Lexus IS220d or BMW 520d M-Sport

Ad lucem

Hi,

Fancied a new car and have shortlisted it down to a Lexus IS220d 06 Silver or BMW 520d M-Sport 05 Black. The Lexus is 1k cheaper but does not have the factory integrated Sat Nav like the Bmw. Both have cream leather and are manual. I cannot decide between the two and decided to post on Boards for advice.

Thanks

Gumbo

Lexus IS220d

lexus 177bhp
bmw 163bhp

lexus hard to remap, ie can only use a tuning box.
bmw easy to remap to 190-200bhp easily.

bmw has the idrive and sat nav, probably sell easier in the future.
lexus is 2.2 so higher tax than the 530d.

my opinion would be to go for the 520d based on your info although i really do like the lexus at the moment.

what trim are both cars? bmw SE or Msport, lexus Sport or SE?

SV

Lexus wins easily for me based on looks.
I don't know much else about the cars so take my vote with a pinch of salt :P

Ad lucem

kceire wrote: »

lexus 177bhp
bmw 163bhp

lexus hard to remap, ie can only use a tuning box.
bmw easy to remap to 190-200bhp easily.

bmw has the idrive and sat nav, probably sell easier in the future.
lexus is 2.2 so higher tax than the 530d.

my opinion would be to go for the 520d based on your info although i really do like the lexus at the moment.

what trim are both cars? bmw SE or Msport, lexus Sport or SE?

Thanks for that. Its a BMW M-Sport and a Lexus Sport

Lexus IS220d

the 520d msport without a shadow of a doubt.. i like the lexus but it doesn't grab my attention like a nice 5 series.

bmw diesel engines for the win

bazz26

The IS is in the same segment as the 3 Series, you cannot really compare it to a 5 Series.

Gumbo

Lexus IS220d

Ad lucem wrote: »

Thanks for that. Its a BMW M-Sport and a Lexus Sport

any links to the particular cars in question?

mikemike

Personally I'd go for the BMW .. If only for the resale value , I reckon it would be easier to shift on again then the lexus , but I could be wrong ..

Reliability , the lexus will probably never break down but I've driven both , and the Beemer seems a lot 'classier' some how , and more solid ...

Can you get a demo car of each for 2/3 days and see how it feels ?
Charm the dealers enough and they'll probably bend over backwards to help you out . anything for a sale these days I'd say .

Anan1

bazz26 wrote: »

The IS is in the same segment as the 3 Series, you cannot really compare it to a 5 Series.

I would have thought so too. I'd sooner a 320d to either, but it'd have to be an SE rather than an M.

Biro

I'd go for the 5-series. It's a class above the IS, which is aimed at the 3-series market.

ninty9er

The OP didn't aks whether you thought the 2 cars were comparable in class. The question was which would you buy. We don't always choose cars because of size, we pick because we like them, regardless of the segment. That's why I had to choose between an Astra, an Omega and a Mitsu FTO. 3 very different cars, but each with its own plusses and minuses.

The BMW is a bigger, bulkier car which are pros over the Lexus.

However, the Lexus looks better, will be easier to park and doesn't have a BMW badge...so it wins on that front.

If you want driving experience, the get the Beemer. If you're looking for something nice to get you about buy the Lexus.

I'd have the Lexus, simply because I don't like the thought of being considered a BMW driver.

cashmni1

Personally, it would be the Lexus for me. I would not have put the Lexus in the same class or size as a 3 series.
It may be aimed at the 3 series market, but the 3 series is a small car (seems like that to me anyway)
The Lexus would have much more space inside than a 3. Regardless, this is not a question posed by the OP, so between the BMW 520d and the IS 220d I would still take the Lexus.
The 5 is going to be face lifted soon afaik, and they just seem to be a dime a dozen.
The Lexus is different and a fresher looking car as a whole.
The interior would be better than the BMW too. I know someone with one and he raves about it - then again why wouldn't he, just like any other car owner.

galwaytt

Lexus IS220d

Whilst the Lexus is imho the nicer car, it has a few drawbacks, most pointed out, above.

But one not mentioned above is the fact that the IS is pitifully small inside, in the rear. If even for occasional passenger use, or use of baby seats, the Lexus is atrocious.

One other issue I would think about, is an auto. At least on a 5 series, it's available - it's not on the Lexus, and, tbh, in this class of car, should be.

coolbeans

Lexus without a doubt. More power and miles better looking. The Beemer is ugly and it's a four cyclinder diesel which means it's not a proper Beemer. The 3 series can just about get away with such mediocrity on account of it's size but no way the five.


this might not be the most logical synopsis but tell me one thing about cars that is

galwaytt

Lexus IS220d

coolbeans wrote: »

Lexus without a doubt. More power and miles better looking. The Beemer is ugly and it's a four cyclinder diesel which means it's not a proper Beemer. The 3 series can just about get away with such mediocrity on account of it's size but no way the five.


this might not be the most logical synopsis but tell me one thing about cars that is

...indeed......and the 4-cyl 2.2 under the bonnet of the IS isn't exactly known for being a model of civility, either. I wonder how far removed it is from a Hiace engine, anyhoo ??

Gumbo

Lexus IS220d

coolbeans wrote: »

Lexus without a doubt. More power and miles better looking. The Beemer is ugly and it's a four cyclinder diesel which means it's not a proper Beemer. The 3 series can just about get away with such mediocrity on account of it's size but no way the five.


this might not be the most logical synopsis but tell me one thing about cars that is

isint the lexus a 4 cyclinder too? i may be wrong though?

the extra power is nice, albeit only 14bhp but the little extra torque from the 2.2 engine is nice, but nothing a remap cant sort out, but thats not playing fair then

i'd say on the road, the extra power of the IS220d would not be noticeable.

coolbeans

galwaytt wrote: »

...indeed......and the 4-cyl 2.2 under the bonnet of the IS isn't exactly known for being a model of civility, either. I wonder how far removed it is from a Hiace engine, anyhoo ??

A pov spec four cylinder diesel in a car has had at the very least straight sixes in the engine bay since 1995...it's not really cricket in the so called "ultimate driving machine" now is it? Sure the Lexus isn't the most refined engine but after driving it I can say that it's not wanting for power and a car of that size can get away with a four cylinder. The Lexus will probably last a lot longer than the BMW diesel too as they are not known for their longevity.

rhys2

I drive a Lexus 220d and while I do love my car it does have issues which will be good to know
- The gearing is not good, first gear is too short and second gear is too long, 6th gear you can only use if your are breaking the speed limit and that’s the motorway speed limit.
- It suffers from turbo lag and this can really bug you when you have all that BHP
- It’s not quick off the lights and this is because of the gearing and the turbo lag
- Rear seat space leg room is very cramped
- There is a issue with the 5th injector getting clogged but there was a recall on that so make sure it was done, also a recall on the steering and brake callipers
- The fuel economy is not good and not as stated, I get 32mpg in the city and about 42 on the stretch
- The engine is a common rail diesel and is just not very refined
But it all the toys and looks great, much cooler that the 5 series. I can’t comment on the 5 series drive as I never drove it

Gumbo

Lexus IS220d

rhys2 wrote: »

I drive a Lexus 220d and while I do love my car it does have issues which will be good to know
- The gearing is not good, first gear is too short and second gear is too long, 6th gear you can only use if your are breaking the speed limit and that’s the motorway speed limit.
- It suffers from turbo lag and this can really bug you when you have all that BHP
- It’s not quick off the lights and this is because of the gearing and the turbo lag
- Rear seat space leg room is very cramped
- There is a issue with the 5th injector getting clogged but there was a recall on that so make sure it was done, also a recall on the steering and brake callipers
- The fuel economy is not good and not as stated, I get 32mpg in the city and about 42 on the stretch
- The engine is a common rail diesel and is just not very refined
But it all the toys and looks great, much cooler that the 5 series. I can’t comment on the 5 series drive as I never drove it

just to back up this post, my cousins car is the same. not much in first, more lag than my 320d and his went back for injector replacement too. his is the 2006 model.

RobAMerc

Lexus IS220d

The inside of the Lexus is terrible imo - the center panel looks like a cheap stereo I bought when I was a teenager - you know the kind that has flashy lights instead of a graphic equalizer and plastic chrome.

The BMW will have a terrible ride though - go for the SE version if you like your fillings in your teeth.

niceonetoo

Ad lucem wrote: »

Hi,

Fancied a new car and have shortlisted it down to a Lexus IS220d 06 Silver or BMW 520d M-Sport 05 Black. The Lexus is 1k cheaper but does not have the factory integrated Sat Nav like the Bmw. Both have cream leather and are manual. I cannot decide between the two and decided to post on Boards for advice.

Thanks

Hi Ad Lucem, I purchased a 06 520d M Sport Auto from the UK last week and I am delighted with it. I had previously driven A6's and now that I driven this car I wont be going back to Audi in a hurry.

The key observations I have made so far are 1) averaging 35 mpg around town and 45mpg on long runs 2) you feel every bump with the sports suspension and runflat tyres (which I don't mind) 3) Good solid, assured feel while taking bends 4) Great performance and moor than enough poke for me. 5) Great appearance, mine is dark blue with black leather interior.

Good luck with your choice but my vote is for the 520d Sport (in auto if you can get one)

HydroDF

Lexus IS220d

galwaytt wrote: »

...indeed......and the 4-cyl 2.2 under the bonnet of the IS isn't exactly known for being a model of civility, either. I wonder how far removed it is from a Hiace engine, anyhoo ??

Went to Frankfurt for launch of IS in 2006, fancied it because of looks and decided to buy one when I came back. Took it for test drive and it was awful. Engine not mated to gearbox, 6th gear was poor. Tested the 320d a day later and ordered it. I know your looking at a 5 series but my 3 series has been faultless with 106k miles.

They rectified the engine, gearbox problem in 2007 and had another test drive then, it was improved but the BMW package imo is better.

gullywully

Lexus IS220d

I tried an IS220 - a dog of a car, just a rebadged Toyota. Cramped, poor build quality and poor performance.

I bought a 520d and loved it so much I just replaced it with a new one. Took it to Vienna and on the German autobahn's it pulled 140mph and was still accelerating! Over a 900 mile journey I averaged 93mph and 46mpg!

When we got out of the car I was not tired, no aches - just wanted to turn round and do it again.

No turbo lag, beats just about anything off the line - including Porsche's - yes they will out accelerate me but I'm a good 2 cars ahead off the line and it's an auto.

Buy the 520d, the IS is definately a 3 series sector car but only a Mondeo class of car - an Avensis in a dress.

galwaytt

Lexus IS220d

gullywully wrote: »

.......on the German autobahn's it pulled 140mph and was still accelerating! .

...don't believe the hype.....you got yours to go faster than BeeEmm did themselves ? That's some feat.......you should write A Strongly Worderd Letter methinks.........;)

JHMEG

gullywully wrote: »

No turbo lag, beats just about anything off the line - including Porsche's - yes they will out accelerate me but I'm a good 2 cars ahead off the line and it's an auto.

Wow! The 520d Auto. A worthy replacement for the VAG 1.9TDI weapon (which also eats Porsches for breakfast;))?

pburns

The 520d probably makes real-world sense and has reasonable power but I could never have one. It just seems wrong - a 5-series BMW needs a PROPER engine to be enjoyed and a 520d just seems a bit of a Paddy-special. I wouldn't compare it to VW's hawking of the 1.9TDI tractor-unit though. It's a great engine and great car - they just don't go together for me.

I'd be quite happy with the Lexus or (more so) a 320d - engine size matches the car.*

*I believe the current 3 is a little portly and as heavy as a 5-series. Which makes most of what I've said illogical but that's just my perspective - a 2.0d in a 5-series is under-engined...

copacetic

the 2.0d actually suits the 5 series very well. It doesn't seem like a 'paddy special' (whatever that is). It's extremely popular wherever it's sold.

This is another random comparison for me, the IS is a small cramped car compared to the 5 series. Comparing cars from different classes never makes much sense as they are clearly chosen as the contenders on personal preference to begin with.

gullywully

Lexus IS220d

...don't believe the hype.....you got yours to go faster than BeeEmm did themselves ? That's some feat.......you should write A Strongly Worderd Letter methinks.........

Go and borrow one and find out for yourself! My previous one was a tourer auto and I got 140+ out of that too. BMW don't need petrol engines their diesels are better than any petrol under 3.5 litres.