I own a 2000 Lexus RX300 and a 2002 BMW 525i. I (more correctly, my wife) wanted the Lexus at the time. I thought I was buying a luxury SUV but after 50,000 miles, I now realize I bought a Toyota with some Lexus badging. When I take the Lexus to the dealer for servicing and drive a loaner, I often find myself in a Camry and the similarities on the inside are far more than coincidental. If you really want to drive a car and feel like you're driving something "special", go with the 330i. If you want reliable, sporty transportation, the Lexus is a good second-best. The Lexus simply has no soul....!
