is just a touchy subject for some of us. No really. I've already said, if it was me, I'd go with the BMW. But, I'd prefer you take the Lex. More fun for me. I think you would have much more fun in the M3. It's just a much better car. IP: Logged
M3_Buyer Member Posts: 40 Registered: Aug 2001	posted 12-27-2001 06:52 PM quote: Originally posted by BMW M3 Girl: well i didnt mean to piss you guys off.. but I have both cars.. already.. ths IS 300 and the M3 I have to choose.. Wait a minute - you're trying to tell us you already own both an IS300 and an M3 and can't decide which one to keep??? Were you asleep when you were driving them? Your story sounds less and less plausible everytime you write. IP: Logged
friendofM3girl unregistered	posted 12-27-2001 07:05 PM quote: Originally posted by M3_Buyer: Wait a minute - you're trying to tell us you already own both an IS300 and an M3 and can't decide which one to keep??? Were you asleep when you were driving them? Your story sounds less and less plausible everytime you write. Less plausible??? Trust me she has both right now. Its' a simple question and she loves her IS300. She has a lot of money put into it. She knows the M3 will out perform her IS300, but its a hard decision for her. But just trust me. She has both. Do you need a pic of both of them together and her holding the titles to both in the middle to prove it??? IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-27-2001 07:39 PM Yup, let's see the pic. If not just to see what she looks like, to see those cars. Is she a pimp? How did she do it? IP: Logged
BMW M3 Girl Member Posts: 21 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-27-2001 07:49 PM http://members.home.net/sstojanovic2/justina.htm thats my is300 page.. and the bmw.. doesnt have a sit.e. IP: Logged
friendofM3girl unregistered	posted 12-27-2001 07:56 PM quote: Originally posted by M3onTwomps: Yup, let's see the pic. If not just to see what she looks like, to see those cars. Is she a pimp? How did she do it? It doesn't matter how. She just has both. And the whole what does she look like thing, lets just say Raaarrrrrrr IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-27-2001 08:05 PM Not bad. For a Lex. Just kiddin. Now get some pics of the M3 or a site or something. Mine doesn't get delivered for another 5 months or there'd be pictures all over the internet. Rarrrr! IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-27-2001 08:07 PM I could understand not wanting to get rid of the Lex with all the $ and memories put into it. If it's not an option to keep both, maybe it's time to look into a new toy to invest your time, $, and memories in. Can't think of a better car than an M3. Plus, it'll turn way more heads than the Lexus. Lex's are just too common. IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-27-2001 08:19 PM I can also understand you not being able to make a decision on which car you want. You can't even decide on a username. IP: Logged
angele unregistered	posted 12-27-2001 09:17 PM well, lets see, the M3 costs 20K more to buy and more to insure, is highly desirable, and will whack the IS300 on a race track or when driven very agressively (i.e. shifting at redline), but is less reliable than the Lexus and would cost $$$ if something breaks, which will probably scare you from driving it too hard. The Lexus is more reliable, costs less overall, will give you years of trouble-free service, and less likely to break when driven hard. Probably handles and performs equal to M3 in day to day driving. Since it is less likely to break, you will tend to drive it more agressively than M3. Good luck! IP: Logged
Speedi unregistered	posted 12-27-2001 09:56 PM I'm not sure I would say "M3 cost more to fix" when compared to Lexus. IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-27-2001 10:55 PM I don't know if I'd say that Lexus is more reliable when driven hard either. BMW's are meant to be driven hard. Autobahn, the track, or the highway. The M3 is a very sensible daily driver. It looks better, performs better, and feels better. You get what you pay for and then some. Where is the excitement in the IS300? In the BS status symbol made by rappers like platinum. Overrated. Expensive Hondas and Toyotas. German cars are the epitomy of automobile engineering. Don't hate the BMW, hate all the heads it turns. IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-27-2001 11:06 PM If all you're looking for is a reliable car, with a low price, and cheap insurance, buy a Honda Civic or Accord. If you want an expensive Honda, buy a Lexus. If you want a car that will invigorate and excite you, turn heads, and has earned the title of "Ultimate Driving Machine", buy a BMW. Now, if you want a Lexus that will make an attempt to provide all the enjoyment of driving an M3, plan on paying 20k or more and also plan on being disappointed. Sorry. IP: Logged
M3_Buyer Member Posts: 40 Registered: Aug 2001	posted 12-28-2001 09:47 AM quote: Originally posted by angele: The Lexus is more reliable, costs less overall, will give you years of trouble-free service, and less likely to break when driven hard. Probably handles and performs equal to M3 in day to day driving. Since it is less likely to break, you will tend to drive it more agressively than M3. Please, do yourself and everyone else a favor: STAY OFF THE CRACK!!! And if you can't quit, you should send your resume to your local Lexus dealer and apply for the used car salesperson position. IP: Logged
dglasser unregistered	posted 12-28-2001 01:46 PM quote: Originally posted by M3onTwomps: ... If you want a car that will invigorate and excite you, turn heads, and has earned the title of "Ultimate Driving Machine", buy a BMW. I'm sorry, but I just couldn't let this statement pass uncommented. The only way in which BMW has "earned the title of 'Ultimate Driving Machine'" is with the money it spends to buy TV and print ads. Don't get me wrong, I drive a BMW today and I think it's a great driver's car. I'm about to replace it with another BMW. But let's not confuse marketing hype with reality. IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-28-2001 03:43 PM Well, you're probably right, I guess I should've said the M3 is the "Ultimate Driving Machine" for the $. If you're willing to pay 200k+, then you can really have the ultimate driving machine. IP: Logged
Type H Member Posts: 9 Registered: Dec 2001	posted 12-28-2001 04:03 PM Yes, "UDM" in that 7 Series, Z3 & Z8 appeared in Bond movies. But they're fine machines given the price tags not just marketing gimmicks. "By the book" only imports like Ferraris, Lambos & Porsches have more exhilarating performance & image but be prepared to pay much more & carry fewer people around. For E46 M3 owners: note that a European tuning haus (house) [actual name you can find out easily] is selling a chip + airbox kit that claims to pump out 400HP without supercharging for bone stock engine. For around $3.5K this setup will kill IS300 + tons of mods or stock IS430 for sure! IP: Logged
angele unregistered	posted 12-28-2001 04:04 PM Ok guys, was I wrong about something? Consumer reports shows that BMW still has to play catchup to Toyota, Lexus, Honda,Nissan,etc when it comes to reliability. And reading other posts in this forum shows that dealers really don't know how to fix or understand the weird noises/characteristics of the M3. What I meant was that in everyday driving you very seldom do 125mph or whatever or pull 0.99g. And the IS300 is a very capable handler. And how many of you will really redline the M3 engine more than once in a long while? You can disagree with me, that's fine, but you need a good reason to back yourself up. IP: Logged
M3onTwomps Member Posts: 73 Registered: Nov 2001	posted 12-28-2001 05:37 PM Well, just an opinion, but I think maybe the reason may have any problems with reliability is because many people don't drive them like they're supposed to be. They are meant for the autobahn, not grocery getting. I would imagine that a lot of the BMW's in Germany don't have the same problems as the ones in the states. Sure, we can compare BMW's line w/ Lexus' line all day. Lexus and all the Japanese cars would win reliablity and added luxury, but BMW would win performance, engineering, design, head-turning, and excitement factor when comparing alike models. Both have high price tags. Now, I believe the comparison's were being made between the M3 and the IS300. If there is any debate on which of these to own, I don't see it. I guess it depends on what you're looking for. If you want a reliable, less exciting, and expensive Toyota with lower insurance, buy the IS300. Honestly, if I wanted just reliablity, decent, smooth ride, low price, low insurance, I'd buy the Honda Accord or Civic-si. If I wanted to pay at least 10k more for an everyday driver with some added luxury and a name because someone said it's cool, I'd buy an IS300. Now, if I wanted to pay 15k more for an everyday car that quite arguably is the most amazing car for the buck, that competes and in many cases outperforms cars 20k+ more in performance and luxury, and blows out any cars that cost less(stock of course), is much more attractive, better designed and performance engineered, state-of-the-art, and will raise my heartbeat every time I get in it or even see one with the added problems associated with such a high-performance car(i.e. insurance, reliabilty issues), I'd have to go with the M3(or M5 for that matter). If you've read many of the posts thoroughly, you'd have seen that many of the "weird noises/characteristics" you speak of are either normal things associated with high performance cars or quirks that fall under warranty. I'm also sure that Lexus and all other Japanese high performance cars have similar problems. As for dealers, whether or not Lexus or BMW has better dealership customer service won't change my opinion on what the better car is. No, I'm 23 years old and you better believe I'm buying this car for it's performance, not it's grocery getting abilites. Although, it can fit plenty of groceries in the trunk and back seat, unlike many high performance sports cars. No, I won't be hitting 125 mph everday, but I will be hitting it and then some(155mph+)as often as possible. Better believe I'll be redlining more than once in a long while too. Does that back it up enough? But, I'm glad you like Lexus. People that know nothing about the amazingness of this car shouldn't have one. And I'll enjoy laughing at you when we sit side by side at a stop light and your girl can't stop looking. IP: Logged
M3_Buyer Member Posts: 40 Registered: Aug 2001	posted 12-28-2001 05:52 PM quote: Originally posted by angele: Ok guys, was I wrong about something? Consumer reports shows that BMW still has to play catchup to Toyota, Lexus, Honda,Nissan,etc when it comes to reliability. Do I care if BMW's "reliability" factor is 0.5% worse than Honda's? I don't know what the actual number is, but I do know that for the most part the difference in number of problems per 100 vehicles between BMW and those other makes you listed is insignificant. If you want to be a nerd and study Consumer Reports and JD Powers studies to find the most statistically reliable car you can find, go ahead if that's what turns you on. All I care about is that the quality and reliability is good and competitive relative to other cars in its class and price range. And BMW is there on that front. So what if a BMW has on average 1 more problem per 100 cars than a Lexus? I DON'T CARE! As long as its not 50 more problems per 100 cars than a Lexus (which its not). quote: What I meant was that in everyday driving you very seldom do 125mph or whatever or pull 0.99g. By that rationale, you should be perfectly happy driving a Honda Civic everyday and would wish no more from a car than that. yawn quote: And the IS300 is a very capable handler. Never said it wasn't. Actually the IS300's handling is probably its biggest strength. It's everything else that its deficient in (i.e. styling, interior, power, value). quote: And how many of you will really redline the M3 engine more than once in a long while? You forget that most people who buy M3's are enthusiasts. Enthusiasts tend to push their cars hard whenever the opportunity presents itself (i.e. whenever its safe and there aren't cops around). I redline the engines in both of my current cars ('70 Corvette 454 and '96 Contour SE V6) at least once per week. I'll push it through exit ramps at its handling limits several times a week. I've autocrossed the Corvette several times, and I plan to do the same with the M3. Yes, I drive my cars hard, but I maintain them extremely well. Some people buy BMW's just for the name and status. I'm buying one because of the performance. Performance that I will use on a regular basis, not just dream about. If Lexus or Nissan, or Honda built a car like the M3, I would consider purchasing one. But they don't build anything close to the M3. Chevrolet does in the form of the Corvette Z06 (which actually spanks the M3 pretty handily), but I chose the M3 over it because of its more liveable nature, especially with a back seat (I don't want another 2 seater, one is enough). Is this enough backup for you? Do you want more? [This message has been edited by M3_Buyer (edited 12-28-2001).] IP: Logged

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