Thinking about buying an Lexus IS 350 C? Compare it to a BMW 135i first!
The BMW 135i Overview
At its introduction, BMW’s 1 Series Convertibles received glowing reviews about their handling, comfort, performance, taut chassis and all-around top-down competence. Both the 230-hp 135i and the rousing 300-hp 135i garnered accolades for their accessible performance, exquisite handling and smooth power delivery. For 2012, both versions include all those aspects, with a range of updates to keep the 135i and 135i up-to-date and ahead of the competition.
Both cars include specific front treatments for 2012. The 135i adds a revised fascia that includes the innovative “Air Curtain” inlets first seen on the 1 Series M. The 135i gets its own specific look, now including the aerodynamics kit that was optional in previous years. LED accent lights highlight the Adaptive bi-Xenon lights both cars (standard on 135i, optional on 135i). At the rear, LED lamps are also part of the taillight and brakelight assemblies on those models with Xenon lights.
Subtle but significant, these changes ensure the 2012 1 Series Convertibles remain fresh and up-to-date in both appearance and performance, and retain their positions as leaders in the class.
The Lexus IS 350 C Overview
Like its lower-cost IS 250 C stablemate, the IS 350 C is based on the compact Lexus IS sedan. The sedan and convertible share little more than general drivetrain layout and concept, however, as the aluminum hood is the only exterior part that interchanges between sedan and convertible. The convertible features an aluminum hardtop that blends well with the car’s overall top-up shape, but the high-waisted top-down look includes an awkward hump at the rear that has prompted complaints about rear visibility (and aesthetics) in road tests. A rear-view camera is optional, and considered a necessity by several testers.
The more-powerful IS 350 C includes a direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a 6-speed automatic only. In addition to more power, the 350 includes larger brakes with 4-piston front calipers, but it wears the same 17-inch wheels and tires as the 250 C. It is reasonably quick, but the 306-hp IS 350 C’s sporting credentials don’t extend to chassis performance; like its lower-cost sibling, the IS 350 C is aimed more toward sedate cruising than sport driving.
BMW vs. Audi
What BMW offers…
- The 135i offers a choice of 6-speed manual or BMW’s superlative 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission.
- Overall, the 135 Convertible vastly sportier than the IS, and its handling is often considered the class standard.
- With either transmission, the 135i is significantly lighter than the Lexus; 3638 lbs manual or 3704 DCT.
- Automatic High Beams and Active Steering are optional features not available on the Lexus.
- BMW’s Adaptive bi-Xenon headlamps combine an active feature with Cornering lights for improved night vision.
- With a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds (manual) or 5.3 seconds (DCT), the 300-hp 135i is quicker than the IS 350 C. It also offers 300 lb-ft. of torque from 1200 – 5000 rpm.
- Moreover, BMW’s Twin Power turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 is inherently smoother than the 90-degree Lexus V-6, and at 17 City / 26 Highway, gets better EPA Highway mileage.
- BMW’s navigation system includes a brilliant 8.8-inch display, 80 GB hard drive with 12 GB music collection, and the console-mounted iDrive controller allows instant access to all features through the controller, Direct Access buttons, or Programmable Memory Keys.
- BMW ConnectedDrive provides such features as BMW Apps, Enhanced Bluetooth, Search, MyInfo, and Text-to-Speech plus downloadable email, calendar and recent-call phone lists directly to the iDrive display.
- Despite its shorter wheelbase and overall length, the 135i includes 31.8 inches of rear legroom, almost 6 inches more than the IS-C.
- With a trunk that offers 9.1 cu-ft. top down or 10.7 cu-ft. top up, the 128i offers more top-down trunk space. What’s more, BMW’s Through-Loading system increases practical cargo space significantly.
- BMW includes a 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Warranty, which covers wear items as well as scheduled maintenance. That means no service cost for the entire warranty period.
What Lexus doesn’t…
- The IS 350 C’s only transmission choice is a 6-speed automatic, which is considered smooth but not sporty.
- The Lexus is considered a pleasant car to drive, but its handling isn’t on par with BMW’s in road tests (see quotes).
- At 3880 lbs, the IS weighs between 176 and 142 lbs more than the 135i.
- Though it offers a wide range of optional features, automatic high beams and Active Steering aren’t available.
- Bi-Xenon headlights are an $875 option on the IS 250 C, and don’t include cornering lights.
- Though it offers marginally more power, the IS 350 C can manage only a 5.8 second 0-60 time. And with only 277 lb-ft at 4800 rpm, the IS can’t match BMW’s powerband.
- The IS 350 C’s V-6 is reasonably smooth for a V-6, but it’s not as responsive as BMW’s inline-6, and lags the 135i in Highway fuel economy as well, with only 25 mpg.
- Lexus’ navigation system features a hard-drive data base, but uses an antiquated touch-screen interface so most functions demand visual attention. The system offers no music collection, Direct Access buttons nor Programmable Memory Keys, and has only a 7-inch display.
- Lexus offers Enhanced Bluetooth, destination assistance and eDestination (similar to BMW Search), but has nothing like BMW Apps, downloadable email, Text-to-Speech or recent-call lists.
- Despite its 10-inch longer overall length and almost 3-inch longer wheelbase, the IS-C offers only 25.9 inches of rear legroom.
- While the IS-C trunk offers 10.8 cu-ft. top up, that space plummets to 2.4 cu-ft. with the top down. And Lexus offers nothing like BMW’s utility-expanding Through-Loading System.
- Lexus offers the same warranty period, but includes no maintenance. Edmunds.com estimates maintenance cost for the IS250 as $2,037 for the first three years; that’s an additional $57 per month.
“It'll take a real purpose-built sporting machine to outrun the 2011 BMW 1 Series on a
winding road. … Even the base 135i's naturally aspirated inline-6
is a gem of an engine, gliding from idle to redline on a smooth wave of turbine-like power.” – Edmunds.com
Shelly BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Anaheim, Atwood, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, La Palma, La Habra, Lakewood, Midway, Placentia, Pomona, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Whittier, Westminster and Yorba Linda.
Shelly BMW
6750 Auto Center Drive
Buena Park, CA 90621
New Car Sales: 800-696-3926
Pre-Owned Sales: 888-247-3890
Schedule Service: 800-577-6067
Service: 888-270-6271
Parts: 888-706-7492
Instant Sales Feedback
We Speak Your Language
Search Our New Inventory
Certified Pre-Owned Inventory
Search Our Used Inventory
New Vehicle Sales Specials
Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales Specials
Service Specials
Parts Specials
Schedule Service
Collision Repair
Buy BMW Parts and
Accessories Now
Click here to vist our online parts store.
Choose Your Language.
All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, dealer document preparation charges, and emissions testing charges. We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
