Well I did a search for six speed, but for some reason you can't search anything <3 chr so it only searches 'speed'

I'm thinking about jumping ship from my AT to 6MT, does anyone have any real problems with it other then the clutch wearing out? Problems such as transmission, anything I would have to worry about or spending a lot of money into? I saw a thread about people having problems going into second gear? What's this about and how did you guys go about fixing it

Those who have jumped ship, any regrets other then the pain on the left leg

Thanks for any comments, suggestions, any complaints

D.M.

 

I've only had my six speed for a few months, but from what I've experienced/read up on so far, there are no major issues with the car. The major issues with the CL in general are the autos, so I'm not very concerned. If you're worried about your left leg hurtin', you should join a gym, it's a CL, not a Chevelle
Seriously tho...I haven't heard of any general problems with premature clutch failure or gear/synchro issues. I believe most of the S/C guys on here still run with the stock clutch...although I seem to recall at least one who mentioned some slippage. I'm sure the vets will fill you in though. 6MT is the only way to go though

 

No problems: no clutches wearing out ( last a long time ), very light clutch - no need for for additional squats or leg curls, just your typical fun to drive spend more money to mod auto. Get one and smile!

 

Haha, please keep the comments and suggestions going

I was kidding about the pain on the left leg, I had a manual before the CL

 

The 6-Speed is awesome.
I had a 2001 Auto and I traded it for the 6-Speed when they came out.
It will last much longer then the Automatic version of this car that needs a new tranny every few thousand miles.
The issue with the “grind” going into second gear seems to be the only strange thing about the car.
Mine does it, but only when it's REALLY cold outside and only until it’s warmed up after a few shifts.
You’ll probably never even feel in it Texas.

Mine’s for sale, but not because I don’t love it. I’m just moving up the food chain a bit.

Shawn S

 

Actually I didn't think about the 2nd gear thing....mine doesn't grind, but you can't hurry the shift from 1-2, especially until the tranny fluid is warm. I barely notice it, but I suppose it's worth mentioning.

This issue seems to be common in Acura six speeds. I was looking into a RSX Type S before I picked up my CL and I recall some more severe issues with the 2nd gear synchro; especially the earlier units...I think there's a service bulletin out on those.

 

If you can find one, with decent mileage, wear & tear I would go for it. One of the reason's I should my 01 auto was the tranny, and the hit in $$$ since no one just wanted them anymore. If I had a 6spd it would have definitely been a keeper since I had all the toys on it except for the IC Kit.

Good luck with your search

 

This is not just an Acura issue, but is common to manual trannies. My RX7, a couple of Fords and Hondas all did this when cold.

 

Go for it you won't regret it. I've had 2 CL 6speeds, both very reliable. One of the smoothest shifters around. I'm amazed at some of the mileage on the 03s already. I must not drive that much as I have only 25k on mine.

Minor repairs needed were new headlights (bad seals/fogging), sunroof glass squeak, warped brake rotors on my first 6 speed, current car has not had any brake issues.

 

I have over 93k miles on mine and have not had any mechanical problems that have't been seen in the auto's. I do drive a bit much, but I am young and have an addiction to driving.

 

The biggest issue you may have will be getting a fair deal for your automatic.

 

There only real problem you'll have with a 6MT is its appetite for mod which will make a dent in your pocket book. The only real issue is getting use to shifting with the dual-mass clutch/flywheel. But you will get use to it.

I've got an '03 CLS 6MT with 50k on it and so far (knock on wood) no problems. In fact, I've been running with CT *.* for the last 30k miles. No worries.

 

Another testimony. 49k on my 6MT and everything works like new. The only problem I had was the O2 sensors which were covered under warranty. O2 sensors can fail regardless of transmission.

 

I've had no problems what-so-ever, except with the clutch... it can't hold over 400 ft-lbs. of torque . I do have the 2nd gear 'problem' also, it's fine when it's warmed up though. You will love the car, enjoy!!

 

the only proble i've had was my crank shaft sensor died on me. it was replaced under warranty (for free), but it was a bitch for Acura to find the part. other than that, i love this thing

 

40k on mine and have not had ANY problems so far (knock/wood). Im not even sure what the problem with 2nd gear ppl are mentioning. Mine shifts smooth into every gear.

My only thing is I think I need a valve adjustment (that ticking annoys the sht outta me, esp since I have relatively low miles for the problem). Then again thats not exlusive to the 6spd.

 

I thought that's what that is!!! I haven't seen anyone else mention this since I've been on the board, but mine's got a fairly noticiable tick at idle and you can hear it faintly at low rpms while cruising. I GOTTA get that fixed...it reminds me of my '84 Civic. I have to take mine in for a warranty SRS light issue, so I'll have them fix the valve lash too.

 

The "notchiness" with 2nd gear was a break in thing. I only noticed it the first winter (when it was cold). I didn't happen the 2nd winter I had the car.

Don't worry about the left leg thing. I drove my 6spd to work a week after busting up my left ankle (on crutches for 4 weeks).

 

40k on mine and absolutely love the car I just wish there were more mods options for our cars but go for it excellent car. Good luck

 

My 6spd has been great however tires only last about 15-20K miles and thats taking it easy

 

holy.. you can get 15k on tires? most i ever got was 10k

 

I traded my '01 for an '03-6spd. I love it. I also had this ticking noise. It was getting louder and louder. The dealer replaced a lifter and cam. No more ticking.

 

The stocks lasted 18K miles and I have about 4K on my yokohama's and they are showing considerable wear. The real bad part is my uncle has an 02 accord V6 that come with same tires as the CL did and he just replaced them after 75K miles, but he drives like an old lady

 

Hmmm. I'm running 235/40/18 Michelin PS2s. I've already put 25k miles on them and they're good for another 10k miles. My car is SC'd and I've driven in a lot of twistie runs and lots of hard launches. People complain about how much the PS2s cost, but I say don't be "penny wise, pound foolish" when buying tires. They out last a lot of other tires by 1 1/2 times more mileage. Beside, the PS2s are probably one of the best tires (very sticky and very good in the wet) on the market.

 

ive taken off my 18s and put back the stock 03 rims with yokos.. hopefully they will last longer... btw the car feels peppier now with the old rims back on compared to the 18s i had on there before. =]

 

I traded my 5AT for 6MT this summer... and my only problem was the dork who owned the car before me didn't know how to drive a stick and I had to have both the clutch and flywheel replaced.

It is a totally different driving experience from the auto... and you will love it. You have direct controls and a much more intimate connection tot he vehicle. This has been said before, and I agree. They are two totally different cars... you can't compare them.

My only complaint is the f'ing sunroof. Had no problems with my 01, and the 03's are supposed to have a better set up to eliminate squeaks / rattles, but mine is horrible... even after the Acura "tape" fix.

Go for the 6 speed... you won't regret it

 

on the totally different driving experience in the 6MT as compared to the 5AT. I also had an '01 that I traded in for the 6MT and have been much more happy with it. The 6MT takes so much better to mods. I had the sunroof problem but that got repaired about 2 years ago and hasn't rattled since. However, the driver's side window regulator had to be replaced a couple of time because of window rattles.

 

I've also been continplating on jumping ship. I wanted to do it a while ago, but parents told me I'm stupid for giving up my 5speed. But I want one so bad I can taste it. I want an anthricite with navi, but those are almost impossible to find.

 

Good luck in finding one. I consider myself extremely lucky to have gotten on back in Jan. 03 -->

 

What ever happened to your bent rim? Did the city pay for it?

 

Allmine,
I have the anthracite/Navi 6MT and it's great, but I really like the color combo you have, the red/black is pretty rare. I already changed from a white/tan 6MT so going for a red/black Navi 6MT would be crazy, plus mine is lower miles than most 6MTs I've seen.
I think the black and the red CLs look the best, I like the anthracite because it was unique to 03 and rarer.
Hard to find, but not impossible, esp if you have some time. I only had to go 500 miles to get mine in OK, I live in TX.

 

I had my bent rim repaired. However, it took so long to get it back because of multiple screw-ups between tire place and Wheel Techniques, I ordered a new rim. The city paid for the new rim and a four-wheel alignment. Believe it or not, my PS2 tire didn't get damaged from the monstrous pot hole. Now I have a spare rim for a $200 repaired cost.

 

Wow, how did you prove it to them and stuff? Isn't there a number to call like 611 to report things like that?

 

I first reported incident to CalTrans and filed a claim, complete with hirez photos and all the pertinent info. After a couple of weeks, they forwarded claim to the country agency that handles road repair and maintenance that's not directly on the highway/freeway tarmac. I thought for sure I was going to get the run-around. But after several more weeks they approved my claim and I got a check for the full amount.

 

Just wanted to update you guys - have had a the CLS-6 for a year now and I've had no regrets jumping ship! Thanks everyone for all the help

To anyone thinking of it, you will not regret it

 

I was about to say what noob bumped this old thread...

Congrats!

 

Well, I have a complaint about the 6 speed. It makes the car too damn much fun to drive and I keep getting nailed at the gas pump