moving from Lexus GS300 to either 530i or GS430

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 27, 2006 | 12:14 PM

the-oneil

Thread Starter

Senior Members

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 357

Likes: 0

From: London - UK

I was just wondering if anyone here has experienced the difference between driving a 530i - especially the new 258 hp engine - and a GS430/350

I am interested in knowing the difference and the characteristics of these two cars: Performance, ride, handling, refinement, comfort, space, practicality, reliability, build quality, Fuel economy, ease of use and dealer after sale service.

A friend is now driving a Lexus GS300 and thinking of either switching to Lexus GS350/430 or going BMW 530i (258 hp) and I am hoping the forum has some people who either made the same move, or own both cars and can objectively let me know what they think.

I am really looking forward for your replies

Many thanks

Nov 27, 2006 | 12:40 PM

madoon

Senior Members

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 751

Likes: 0

From: Bahrain

My Ride: 2005 525i : Alpine White, Steptronic, Black Interior with Amethyst Leather & Popular Grain Brown, 17" 122-Style Rims, Adaptive Bi-Xenon Headlights, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Advanced A/C, Sports Steering Wheel, Electrically Adjustable Steering Column, Extended Lighting Package, PDC, Sliding Armrest, Bus Navi, Hi-Fi Sound System (MP3 DVDs), CD Changer, Rear Sunshades.. MODS:M-tech front bumper, Painted Grill, Installed Aux-In, Garage Door Opener (Overhead Compartement), ///M Steering wheel, Wood hand brake trim, Wood gear-shift lever. 35% Tint all around.. Got, ACS Roof Spoiler, but not installed..

do you mean the older gs??

Nov 27, 2006 | 12:42 PM

the-oneil

Thread Starter

Senior Members

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 357

Likes: 0

From: London - UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by madoon' post='361165' date='Nov 27 2006, 04:40 PM

do you mean the older gs??

No, he has the new 3rd generation GS300 (05 model) and looking for an 07 GS350/430 or 530i

Nov 27, 2006 | 01:52 PM

terracotta

Contributors

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 220

Likes: 0

From: San Francisco, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by the-oneil' post='361160' date='Nov 27 2006, 01:14 PM

I was in the same situation as you!! My choices were the GS350, Infiniti M35, and 530i. The M35 has very nice gadgets, comfy seats, and good handling/acceleration. The GS350 also has comfy interior, navi and sound system is excellent, and the world-reknown reliability factor of Lexus. It has nice power, but lack the handling and feel of the 530i. Both cars are 5k-10k cheaper than 530i, depends how you option it. In the end, my decision to buy e60 was based on the handling/performance of car. Nothing (besides Porsche), drives like a BMW. I was instantly won over when I test drove the 530i w/ sport package. Make sure your friend get SP because that's 50% of the car, IMO.

Nov 27, 2006 | 01:55 PM

Ricracing

Contributors

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 7,790

Likes: 0

From: Helsinki, Finland

My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.

the-oneil needs to wait for the facelifted 535iA

Nov 27, 2006 | 10:56 PM

madoon

Senior Members

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 751

Likes: 0

From: Bahrain

the gs is just very diffrenet from the e60... as a drivers car it is very difficult to beat.. like terracotta said if you take the sport pack the handling is almost perfect for a big car and their different.... but if you dont then its very similar to the lexus... in fact if it wasnt for the sport pack i would be driving a lexus...

i think it comes down to what type of ride he likes if he like a soft ride, then lexus with its reliability is very tempting... for sportiness the BMW is in a world of its own...