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The BMW 335i Overview
BMW's 3 Series Convertible, like every other 3 Series, has won more comparison tests than any other luxury compact. Many of these have pitted the 230-hp 328i against more powerful – and more expensive – competitors. Likewise, the 335i remains the standard for performance convertibles, and its new 300-horsepower TwinPower Turbo represents the ultimate in no-excuses response.

As with any 3 Series, the reason for that acclaim is easily explained. The 328i and 335i Convertibles have none of the typical convertible compromises of slow reflexes, sluggish acceleration, or softly sprung suspensions. These two are still, first and foremost, BMWs, and as such still offer all the performance expected of the Ultimate Driving Machines – they just add a dash of al fresco appeal. Combined with the standard power-driven retractable hard-top, the 328i and 335i truly do offer the best of both worlds.

And this year, the 320-hp 335is ups the ante for performance even further, ensuring even fewer challenges for drop-top supremacy. Thereby keeping the rest of the competition in its traditional place – right behind BMW's 3 Series.

The Lexus IS350C Overview

Like its lower-cost IS250C stablemate, the IS350C 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 the two.

The more powerful IS350C includes a direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 paired with a 6-speed automatic only. 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 in road tests. A rear-view camera is optional, and considered necessary by several testers. 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 250C. It is reasonably quick, but the 306-hp IS350C's sporting credentials don't extend to chassis performance; like its lower-cost sibling, the IS350C is aimed more toward sedate cruising than sport driving.

What BMW offers…

• BMW's 335i includes a metal folding top, plus a longer list of standard equipment, including Adaptive bi-xenon headlights and LED turn signals, sport suspension, rear center armrest, and Through-Loading rear seats.
• Many of the items in BMW's packages are available as stand-alone options, including heated steering wheel, shift paddles, Logic 7 stereo, iPod/USB adapter, Satellite radio and navigation system.
• The 335i Convertible provides a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
• BMW's Twin Power Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 holds an advantage in every performance category, with 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque and a torque spread that reaches from 1200-5000 rpm. BMW's inline-6 is also inherently smoother than Mercedes 3.5-liter V-6.
• The Twin Power turbo 335i posts far better 0-60 mph times: 5.5/5.7 seconds (man/auto).
• Even with its higher performance, the 335i posts markedly better EPA fuel mileage: 19 City / 28 Highway.
• BMW also includes larger brakes to counter the 335i's higher performance: 13.7-inch front / 13.2-inch rear.
• BMW includes a 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Warranty

What Lexus doesn’t…

• The Lexus is considered a pleasant car to drive, but its handling isn't on par with BMW's in road tests (see quotes).
• Though it offers a wide range of standard and optional features, automatic high beams aren't available.
• Bi-xenon headlights are an $875 option on the IS350C, and don't include cornering lights.
• Though it nominally offers more power, the automatic-only IS350C boasts only a 5.8 second 0-60 time. And with only 277 lb-ft at 4800 rpm, it can't match BMW's powerband.
• The IS350C's V-6 is reasonably smooth for a V-6, but it's not as responsive as BMW's inline-6, and lags the 335i in fuel economy as well, with 18 City / 25 Highway.
• With a slightly smaller wheelbase, the IS-C offers significantly less interior room, including only 44.7 inches of shoulder room and 25.9 inches of rear legroom.
• Lexus includes the same length warranty period, but no full maintenance.

Don't settle for the ordinary, drive something extraordinary. Expect the ultimate in performance and service by purchasing a BMW.

Visit Irvine BMW today, where we provide premiere customer service, high quality BMW vehicles and products, along with factory-trained technicians.

We look forward to seeing you soon, Irvine BMW of Orange County.

"Quite simply, no other entry-level luxury model can match the 3 Series'

exquisite combination of athletic handling and premium ride comfort." – Edmunds.com

Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.