[tuned2ride]

Originally Posted by Sharp_Cai

New IS looks pure ugly.

So I thought when I first saw the white IS-F, but this one above is hot. The Q50 is the ugly one.

[newbmwuser]

If no 3-series, I would have definitely went for the C-Class Coupe.

[jtuds]

I wish I could have picked more than 1 because I considered like 5 other cars.

Here's an article about the new Lexus IS.

Isn't it interesting how all the competitors want to take on the previous generation 3 series and not the current one... Could it be a sign of how BMW is moving in a different direction than its competitors, or just more of the same... ie. the other guys trying to find a way to compete? I wonder if the IS will get rusty seat bases...

[SamS]

Originally Posted by jtuds

Isn't it interesting how all the competitors want to take on the previous generation 3 series and not the current one...

A new car design takes 3+ years. Considering the F30 is <1.5 years old, Lexus, MB etc., had no way to benchmark the current 3 series before they started serious design on cars that are just now coming out.

[rayusaFL]

S4 or C350

[DarkTrigger]

Originally Posted by The Economist

Interesting that you mention gaps... I just noticed the body panel gaps the other day. Pretty big, but it seems like they make 'em like that these days. Someone snapped a pic of my car and sent it to me, and it looked like the trunk was misaligned, but, upon physical inspection, it was literally the angle of the shot (rear 3/4, from the height of the car). Pretty much my only gripe, if you could call it that... Sorry for the drift.

Anyway, what about a VW CC 3.6 "R-Line" (R-Line, F-Sport, M-Sport, S-Line... just thought about that)? Looks good on paper - anyone ever driven one?

I've drove a brand new CC while on vacation. I was a little disappointed in my F30. The CC was very comfortable, solid, had decent power, and was very good looking.

[DarkTrigger]

Your thread took the thoughts right outta my head. I too wanted to know what everyone else would have bought if there were no F30. So Kudos OP!

I was actually trying to wait for the Q50 but I'm glad I didn't. They didn't improve the look as much as I wanted. I was looking at the S4, but it was just too damn expensive comparably equipped plus those Audi bastards weren't willing to negotiate on it.

I must say though that I'm surprised at the overwhelming Audi love. I believe there are plenty of cars out there that are better than an Audi. According to Top Gear, all the cocks have moved to Audi and BMW's are officially non-cock cars.

[Dinh335]

I'd keep my Rx8... I still might...hate to let go of it - I drove so many cars it came down to s4 , 335 or keeping my rx8 but the 335 had the perfect balance I was looking for .

[PK2348]

Originally Posted by The Economist

Interesting that you mention gaps... I just noticed the body panel gaps the other day. Pretty big, but it seems like they make 'em like that these days. Someone snapped a pic of my car and sent it to me, and it looked like the trunk was misaligned, but, upon physical inspection, it was literally the angle of the shot (rear 3/4, from the height of the car). Pretty much my only gripe, if you could call it that... Sorry for the drift.

Anyway, what about a VW CC 3.6 "R-Line" (R-Line, F-Sport, M-Sport, S-Line... just thought about that)? Looks good on paper - anyone ever driven one?

i agree, it makes it looks better in dark colors, less visible

[e90_adam]

Originally Posted by DarkTrigger

I've drove a brand new CC while on vacation. I was a little disappointed in my F30. The CC was very comfortable, solid, had decent power, and was very good looking.

I like the CC, but the interior is pretty much the exact same as the Passat I had in 2006. I've considered the CC, but going back to the same interior I had 6 years ago is probably the biggest reason why I never got real far with considering the CC.

[DrivenByE30]

... Part of the majority here ...

[pkim1079]

Originally Posted by tuned2ride

ATS 3.6

or

These pics look a lot better than the f30 vs is fsport photo thread. Was it deliberate?!

[Levi]

If not F30 (beautiful classic german design) then new IS (outstanding futuristic japanese design). New IS might even be the best drivers mid-class sedan.

[kevlartoronto]

i'm shopping right now, but i have always bought manual transmissions. this narrows the choices very quickly. it sucks knowing that right off the bat more than half the cars you are interested in won't come with a manual. for example, i've got a manual a4 avant right now. audi has killed the manual in the avant as has bmw in the sport wagon. ok fine, buy a sedan, right? lexus? sorry. the new q50? nope. mercedes? negative. this narrows it to the ats, some of the 3 series' trim levels or an a4 or a3 sedan. hummmm

[shivaswrath]

Originally Posted by pkim1079

These pics look a lot better than the f30 vs is fsport photo thread. Was it deliberate?!

looks like a shogun warrior head on, from the rear it's tolerable, but meh....

Lexus are chick cars man.

[s1k0ne]

s4
rs5
wait for new lexus (glad i didn't)
535
C coupe

gas mileage won me over with the M performance front lip look

[SDV325]

Pretty much in the same market as you, looking to get into a 335Xi or...

S4
CLA45 (if it ever comes to NA)

[nsquared]

Not feeling the new "G" or Q50 or w/e.

[rconti]

I'd be in the market for an S4 if Audi still sold an Avant+6speed version in the US.

[BMWFanatic2008]

Audi S4.

Eveything else on that list is a downgrade to F30 335xi for me.

[ThatEgyptianKid]

S5=future 4 series but for now 335i

^^^that Lexus is hawt, but I have a thing against Lexus combination of car feel and dealer experiences

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by buildbright

It's a cool car but it's not built to handle and it's FWD.

It's the Honda Accord of the German world.

The Passat is the VW equivalent of the Accord not the CC. The CC has the 2.0T engine and has sharper handling. It's not a direct competitor to the 3 series for sure though. The R-Line version with MT is about $32K and comes with Xenon's, nav, touch screen, MSport body add-ons and power seats. No leather though.