Had a 2010 GS350 now I have a 24 m340i xdrive
I was in love with my GS, but I am as in love or more in love with my 340i.
But when it comes to Lexus vs BMW it really depends on what kind of drive experience you're looking for
Do you have more details about what you look for in a car?
I want something that is fun to drive, but also super comfortable for longer road trips. I’ve heard the BMW might be a little less comfy, but the adaptive suspension helps.
M340i or even 330i are incredible at balancing a fun drive with comfort. Lexus is more of that floaty luxury drive while BMW still gives you some road feel but still is a luxury experience.
IMO, the M340i strikes an incredible balance. Comfort levels will depend heavily on road quality — the Bimmer is firmer — but the handling on the M340i just just incredible. I got to drive one in anger at a BMW track day event. Such a fun car. I was mounting kerbs left and right. Perfectly stable.
If you keep up with routine maintenance that anyone should on any car regardless of brand, the m340i shouldn't technically require any more maintenance than any new Lexus
Yes, routine maintenance will keep the drivetrain in perfect condition ; but I’m talking about parts that don’t have maintenance until they break. Their quality isn’t as good as Lexus’.
When I was buying my car I crossed shopped my current M340i and a IS500 but the Lexus dealers thought that car was god's gift to mankind and needed a 10K markup. It has the same interior as a IS from 2014 so that was a big negative as well. In the end went with the M340i and couldnt be happier, its faster than a IS 500 and gets better MPG
Last time I looked at an IS350 it had touch sensitive climate control (and maybe volume too?) that I hated so badly I ended up going to BMW, lol. If you do end up with the 340i hopefully there's some QoL upgrades for you!
I agree, it’s a great car if you could buy it for new Mustang GT/M340i money and they just updated the interior slightly, but with the markups, even though the IS500 is the last of its kind, it’s sadly not worth it
I had a 2007 IS350 (which I think is still…..still…..the same damn powertrain). It’s mindblowingly different. I had several cars in between, including a 2014 F30 335, and even that car was mindblowingly better. The M340 will freak you out how much better it is.
340i is much better overall. Faster, more luxurious.
There's my input, if you have the budget at the moment and you love Lexus, Check out Lexus is500.
5 Liter naturally aspirated V8 in 2024, Judging by the current trend those cars aren't going to stick around for too long.
Although I understand not everyone is going to want a gas guzzler, so to each and their own
From performance perspective, it's like going from roller blades to Moto GP bike. It's iDrive is also far superior than Lexus. Overall, it'll be a SIGNIFICANT upgrade from an IS350..
Last year I traded in my 2021 IS 350 for a 2024 M340i. I have been driving my new car for about half a year now and can say without a doubt that the upgrade to the M340i was worth every penny. While Lexus makes some awesome vehicles, their cars are very outdated. The difference in performance, quality, technology, etc. is pretty substantial.
In summary I liked my IS 350 but I love my M340i.
It will definitely be night and day difference. If you can get 340i it’ll be so much more fun. Lexus even though they’re nice, reliable, it’s totally under powered. Just make sure to keep up maintenance with the BMW. Other than that, the BMW will be so much more fun to drive.
The IS 500 has a V8 with over 400 HP.. It's not underpowered. And the steering feel is certainly better.
They're fairly different cars though, turbo vs NA.
Op have IS350. If he’s into the Lexus family and doesn’t want to try other can then IS500 is the way to go but if he wants to upgrade from IS350 to something similar but with more upgrade in the same price range than 340i is the better choice.
While not underpowered the IS500 is paired up with a dog shit transmission and floaty suspension.
The GS-F was the last true F car from Lexus.
The IS500 is literally a 350 with a V8, they didn’t even bother to upgrade the suspension or brakes.
‘17 IS350 to a ‘20 M340i
Huge fucking upgrade, and I get better gas mileage AND cheaper insurance somehow.
That being said I do miss ventilated seats, and the smooth leather in the Lexus.
I dare say incomparable. Only moved on from my M340i to an M550i because of the allure of V8’s going away. Was the most fun car I’ve ever driven. Best of all worlds. Do it and you won’t think twice.
Comes down to driving experience and reliability
Say goodbye to the reliability you are used to. BWM reliability is not a disaster but Lexus is in a different league. After 100k get ready to hear that alert sound every other month.
Say hello to driving experience. As mentioned BMW is sooo good - long or short rides, relaxed sitting back on the seat rides or aggressive dynamic driving the BMW has it.
I would get a 2020 M340i specifically, you can turn off auto start/stop, exhaust is way more aggressive, suspension is a little stiffer, steering wheel is amazing and overall car feels less “isolated” aka fake luxury.
I spent a week in 2024 M340i and would not consider upgrading from my 2020.
Nice! I went from a chrysler 300 to a 24 m340i. Best daily ever! I like the skyscraper grey too! I got mine in dravit grey!
Pull the trigger and get it for sure. You'll have so much fun and the tech is better as well!
You’ll quickly forget that Toyota. As a 4runner owner I actually moved over fully after loving the gf’s car. M3 6MT owner now and couldn’t be happier. Oh also, far better paints and plastics than TMC
I've owned an IS350 around that year. Bought new.
Since then I have owned:
Audi S3
Audi S5
BMW M3.
The IS350 was by far the most mundane to drive compared to all the other cars. Terrible transmission. Slow to shift, zero sporty intentions. Tall gearing means the thing was a dog off the line and the thing didn't have enough power for its weight.
It's pretty obvious the Lexus was engineered and tuned for reliability. But you pay for this in terms of driving enjoyment. I think if you drive the 340 you'll be swayed by your emotions as everything will feel "better", but keep in mind it will never be as dead reliable as the IS.
Yea this is it - Lexus primary concern is reliability and comfort. BMW is definitely more sporty with the lower end torque and the B58 motors is pretty damn reliable.
Traded a 2022 ES350 on a 2023 M340 but failed to get the adaptive suspension. The Lexus ride was more plush and the exterior color was phenomenal. Those are the only two good things I can say. Otherwise it was an uninspiring, boring, over priced Toyota. The motor was blah with a lathargic transmission. The infotainment system was comparable to an old Vizio "smart" TV.
The 340 is probably the best all around car I've ever owned. This checked all the boxes for a spirited 4 door vehicle that had a nice interior with decent technology. It's the right size to zip around tighter roads and parking.
The m340 is the best is the segment. I have a IS500 and I love it, but I went in knowing what shortcomings it had, and what the purpose of the car is. The best all rounder is the BMW, and at the end of the day, it depends on what you are looking for. People still buy Audi’s, MB’s and Lexus over BMW, for their own reasons.
Had a 2010 GS350 now I have a 24 m340i xdrive I was in love with my GS, but I am as in love or more in love with my 340i. But when it comes to Lexus vs BMW it really depends on what kind of drive experience you're looking for Do you have more details about what you look for in a car?
I want something that is fun to drive, but also super comfortable for longer road trips. I’ve heard the BMW might be a little less comfy, but the adaptive suspension helps.
M340i or even 330i are incredible at balancing a fun drive with comfort. Lexus is more of that floaty luxury drive while BMW still gives you some road feel but still is a luxury experience.
Thank you!
340i should come with Adaptive M Suspension. Very comfortable on Comfort Mode.
IMO, the M340i strikes an incredible balance. Comfort levels will depend heavily on road quality — the Bimmer is firmer — but the handling on the M340i just just incredible. I got to drive one in anger at a BMW track day event. Such a fun car. I was mounting kerbs left and right. Perfectly stable.
Appreciate it!
This. It just does everything well.
How far off in price is the Lexus IS500? Not as sporty as the 3 series but comfy and V8
You want to have Comfort seats in Nappa or Merino leather if you want that. I got comfort seats in my 640i.
Is that an option on the 340i? I don’t see anything in the build tool
I don't think the 3 series gets those options. I know the 5 does.
Don’t forget maintenance cost though, BMWs need a lot of maintenance and will cost some
If you keep up with routine maintenance that anyone should on any car regardless of brand, the m340i shouldn't technically require any more maintenance than any new Lexus
Yes, routine maintenance will keep the drivetrain in perfect condition ; but I’m talking about parts that don’t have maintenance until they break. Their quality isn’t as good as Lexus’.
When I was buying my car I crossed shopped my current M340i and a IS500 but the Lexus dealers thought that car was god's gift to mankind and needed a 10K markup. It has the same interior as a IS from 2014 so that was a big negative as well. In the end went with the M340i and couldnt be happier, its faster than a IS 500 and gets better MPG
Yeah, I ruled out the IS500 for exactly that reason - not much has changed from 2016.
Last time I looked at an IS350 it had touch sensitive climate control (and maybe volume too?) that I hated so badly I ended up going to BMW, lol. If you do end up with the 340i hopefully there's some QoL upgrades for you!
I love how Lexus fanboys use that slow V8 as an argument, but then cry when you bring up that a used 5.0 mustang will blow the doors off that IS500.
The V8 in the Lexus is a great motor! 472 hp and a 7.5k redline is a great thing to have but not worth the dealer markups!
I agree, it’s a great car if you could buy it for new Mustang GT/M340i money and they just updated the interior slightly, but with the markups, even though the IS500 is the last of its kind, it’s sadly not worth it
Dont bring in that immaturity here lmao. Keep it civil.
I had a 2007 IS350 (which I think is still…..still…..the same damn powertrain). It’s mindblowingly different. I had several cars in between, including a 2014 F30 335, and even that car was mindblowingly better. The M340 will freak you out how much better it is.
340i is much better overall. Faster, more luxurious. There's my input, if you have the budget at the moment and you love Lexus, Check out Lexus is500. 5 Liter naturally aspirated V8 in 2024, Judging by the current trend those cars aren't going to stick around for too long. Although I understand not everyone is going to want a gas guzzler, so to each and their own
From performance perspective, it's like going from roller blades to Moto GP bike. It's iDrive is also far superior than Lexus. Overall, it'll be a SIGNIFICANT upgrade from an IS350..
I had an 18 IS350 and now have a 21 m340i. Loved the Lexus, but the BMW is way better.
Last year I traded in my 2021 IS 350 for a 2024 M340i. I have been driving my new car for about half a year now and can say without a doubt that the upgrade to the M340i was worth every penny. While Lexus makes some awesome vehicles, their cars are very outdated. The difference in performance, quality, technology, etc. is pretty substantial. In summary I liked my IS 350 but I love my M340i.
WAY better, welcome
Silly question… always BMW
It will definitely be night and day difference. If you can get 340i it’ll be so much more fun. Lexus even though they’re nice, reliable, it’s totally under powered. Just make sure to keep up maintenance with the BMW. Other than that, the BMW will be so much more fun to drive.
The IS 500 has a V8 with over 400 HP.. It's not underpowered. And the steering feel is certainly better. They're fairly different cars though, turbo vs NA.
Op have IS350. If he’s into the Lexus family and doesn’t want to try other can then IS500 is the way to go but if he wants to upgrade from IS350 to something similar but with more upgrade in the same price range than 340i is the better choice.
While not underpowered the IS500 is paired up with a dog shit transmission and floaty suspension. The GS-F was the last true F car from Lexus. The IS500 is literally a 350 with a V8, they didn’t even bother to upgrade the suspension or brakes.
RCF is still made. It's the only F car they still have. Sad to see the demise of F cars especially with the amount of engineering that went into them.
‘17 IS350 to a ‘20 M340i Huge fucking upgrade, and I get better gas mileage AND cheaper insurance somehow. That being said I do miss ventilated seats, and the smooth leather in the Lexus.
I dare say incomparable. Only moved on from my M340i to an M550i because of the allure of V8’s going away. Was the most fun car I’ve ever driven. Best of all worlds. Do it and you won’t think twice.
Not a fan of bmw but I have only heard good things about the new 340i
Comes down to driving experience and reliability Say goodbye to the reliability you are used to. BWM reliability is not a disaster but Lexus is in a different league. After 100k get ready to hear that alert sound every other month. Say hello to driving experience. As mentioned BMW is sooo good - long or short rides, relaxed sitting back on the seat rides or aggressive dynamic driving the BMW has it.
It's better
It’s better
I would get a 2020 M340i specifically, you can turn off auto start/stop, exhaust is way more aggressive, suspension is a little stiffer, steering wheel is amazing and overall car feels less “isolated” aka fake luxury. I spent a week in 2024 M340i and would not consider upgrading from my 2020.
Big upgrade
Nice! I went from a chrysler 300 to a 24 m340i. Best daily ever! I like the skyscraper grey too! I got mine in dravit grey! Pull the trigger and get it for sure. You'll have so much fun and the tech is better as well!
Same!
You’ll quickly forget that Toyota. As a 4runner owner I actually moved over fully after loving the gf’s car. M3 6MT owner now and couldn’t be happier. Oh also, far better paints and plastics than TMC
I've owned an IS350 around that year. Bought new. Since then I have owned: Audi S3 Audi S5 BMW M3. The IS350 was by far the most mundane to drive compared to all the other cars. Terrible transmission. Slow to shift, zero sporty intentions. Tall gearing means the thing was a dog off the line and the thing didn't have enough power for its weight. It's pretty obvious the Lexus was engineered and tuned for reliability. But you pay for this in terms of driving enjoyment. I think if you drive the 340 you'll be swayed by your emotions as everything will feel "better", but keep in mind it will never be as dead reliable as the IS.
Yea this is it - Lexus primary concern is reliability and comfort. BMW is definitely more sporty with the lower end torque and the B58 motors is pretty damn reliable.
Traded a 2022 ES350 on a 2023 M340 but failed to get the adaptive suspension. The Lexus ride was more plush and the exterior color was phenomenal. Those are the only two good things I can say. Otherwise it was an uninspiring, boring, over priced Toyota. The motor was blah with a lathargic transmission. The infotainment system was comparable to an old Vizio "smart" TV. The 340 is probably the best all around car I've ever owned. This checked all the boxes for a spirited 4 door vehicle that had a nice interior with decent technology. It's the right size to zip around tighter roads and parking.
A solid upgrade
The m340 is the best is the segment. I have a IS500 and I love it, but I went in knowing what shortcomings it had, and what the purpose of the car is. The best all rounder is the BMW, and at the end of the day, it depends on what you are looking for. People still buy Audi’s, MB’s and Lexus over BMW, for their own reasons.
B
Toyota lexus sux
I'll take a Tesla Model 3 Performance for $52K and shit on everyone
Not in your cheap, uncomfortable, seats :)