I have an '03 TL-S 5AT. It has a strange groan on inital acceleration but only in the upshift from first to second and second to third. I took it to the dealer and they said that it was normal due to it being a Type-S. It's not even on hard accel. They said that the Type-S has a louder intake than the normal TL's. But, it only does it on the first time you put it in gear and accel 1-2 and 2-3.
Does anyone know what this is?

 

It may be BS.

I hate to sound like an idiot and ask you this, but are you sure its not the ABS testing itself when you drive off after starting? That yields a low groan, but its felt more throughout the car.

The Dealer is blowing smoke. The only "noise" difference between a TL-s and a TL-p I have noticed is an increase in road noise. Both purr the same to me.

 

 

I am 100% sure its the ABS testing. It does it 2 times when you first drive the car.

 

Thanks Guys! I appreciate the input.